Trinity Christian College - Palos Heights, IL

• Biology — the allied health track of the biology major contains all of the prerequisites for most physical therapy programs.
• Exercise Science — exercise science students must take additional science and math courses to meet the prerequisites.

Since physical therapy programs vary widely in their prerequisites, you will develop a program of study based on the type of program and the particular school you want to attend.

Opportunities that launch.

The strong academic quality of Trinity Christian College’s biology, chemistry, and exercise science departments, combined with the faculty’s commitment to post-graduate placements prepare students for a career in physical therapy. A Human Performance Lab provides hands-on exercise testing helpful in preparation for physical therapy school. Trinity has measurable results in placing students in graduate schools.

A Christian frame of reference is the key ingredient in Trinity’s pre-physical therapy program. Professionals in health care deal daily with decisions having religious, moral, and ethical dimensions, including patient concerns with pain and emotional, physical, and spiritual struggles. The connections between these concerns and physical healing are well established. At Trinity, small classes often serve as simulation laboratories where students practice Christian decision-making.

Gain momentum with intensive studies.

The pre-physical therapy curriculum at Trinity prepares students for entry into master’s and doctoral degree programs following graduation. The course of study involves biology, chemistry, math, and psychology courses, which are prerequisites for most graduate programs. The Allied Health track of the biology major is designed to meet these prerequisites. Students choosing the exercise science major will need additional course work.

Be a community catalyst.

Because physical therapists deal with people in need, the College places a strong emphasis on helping and interacting with others. One of the requirements for entrance into a graduate physical therapy program is experience as a volunteer in the physical therapy department of a hospital or clinic. Trinity’s connections with organizations and agencies needing volunteers near campus, as well as some of Chicago’s larger hospitals, give students valuable training. These experiences help students to better understand the field of physical therapy and gain an idea of the particular aspects of physical therapy they might want to pursue in the future.

Alumni that prove our point.

Trinity alumni often report that they are well-prepared for physical therapy school because of their liberal arts background in the foundation curriculum, close rapport with professors, and solid foundation in a Christian worldview. Trinity is successful in placing alumni in schools near Chicago as well as out of state. Graduates have been employed in private practice groups after completing their physical therapy training.