Pre-Physical Therapy A.S.

Associate in Science
Transfer Degree
Cost
$10,850* (estimated)

Start your journey to be a Physical Therapist

Encourage active lifestyles to improve and maintain mobility

As a physical therapist, you will examine patients and develop treatment plans. You will use techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability. Our transfer degree is a lower cost route to earning your bachelor檚 degree.

From there, you can move closer to your goal of a professional career as a physical therapist. Consult an Academic Success Advisor to ensure the courses in your program fulfill the requirements of your desired college or university.

What can you do with an A.S. in Pre-Physical Therapy?

The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in pre-physical therapy prepares you to transfer and complete a bachelor檚 degree in kinesiology, exercise science or related fields. This then prepares you to apply for a doctoral program in physical therapy.

Highlights

  • Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

    Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).

  • Transfer Degree

    Save money on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Finish in 2 years as a full-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on the minimum number of credit hours to complete the program. This estimate includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees for the 2026-2027 academic year, before financial aid, including grants, loans and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at 黑料社区. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, .

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    黑料社区 120

    黑料社区 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ENG 121

    ENG 121 English Composition I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    KIN 221

    KIN 221 Introduction to Physical Education

    Class Description

    (Previously PED 221) This course is an introduction to the professional field of physical education. An understanding of the role of physical education in the total education program. A study of the objectives of physical education with emphasis on physical fitness and social development.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    KIN 271

    KIN 271 Exercise Physiology

    Class Description

    (Previously PED 271)This course will explore the study of human function as it relates to responses and adaptations resulting from physical activity and exercise. Systemic interactions and cellular changes during and after activity will be examined.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    BIO 161

    BIO 161 General Biology I

    Class Description

    This course introduces general biological principles of life processes common to all organisms. Topics covered include the nature of life, unifying themes underlying biology, chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, energetics, cell reproduction, concepts of genetics and inheritance patterns, molecular genetics, and biotechnology. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for biology majors and students seeking careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine. NOTE: Knowledge of chemistry is helpful.
         		4
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Course Code 黑料社区 120
      Course Title

      黑料社区 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code KIN 221
      Course Title

      KIN 221 Introduction to Physical Education

      Class Description

      (Previously PED 221) This course is an introduction to the professional field of physical education. An understanding of the role of physical education in the total education program. A study of the objectives of physical education with emphasis on physical fitness and social development.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code KIN 271
      Course Title

      KIN 271 Exercise Physiology

      Class Description

      (Previously PED 271)This course will explore the study of human function as it relates to responses and adaptations resulting from physical activity and exercise. Systemic interactions and cellular changes during and after activity will be examined.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code BIO 161
      Course Title

      BIO 161 General Biology I

      Class Description

      This course introduces general biological principles of life processes common to all organisms. Topics covered include the nature of life, unifying themes underlying biology, chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, energetics, cell reproduction, concepts of genetics and inheritance patterns, molecular genetics, and biotechnology. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for biology majors and students seeking careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine. NOTE: Knowledge of chemistry is helpful.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ENG 122

    ENG 122 English Composition II

    Class Description

    This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    KIN 270

    KIN 270 Biomechanics and Kinesiology

    Class Description

    (Previously PED 270) This course will introduce students to the science of musculoskeletal human movement. Fundamental biomechanical principles and functional movement capabilities of each major joint will be examined.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    KIN 132

    KIN 132 Strength Training I

    Class Description

    This activity course introduces students to the science and practice of health-based resistance training. Emphasis is placed on basic exercise protocols and accompanying equipment utilization. Students may experience many benefits including enhanced muscle strength, endurance, and range of motion.
         		1
    • Dual credit options available
    MTH 145

    MTH 145 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I

    Class Description

    This course covers the calculus of algebraic and transcendental functions. Analytic geometry topics are limited to the line and circle. Calculus topics include limits, differentiation and integration of both algebraic and transcendental functions, including trigonometric functions, with applications. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS division office for details.
         		5
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    BIO 244

    BIO 244 Anatomy and Physiology I

    Class Description

    This course is the first of a two semester Anatomy and Physiology sequence that begins with an introduction to homeostasis and feedback loops. The structure and function of the following body systems will be explored: the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system and nervous system. Within each body system, students learn the normal anatomy and physiology of the system as well as some diseases associated with each system. Human skeletons, human models, human donors (cadavers), and preserved animal organs are used in labs as representatives of human anatomy.
         		4
    • Course Code ENG 122
      Course Title

