Prephysical Therapy Certificate Program
The prephysical therapy concentration admits post-baccalaureate students into courses required for application to physical therapy graduate (DPT) programs. Students can complete the program in 15 or 21 months. While this program meets minimal requirements for application to most physical therapy schools in Illinois, students are strongly advised to confirm the admission requirements of the schools in which they are interested before enrolling to ensure that the SPS program fulfills their needs. This program is designed for career changers who do not have an extensive background in science. Students who need only some of these courses may apply to the Advanced Studies in Biology for the Health Professions certificate program or create a specialized certificate.
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About the Prephysical Therapy Certificate Program
- Prephysical Therapy Required Courses
- Transfer Credit Policy for Prephysical Therapy
- Prephysical Therapy Tuition
- Admission for Prephysical Therapy
- Prephysical Therapy Registration Information
- Prephysical Therapy Sample Course Plans
- Prephysical Therapy Pre-Health Professional Student Group
- Find out more about the Prephysical Therapy Program
Prephysical Therapy Required Courses
All of the following courses are required:
- BIOL SCI 170 Concepts of Biology
- BIOL SCI 217 Physiology
- BIOL SCI 313 Human Anatomy
- BIOL SCI 316 Human Structure and Function
- BIOL SCI 317 Regional Human Anatomy Lab
- BIOL SCI 318 Advanced Human Physiology*
- CHEM 110 Quantitative Problem Solving for Chemistry
- CHEM 131 General Chemistry 1 (with lab, CHEM 141)
- CHEM 132 General Chemistry 2 (with lab, CHEM 142)
- PHYSICS 130-A College Physics I (with lab, Physics 131-A)
- PHYSICS 130-B College Physics II (with lab, Physics 131-B)
- PHYSICS 130-C College Physics III (with lab, Physics 131-C)
- STAT 202 Introduction to Statistics
*Formerly BIOL SCI 335-B: Human Physiology II. Students in the pre-PT track who have previously completed BIOL SCI 335-B do not need to take 318.
Optional Coursework
- PRO HLTH 396-A Professional Health Careers Proseminar I
- PRO HLTH 396-B Professional Health Careers Proseminar II
The proseminars are non-credit courses and are optional but highly recommended for prephysical therapy students. Tuition is not charged to students in the Professional Health Careers program. For more information, please see the Prephysical Therapy Courses page.
In addition to the program requirements, prephysical therapy students have the option to take any SPS course as an elective. However, based upon federal financial aid requirements, elective courses are not eligible for financial aid.
For more information and current course schedule, see the Prephysical Therapy Courses page.
Transfer Credit Policy for Prephysical Therapy
Students in the Prephysical Therapy certificate program may transfer up to six semester hours, or nine quarter hours of academic credit. A transcript and grade of B or better are required for transferred courses in the program. Courses audited or taken with the pass/ no credit option cannot be applied toward a certificate program. Courses earned for a bachelor's degree at SPS may not be applied retroactively toward certificate requirements. Required courses that have been completed in the past two years by students-at-large may be applied toward the completion of a certificate, subject to the approval of the admissions committee, and provided admission requirements for the program are met. All transfer credit must be approved before a student begins his or her course work at SPS.
Prephysical Therapy Tuition
Post-baccalaureate students at Northwestern's School of Professional Studies pay per course. For more information about financial obligations and tuition, please visit the Tuition page.
Admission for Prephysical Therapy
In addition to completing an online application, you'll also need to submit a few supplemental materials. A list of requirements for admission including application deadlines and tips on how to apply can be found on the Admission page.
Prephysical Therapy Registration Information
Whether you're a first-time registrant or current and returning student, all students register using our online student registration and records systems. Important information about registering for courses at SPS, including registration timelines and adding or dropping courses in which you are already enrolled, can be found on the Registration Information page.
Prephysical Therapy Sample Course Plans
Review Sample Course Plans for the Prephysical Therapy Certificate Program offered by Northwestern University School of Professional Studies.
Prephysical Therapy Pre-Health Professional Student Group
Learn how students support one another through forums, resources and social networks on the Prephysical Therapy Pre-Health Professional Student Group page.
