Applicants are strongly encouraged to take a balance of electives consistent with a liberal arts education, while pursuing a depth of study as typically demonstrated by a discipline major. The preferred applicant demonstrates an academic record that reflects a balance of course work from the humanities, social science, and natural science areas.

The primary objective of physical therapy is to promote human health and function by assessing and treating disabilities, and promoting wellness to individuals of all ages. The physical therapist conducts physical evaluations to determine the patient's potential for rehabilitation and life style changes, and also educates the patient and family.

Physical Therapists activities include:

Treat patients recovering from injury, surgery or disease using means such as exercise, performance of functional mobility activities, manual techniques and physical agents.
Teach patients to function with artificial limbs and other assisting devices
Provide instruction and home programs to patients and their families in order to continue the recovery process
Screen, evaluate, and treat children in the school system
Teach measures of prevention such as back care and injury reduction, and modify task performances to prevent job-related injuries
Develop fitness programs
Design, plan, conduct, and report research related to physical therapy care