Degree Options:

At a glance:

   A physical therapist is a health care professional who is prepared to work with patients of all ages who are disabled by impaired body
movement.  The disabilities may have resulted from illness, accident, or been present since birth. A physical therapist is responsible for a treatment program, instructing the patient and their family, and supervising both assistants and aides involved in carrying out the therapy program.  Treatment may include therapeutic exercises for increasing strength, endurance, coordination and range of motion in the use of massage, heat cold, electricity, sound, water, and light to relieve pain and improve motor activity; and instruction in activities of daily living.                                                                                        

Why should a student choose the program at UT Martin?

The acceptance rate for the UT Martin applicants into the The University of Tennessee Health Science Center program has been excellent.  UT Martin students have been accepted into PT programs in other institutions in Tennessee as well as in other states. Some of these
programs include Washington University; Emory University; University of Alabama; University of Indiana, Indianapolis and the U.S. Army’s Physical Therapy Program at Baylor University. Most professional Physical Therapy programs lead to a doctorate degree.

Physical therapy is one of the most competitive health care programs.  Meeting the minimum requirements does not ensure entry into the professional program. A GPA of 3.5 with good grades in the basic science courses is the standard for successful applicants.

One class is admitted to the professional program each year. Applicants must demonstrate that all pre-requisite course work will be completed by the time their application is considered. A personal interview conducted by the pre-professional evaluation committee is required on the
UT Martin campus as part of the recommendation process. Applicants are expected to have some knowledge of physical therapy from an observational experience as part of their career selection decision. A grade of “C” or better must be earned in each of the required courses.

Are there any special opportunities available such as internships, global travel, etc?

What can a student do after graduation – graduate school, possible careers?

Career opportunities available to physical therapists may include those in clinical practice, management, education, consultation and research. Physical therapists may be self-employed; or employed by hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, nursing homes, schools for handicapped children, private offices, rehabilitation centers, community health centers, research centers, industry, or sports medicine centers. As educators they may be employed in physical therapy programs in colleges and universities. As consultants, they may work in public schools, community and government agencies and industry providing advice as well as clinical services.

What kind of student organizations, clubs, or honor societies can a student join?

What kind of facilities and equipment will be available to the student?

Does the faculty specialize in certain areas?