      ENG 122 English Composition II

      Class Description

      This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code KIN 270
      Course Title

      KIN 270 Biomechanics and Kinesiology

      Class Description

      (Previously PED 270) This course will introduce students to the science of musculoskeletal human movement. Fundamental biomechanical principles and functional movement capabilities of each major joint will be examined.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code KIN 132
      Course Title

      KIN 132 Strength Training I

      Class Description

      This activity course introduces students to the science and practice of health-based resistance training. Emphasis is placed on basic exercise protocols and accompanying equipment utilization. Students may experience many benefits including enhanced muscle strength, endurance, and range of motion.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
    • Course Code MTH 145
      Course Title

      MTH 145 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I

      Class Description

      This course covers the calculus of algebraic and transcendental functions. Analytic geometry topics are limited to the line and circle. Calculus topics include limits, differentiation and integration of both algebraic and transcendental functions, including trigonometric functions, with applications. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS division office for details.
      Credits 5
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code BIO 244
      Course Title

      BIO 244 Anatomy and Physiology I

      Class Description

      This course is the first of a two semester Anatomy and Physiology sequence that begins with an introduction to homeostasis and feedback loops. The structure and function of the following body systems will be explored: the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system and nervous system. Within each body system, students learn the normal anatomy and physiology of the system as well as some diseases associated with each system. Human skeletons, human models, human donors (cadavers), and preserved animal organs are used in labs as representatives of human anatomy.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose ENG 126 instead of ENG 122.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    PSY 121

    PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

    Class Description

    This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    HUM 127

    HUM 127 Critical Thinking

    Class Description

    Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one檚 positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    CHM 121

    CHM 121 General Chemistry I

    Class Description

    This course develops an analytical approach to solving chemical problems. The student is provided with principles that relate chemical structure, energy and reactivity and is introduced to the following topics: composition and properties of matter, nomenclature, stoichiometry, solutions, gas laws, thermochemistry, atomic structure and periodic trends, bonding, molecular geometries, and properties of liquids, solids and gases. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for chemistry majors, science majors, engineering majors, and students seeking careers in pre-professional health related fields.
         		5
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    MTH 222

    MTH 222 Business Statistics

    Class Description

    This course focuses on the application of statistical methods to the solution of real-life business problems. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply appropriate statistical techniques needed to collect, summarize, and interpret data in order to answer business-related questions and communicate informed business decisions. In addition, students will be able to identify and implement appropriate statistical tests using past business data in order to test claims about current conditions and estimate unknown parameters. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results, and all computations are carried out using appropriate technology, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheet programs (e.g. Excel), or statistical computing software. Topics include: data collection processes (sampling methods, observational studies, experimental design); descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data; basic probability theory and probability distributions (binomial, uniform, exponential and normal distributions); estimation using confidence intervals; hypothesis tests of means and proportions (both one- sample and two-sample); linear regression and correlation; chi square tests; and one-factor analysis of variance. Notes: Students may not receive credit towards a degree for both MTH 222 and MTH 142. A specific graphing calculator is required for this course.
         		4
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code PSY 121
      Course Title

      PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

      Class Description

      This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code HUM 127
      Course Title

      HUM 127 Critical Thinking

      Class Description

      Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one檚 positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CHM 121
      Course Title

      CHM 121 General Chemistry I

      Class Description

      This course develops an analytical approach to solving chemical problems. The student is provided with principles that relate chemical structure, energy and reactivity and is introduced to the following topics: composition and properties of matter, nomenclature, stoichiometry, solutions, gas laws, thermochemistry, atomic structure and periodic trends, bonding, molecular geometries, and properties of liquids, solids and gases. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for chemistry majors, science majors, engineering majors, and students seeking careers in pre-professional health related fields.
      Credits 5
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
    • Course Code MTH 222
      Course Title

