Physical Therapy

Advisor: Tim B. Keely

Programs of study for:

• University of Washington
• University of Puget Sound
• Eastern Washington University

The first two years of a Pre-Physical Therapy program may be completed at Tacoma Community College. Upon successful completion of courses chosen in consultation with the physical therapy advisor and the transfer university, students may be able to transfer to most universities to complete their bachelor's degree prior to applying to the University of Washington, University of Puget Sound, or Eastern Washington University Masters of Physical Therapy programs. Although the physical therapy advisors make every effort to consult with various colleges and universities regarding requirements, students should consult catalogs, websites and advisors at their transfer institutions during their freshman year.

Degree: Associate in Arts and Sciences (Option B)

Preparation: While in high school, students should pursue all the available courses in mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics.

Students should gain exposure to the physical therapy profession through experience working, volunteering, or observing in physical therapy settings (acute care institutions, rehabilitation centers, pediatric centers, residential facilities, nursing homes, schools, orthopedic outpatient clinics).

Program Planning: Students should meet with a physical therapy advisor as soon as they are admitted to Tacoma Community College. Many courses have prerequisites, are offered only once or twice a year, and are sequential. Careful selection of classes each quarter is necessary to complete the program without delay.

The University of Washington physical therapy program, the University of Puget Sound School of Physical Therapy, and the Eastern Washington University Department of Physical Therapy do not give preference to any particular majors. The major should be chosen to provide a career in the event the student is not accepted to an physical therapy program. Students considering a science major may wish to pursue an Associate of Science degree while at Tacoma Community College.

University of Washington

The Pre-Physical Therapy program given below should be modified with the assistance of a Tacoma Community College physical therapy advisor to meet the specific requirements of the University of Washington Physical Therapy program and the transfer university.

• Some students may need to take additional prerequisite courses.
• PSYC 170, PSYC& 205, or PSYC& 200 may replace PSYC& 220.
• The Option A Associate in Arts and Sciences degree may be earned by taking three PE activity courses and an approved multicultural (M) course. An Option A degree may provide advantages during transfer.

University of Washington Physical Therapy Profession and Degree Program

University of Puget Sound

The Pre-Physical Therapy program given below should be modified with the assistance of a Tacoma Community College physical therapy advisor to meet the specific requirements of the University of Puget Sound School of Physical Therapy and the transfer university. Transfer agreements do not apply to transfers to UPS. Each course will be evaluated for transferability. Vocational courses may not transfer.

The University of Puget Sound Office of Admission will provide unofficial evaluations of courses proposed to meet the School of Physical Therapy prerequisites. Requests must be submitted in writing between May 1 and October 1.

• Some students may need to take additional prerequisite courses.
• The Option A Associate in Arts and Sciences degree may be earned by taking three PE activity courses, an approved multicultural (M) course, and careful choice of courses. An Option A degree may provide advantages during transfer.

University of Puget Sound School of Physical Therapy

Eastern Washington University

The Pre-Physical Therapy program given below should be modified with the assistance of a Tacoma Community College physical therapy advisor to meet the specific requirements of the Eastern Washington University Department of Physical Therapy and the transfer university.

• Some students may need to take additional prerequisite courses.
• BIOL& 260 may be added to this program or taken after transferring to a four year university.
• Additional upper division courses must be taken after transferring to a four year university.
• The Option A Associate in Arts and Sciences degree may be earned by taking three PE activity courses, an approved multicultural (M) course, and careful choice of courses. An Option A degree may provide advantages during transfer.

Eastern Washington University Department of Physical Therapy

For more information about the Physical Therapy program at TCC, please contact a Physical Therapy advisor: Tim B. Keely.