Find out more about the Prephysical Therapy Program
| Program Courses: | Course Detail |
|---|---|
| Interprofessional Health Practice <> PRO_HLTH 390-DL | Interprofessional education is important for preparing health professions students to provide patient care in a collaborative team environment, as an interprofessional approach leads to improved patient outcomes. Interprofessional Health Practice promotes the development of skills and attitudes needed to work effectively in a healthcare community. Through case studies, role play, interactive activities, reflection, and research, students will increase their knowledge in the four core competencies of interprofessional work as outlined by the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC).
View PRO_HLTH 390-DL Sections |
| Program Courses: | Course Detail |
|---|---|
| Concepts of Biology <> BIOL_SCI 170-CN | This course will introduce the fundamental concepts of biology, including: Chemical composition and organization of living material, cellular organization, energy conversion by organisms, genetics and reproduction, ecology, evolution, and other topics. These topics will build the foundation needed for students to further explore the biological sciences. Through a mixture of lecture and discussion, students will apply the knowledge from the course into critical analysis of the scientific method and hypothesis testing. There are no course prerequisites; the course is geared toward students with an interest in the topic but without a background in biological sciences. There is no available section. |
| Concepts of Biology <> BIOL_SCI 170-DL | This is an introductory general biological sciences course.
Topics include evolution, biomolecules, cell biology, genetics,
population biology, and the relationship between structure and
function in organisms. The significance of core concepts in
relation to practical life applications will be discussed. Teaching
methods will be varied, with an emphasis on lecture with also time
for discussion. Evaluation will include several tests. Students
will write about, and give presentations on, topics of their
choice. There are no course prerequisites; the course is geared
toward students with an interest in the topic but without a
background in biological sciences. View BIOL_SCI 170-DL Sections |
| Molecular Biology <> BIOL_SCI 201-CN | This course is part of the four-course introductory biology
sequence. Students will learn about the basics of molecular
biology, including the structure of macromolecules, DNA
replication, transcription, and translation and the mechanisms by
which these processes are regulated. Students will also learn
current biotechnology methods used to study molecular biology. View BIOL_SCI 201-CN Sections |
| Cell Biology <> BIOL_SCI 202-CN | This course is part of the four-course introductory biology sequence. The cell biology course covers mechanisms the cell uses to compartmentalize and transport proteins, to move, to regulate growth and death, and to communicate with their environments. This course should be taken concurrently with BIOL SCI 232.
Credit not allowed for both BIOL SCI 219 and BIOL SCI 202. Students
who have previously completed BIOL SCI 219 should not register for
this course.
View BIOL_SCI 202-CN Sections |
| Genetics and Evolution <> BIOL_SCI 203-CN | Fundamentals of genetics and evolution. From the rules of
heredity to the complex genetics of humans, the methods and logic
of genetics as applied to inheritance, development, neurobiology,
and populations. The process and tempo of evolution, from natural
selection to speciation, emphasizing how genetics plays a critical
role. View BIOL_SCI 203-CN Sections |
| Physiology <> BIOL_SCI 217-CN | The physiology course covers organization and functioning of the
major organ systems in mammals. There is no available section. |
| Cellular and Molecular Processes Lab <> BIOL_SCI 232-CN | This is the first course in a three-quarter sequence of introductory biology laboratory. The course is designed to provide students with an authentic laboratory experience that investigates relevant scientific research and teaches scientific inquiry skills such as experimental design, writing research proposals, data collection, data analysis/interpretation, and the presentation of results. The experimental model revolves around atherosclerosis and macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. Students will learn and become proficient at various cell and molecular biology techniques. This course should be taken concurrently with BIOL SCI 202. Credit not allowed for both BIOL SCI 221 and BIOL SCI 232. Students who have previously completed BIOL SCI 221 should not register for this course. View BIOL_SCI 232-CN Sections |
| Genetics and Molecular Processes Lab <> BIOL_SCI 233-CN | This is the second course in a three-quarter sequence of
introductory biology laboratory. The course is designed to provide
students with an authentic laboratory experience that investigates
relevant scientific research and teaches scientific inquiry skills
such as experimental design, writing research proposals, data
collection, data analysis/interpretation, and the presentation of
results. The experimental model revolves around aggregate prone
proteins in nematodes and how RNA interference (RNAi) can be used
to affect protein folding and the clearance of protein aggregates.
