Pathway Program
Pre-DPT Pathway
Prepare for a career helping people move, recover, and live healthier lives. The Pre-DPT pathway gives you the academic foundation, hands-on experience, and support needed to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
Dig Deeper Into the program
Coursework combines science, movement, and clinical preparation, helping you build a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and human performance.
Pre-DPT is a pathway program that guides students from their undergraduate studies into Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. The benefit of this pathway is a clear, structured route to your career, helping you build the academic and clinical foundation needed to become a licensed physical therapist.
Pre-DPT students apply for their desired bachelor’s degree program. Common majors include:
Students meet with a dedicated advisor each semester to stay on track with GPA, prerequisite coursework, and observation hours. With the right preparation and support, students graduate ready to apply to competitive DPT programs.
In senior year, students prepare for the DPT application process, including interviews, observation hour documentation, and program selection, ensuring a smooth transition from undergraduate study to doctoral-level education.
Applicants for admission are evaluated based on the following criteria to gain full admission.
- High school record of cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. An applicant for a degree program must have graduated or will have graduated with 16 high school units from an accredited high school. The college preparatory program is strongly recommended to high school students. Ordinarily this program includes four years of English and two years of social studies, science, and mathematics.
- College/university record of cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, if applicable.
Applicants who do not meet the following criteria and show potential for success may be reviewed for an alternate admissions pathway.
Students who have successfully completed the General Education Development Test (GED) and have not accumulated at least 12 collegiate level semester hours credit at a regionally accredited institution with a 2.5 GPA or better will follow the Alternate Admissions Pathway.
Applications open July 1 for the upcoming academic year. CSM follows a rolling admission process, reviewing applications as they are received. We encourage students to apply early for priority consideration for scholarships, housing, and financial aid.
The Mercy Core is CSM’s general education curriculum and the foundation of every degree. Rooted in the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy, it integrates ethics, reflection, and action to prepare women to lead with purpose and advance justice in their communities.
Tuition & Aid
Investing in your education is a big decision, and you do not have to navigate it alone. Every admitted full-time undergraduate student is guaranteed a merit scholarship, and CSM offers additional aid and personalized guidance to make your degree attainable. Our team will walk you through your options so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Pre-Physical Therapy Majors
Pre-Physical Therapy students choose an undergraduate major that builds a strong foundation in science, movement, and patient care. Each option is designed with advising and coursework that support a clear path to DPT programs.
Kinesiology & Exercise Science
Study movement, performance, and rehabilitation to prepare for physical therapy.
Your Roadmap to Admission
From application to enrollment, we guide you through each step with clarity and personal support so you can focus on what matters most and take the next step toward your future.
Why Choose CSM?
Clear Pathway to DPT Programs
Complete the prerequisites needed for admission into physical therapy programs.
Strong Science and Movement Foundation
Combine coursework in anatomy, biology, and movement science.
Career-Focused Preparation
Build the academic and experiential background required for graduate study.
Supportive Advising and Guidance
Stay on track with prerequisites, GPA, and application requirements.
My core KES classes, along with having hands-on research experience, provided a solid foundation for becoming a physical therapist.
Kylie Ratzlaff, KES & Doctor of Physical Therapy
PT Career Outlook
The career outlook for physical therapists is strong, with employment projected to grow 15% from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Demand is driven by an aging population and increased focus on mobility and recovery. With a median salary around $99,000, physical therapy offers a stable, high-impact career with strong earning potential.
Accreditation
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
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Wherever you’re starting from, we’ll help you build a future with confidence.