      MTH 222 Business Statistics

      Class Description

      This course focuses on the application of statistical methods to the solution of real-life business problems. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply appropriate statistical techniques needed to collect, summarize, and interpret data in order to answer business-related questions and communicate informed business decisions. In addition, students will be able to identify and implement appropriate statistical tests using past business data in order to test claims about current conditions and estimate unknown parameters. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results, and all computations are carried out using appropriate technology, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheet programs (e.g. Excel), or statistical computing software. Topics include: data collection processes (sampling methods, observational studies, experimental design); descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data; basic probability theory and probability distributions (binomial, uniform, exponential and normal distributions); estimation using confidence intervals; hypothesis tests of means and proportions (both one- sample and two-sample); linear regression and correlation; chi square tests; and one-factor analysis of variance. Notes: Students may not receive credit towards a degree for both MTH 222 and MTH 142. A specific graphing calculator is required for this course.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other instead of HUM 127. Students can choose PHY 121 instead of CHM 121.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CMM 121

    CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

    Class Description

    For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    HUM 126

    HUM 126 Introduction to the Performing Arts

    Class Description

    This course provides an introduction to current performing arts trends, inclusive of cultures, traditions and populations that are typically underrepresented in the study of performing arts. Theatre, music, opera, and dance will all be examined from the point of view of the educated audience member. Students will learn to better understand and evaluate the performing arts. Terminology, practitioners, organization, and a brief history of each discipline will be examined. This will be accomplished through lectures, videos, and by attending actual performances.
         		3
    • Global citizenship
    • Online/Virtual options available
    KIN 243

    KIN 243 Theory and Practice of Fitness

    Class Description

    (Previously PED 243) This course introduces students to basic scientific and applied concepts of fitness as well as provides regularly scheduled opportunities to develop their health and functional fitness capacities.
         		2
    • Online/Virtual options available
    BIO 245

    BIO 245 Anatomy and Physiology II

    Class Description

    This course is a continuation of BIO 244. It builds on the general information about homeostasis and the specific body systems covered in BIO 244. Within each body system, students learn the normal anatomy and physiology of the system as well as some diseases associated with each system. This course begins with the endocrine system, followed by the cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory system, digestive system (including metabolism), urinary system (including fluid and electrolyte regulation), and the reproductive system. Human skeletons, human models, human donors (cadavers), and preserved animal organs are used in labs as representatives of human anatomy.
         		4
    ANT 121

    ANT 121 Introduction to Anthropology

    Class Description

    This course is an introduction to the nature of humans and their development and relationship to the physical, social, and cultural environments both past and present. This course surveys the major fields of anthropology: physical anthropology, ethnology, linguistics, and archaeology, with an emphasis on non-Western cultures and underrepresented groups.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Global citizenship
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code HUM 126
      Course Title

      HUM 126 Introduction to the Performing Arts

      Class Description

      This course provides an introduction to current performing arts trends, inclusive of cultures, traditions and populations that are typically underrepresented in the study of performing arts. Theatre, music, opera, and dance will all be examined from the point of view of the educated audience member. Students will learn to better understand and evaluate the performing arts. Terminology, practitioners, organization, and a brief history of each discipline will be examined. This will be accomplished through lectures, videos, and by attending actual performances.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Global citizenship
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code KIN 243
      Course Title

      KIN 243 Theory and Practice of Fitness

      Class Description

      (Previously PED 243) This course introduces students to basic scientific and applied concepts of fitness as well as provides regularly scheduled opportunities to develop their health and functional fitness capacities.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code BIO 245
      Course Title

      BIO 245 Anatomy and Physiology II

      Class Description

      This course is a continuation of BIO 244. It builds on the general information about homeostasis and the specific body systems covered in BIO 244. Within each body system, students learn the normal anatomy and physiology of the system as well as some diseases associated with each system. This course begins with the endocrine system, followed by the cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory system, digestive system (including metabolism), urinary system (including fluid and electrolyte regulation), and the reproductive system. Human skeletons, human models, human donors (cadavers), and preserved animal organs are used in labs as representatives of human anatomy.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ANT 121
      Course Title

      ANT 121 Introduction to Anthropology

      Class Description

      This course is an introduction to the nature of humans and their development and relationship to the physical, social, and cultural environments both past and present. This course surveys the major fields of anthropology: physical anthropology, ethnology, linguistics, and archaeology, with an emphasis on non-Western cultures and underrepresented groups.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Global citizenship
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other instead of HUM 126. Students can also choose other instead of ANT 121.

Total Credit Hours

61


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Pre-Physical Therapy at 黑料社区

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