Students will learn and become proficient at various cell and
molecular biology techniques. View BIOL_SCI 233-CN Sections |
| Investigative Lab <> BIOL_SCI 234-CN | This course is the culminating life-science lab experience in
the biology lab sequence. Students design and generate reagents
that can be used in larger experiments. The topic varies from year
to year, but typically revolves around the sub-cloning of a
specific gene fused to a reporter for detection. View BIOL_SCI 234-CN Sections |
| Human Physiology <> BIOL_SCI 310-CN | An exploration of the functions of the human body at the tissue, organ, and organ system level. Emphasis on homeostatic mechanisms and interdependence within organs and organ systems and the influence of modulatory systems. Topics will include, but are not limited to: nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal systems. Prerequisite: CHEM 131 View BIOL_SCI 310-CN Sections |
| Human Anatomy <> BIOL_SCI 313-CN | This course is an introduction to human anatomy. Topics include: system approach to anatomical organization; sections of the body; musculoskeletal and nervous systems; embryology development. Lectures are supplemented by selected prosections of human cadavers and dry exercises using bones, models, and computer animations. Prerequisite: BIOL SCI 165, 170, or equivalent course. View BIOL_SCI 313-CN Sections |
| Human Anatomy <> BIOL_SCI 313-DL | This is an online course on human anatomy, focusing on
morphology and function. It follows both a regional and systems
approach. All course content, activities, and assessments will be
online learning activities and assessments. The course will also
have a broad emphasis on clinical application that is applicable to
all health care professions. The course covers gross anatomy of the
human body; therefore, images of human cadavers will be presented
in your textbook, as well as in other course resources. Readings
are assigned from the Marieb, Wilhelm and Mallatt text.
Prerequisite: BIOL SCI 165, 170, or equivalent course. View BIOL_SCI 313-DL Sections |
| Human Structure and Function <> BIOL_SCI 316-CN | This course will provide introductory anatomy instruction using recent pedagogical frameworks which present basic human structure in a clinical anatomy context through an emphasis on clinical case studies investigated and presented by collaborative student teams. Coverage focus will be on the musculoskeletal and related systems. The regional anatomy of the muscles, bones and joints in the human body serves as the basis for more general biomechanical principles of anatomical structure, support and movement. Student case study presentations will be complemented by selected short lectures as well as interactive lab exercises using skeletons, anatomical models, and on-line resources. In-class demonstrations integrating anatomical prosections with the Anatomage virtual 3D dissection table system will provide important spatial perspectives of actual cadaver anatomy. Synthesizing these multiple modalities will help construct a strong foundation for subsequent study of human structure and function in multiple healthcare and biology contexts. View BIOL_SCI 316-CN Sections |
| Regional Human Anatomy Lab <> BIOL_SCI 317-CN | This is a lab course utilizing prosections and demonstrations of
human cadavers. It is an advanced anatomy course examining the
details of human body systems. Topics include: Body wall and
cavities, contents and features of the thorax and abdomen (cardiac,
pulmonary, and gastrointestinal systems), pelvis (genito-urinary
system), spinal cord and back, innervation and blood supply of the
upper and lower limbs, cranial cavities and contents, cranial
nerves and blood supply of the head and neck. The majority of the
coursework will be done in the cadaver lab, with limited lectures
to introduce topics. The lab work will be guided by a lab workbook,
handouts and instructor demonstrations. Models, bones (skeletal
materials), skulls, and medical images will supplement the cadaver
prosections. Lab work will be assessed by the weekly lab
assignment, three practical quizzes and a written final exam. A
research project will be assigned to allow the student to bridge
their knowledge of lab anatomy with more clinical concepts.
