Program Description

The Health Science / Pre-Physical Therapy undergraduate program prepares undergraduate students for subsequent graduate study in Physical Therapy.  Students develop a strong foundation of knowledge and skills in biological, physical, and social sciences while also acquiring a breadth of knowledge in the Humanities through the General Education program.  In addition, students complete a Minor course of study in an area of their choosing for the purposes of developing depth in an enriching and complimentary discipline.

The program in physical therapy is a six and one-half year course of study in which students earn a bachelor’s degree in Health Science / Pre-Physical Therapy and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.  At the end of the third year of studies, students who satisfy all pre-requisite requirements enter the first year of doctoral work while completing remaining undergraduate credits.  After four years, the student earns a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science / Pre-Physical Therapy while continuing with doctoral coursework.  Upon successful completion of all program requirements, the graduate is awarded a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and is eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam and apply for state licensure.

Graduate level coursework includes content in anatomy, neuroanatomy, kinesiology, clinical sciences, organization and delivery of healthcare, research methodology, and statistics, as well as full-time clinical experiences in approved clinical education facilities.  The curriculum is subject to modification to ensure a comprehensive, integrated sequence of experiences leading to a physical therapy education of the highest quality.

The doctoral program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association.  Coursework in physical therapy enables students to develop advanced problem-solving skills in examination, program planning, and treatment of those who need physical therapy services. Graduates possess a broad knowledge in the science and practice of physical therapy, as well as a clinically based understanding of administration, research, and evidence-based practice. In addition, students have the opportunity for advanced study in selected areas of physical therapy. The program integrates the humanics philosophy in total patient care, including the intellectual, physical, and spiritual aspects of treating the whole person within a social, political, and economic context.

Admission to the Program
Candidates applying for admission to the physical therapy program are required to have a strong background in the sciences and mathematics along with exposure to physical therapy practice in a healthcare setting. December 1 is the admissions deadline for all admissions materials for physical therapy applicants. Further details about the application procedure are available from the Admissions Office. Students already enrolled at Springfield College may apply to physical therapy as undergraduates via an application and review by the department.  Admission is dependent upon application quality and available space in the program. Applicants from other colleges and universities are considered for admission into the graduate program on a space-available basis only; such applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree and satisfied all program prerequisites.

Undergraduate Curriculum Overview

The Academic Advising Center provides the following repositories of sequencing and curriculum guides for all undergraduate majors and minors to assist with course planning:  

• Sequencing Guides - Majors (Traditional Population)  
• Sequencing Guides - Minors (Traditional Population) 
• Curriculum Guides (Regional and Online Population)

Additional Notes:

• There may be circumstances where credit totals do not reflect coursework that is eligible to count towards Core Curriculum and Major Requirement sections of a major simultaneously.
• Degree requirements are subject to change. 

I. Core Curriculum (40 credits)

This Core Curriculum is faithful to the Springfield College mission and further strengthens the Humanics philosophy of educating students in spirit, mind, and body. It is a cornerstone of a Springfield College education. Regardless of one’s major, it provides a strong, developmental, and holistic foundation for leaders in service to humanity. Upon completion, all graduates will be prepared to learn, lead, and serve in diverse, multicultural, and global contexts as well as in any career path they may choose. They will have the knowledge, habits of the mind, skills, and abilities to face unexpected situations and challenges, the values and attitudes for self-motivation and a vision of service that stems from hope, optimism and making a difference, as well as the self-determination to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

View the Core Curriculum Requirements (40 credits)  section for a complete list of the domains and courses therein.

II. Major Requirements (81-84 credits)

III. Electives (to complete a minimum of 120 credits)

IV. Additional Coursework

Students in the Health Science: Pre-Physical Therapy major will also take the following coursework during their senior year that will be transferred to their graduate record after conferral of their Bachelor’s degree. Specifically, these courses do not contribute to the 120-credit minimum required for the Bachelor’s degree but must be taken during the student’s senior year to maintain the accelerated timeline associated with the Health Science: Pre-Physical Therapy to Doctor of Physical Therapy program.  

• PHTH 604 - Clinical Medicine and Pathology Credits: 4
• PHTH 605 - Applied Anatomy and Musculoskeletal Imaging Credits: 3
• PHTH 610 - Foundations of Physical therapy Practice Credits: 4
• PHTH 611 - Foundations of Physical Therapy Practice-Lab Credits: 0
• PHTH 612 - Therapeutic Interventions Credits: 3
• PHTH 613 - Therapeutic Interventions-Lab Credits: 0
• PHTH 627 - Professional Practice Issues I Credits: 2
• PHTH 628 - Professional Practice Issues II Credits: 4
• PHTH 635 - Integrated Clinical Experience I Credits: 2
• PHTH 636 - Integrated Clinical Experience II Credits: 2
• PHTH 644 - Physical Therapy Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions I Credits: 3
• PHTH 645 - Physical Therapy Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions I-Lab Credits: 0
• PHTH 654 - Evidence-Based Practice and Clinical Research I Credits: 3
• PHTH 655 - Evidence Based Practice and Clinical Research in Physical Therapy II Credits: 3