Students are expected to follow all lab safety guidelines including
the cadaver lab dress code; also students should show respect for
the cadavers at all times. View BIOL_SCI 317-CN Sections |
| Advanced Human Physiology <> BIOL_SCI 318-DL | Advanced Human Physiology is a fully online course that builds
on the concepts covered in BIOL SCI 310 Human Physiology or an
equivalent physiology course focusing on the body as an integrated
set of systems. Our task will be to construct a global view of the
body, its systems, and the many processes that keep the systems
working. This course emphasizes an integrated approach to studying
all major organ systems including neural, autonomic/somatic motor,
endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, and
reproductive physiology. In addition to integration, we will focus
on the clinical relevance of the organ system that will include
abnormal function, disease states, and medications used to bring
the system back to normal functioning. View BIOL_SCI 318-DL Sections |
| Quantitative Problem Solving in Chemistry <> CHEM 110-CN | Solution strategies for traditional word problems and their application to basic chemistry quantitative problems: dimensional analysis, chemical equations, stoichiometry, limiting reagents View CHEM 110-CN Sections |
| Fundamentals of Chemistry I <> CHEM 131-CN | Quantum mechanics, electronic structure, periodic properties of the elements, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, intermolecular forces, properties of solids and liquids, special topics in modern chemistry. This course is required to be taken concurrently with CHEM 141-CN Fundamentals of Chemistry Lab I. Additionally, while the material in the inorganic chemistry lecture and lab courses is intended to be linked, students should not expect the lecture and lab content to always align. Prerequisite: completion of CHEM 110-CN (grade of C- or better), or current enrollment in CHEM 110-CN. View CHEM 131-CN Sections |
| Fundamentals of Chemistry II <> CHEM 132-CN | Solutions and colligative properties, chemical equilibrium, aqueous solution equilibria, chemical kinetics, metals in chemistry and biology, oxidation-reduction reactions and electrochemistry, special topics in modern chemistry. This course is required to be taken concurrently with CHEM 142-CN Fundamentals of Chemistry Lab II. Additionally, while the material in the inorganic chemistry lecture and lab courses is intended to be linked, students should not expect the lecture and lab content to always align. Prerequisite: completion of CHEM 131-CN and CHEM 141-CN (grade of C- or better), or current enrollment in CHEM 131-CN/CHEM 141-CN. View CHEM 132-CN Sections |
| Fundamentals of Chemistry Lab I <> CHEM 141-CN | Chemical analysis of real samples using basic laboratory techniques including titration, colorimetric analysis, density measurements, and atomic spectroscopy. Planning, data collection, interpretation, and reporting on experiments. Credit for this course is 0.34 units. This course is required to be taken concurrently with CHEM 131-CN Fundamentals of Chemistry I. Additionally, while the material in the inorganic chemistry lecture and lab courses is intended to be linked, students should not expect the lecture and lab content to always align. Prerequisite: completion of CHEM 110 (grade of C– or better), or current enrollment in CHEM 110-CN. View CHEM 141-CN Sections |
| Fundamentals of Chemistry Lab II <> CHEM 142-CN | General Chemistry Lab 2 is a laboratory course in which techniques applied to materials science and nanotechnology, acid-base chemistry, and chemical kinetics will be employed. Major objectives involve work involving planning, data collection, interpretation, and reporting on experiments. Credit for this course is 0.34 units. This course is required to be taken concurrently with CHEM 132-CN Fundamentals of Chemistry II. Additionally, while the material in the inorganic chemistry lecture and lab courses is intended to be linked, students should not expect the lecture and lab content to always align. Prerequisite: completion of CHEM 131-CN and CHEM 141-CN (grade of C- or better), or current enrollment in CHEM 131-CN/CHEM 141-CN. View CHEM 142-CN Sections |
| Organic Chemistry Lab III <> CHEM 235-C | Advanced concepts in modern organic chemistry will be introduced. The material will focus on recent developments in synthetic organic chemistry, including: concerted/pericyclic reactions, catalysis, green/environmental chemistry, automated synthesis, and combinatorial/screening methods. Additional topics will include an introduction to materials and polymer chemistry. This course is required to be taken concurrently with CHEM 215-C. Additionally, while the material in the organic chemistry lecture and lab courses is intended to be linked, students should not expect the lecture and lab content to always align. Prerequisite: completion of CHEM 215-B and CHEM 235-B with a grade of C- or better. View CHEM 235-C Sections |
| Foundations of Human Movement <> KINS 237-CN | An introductory course examining the biomechanical and physiological factors contributing to the control of human movement. This course concentrates on the biomechanical principles of the musculoskeletal system and how these principles impact global human movements as well as joint-specific movement. It will also encompass the foundational physiology of muscle tissue and how it facilitates movement about a joint. Learning experiences will include self-paced online modules, in-person lectures, laboratories, and task analysis activities to foster the ability to comprehend the foundational principles that drive human movement. View KINS 237-CN Sections |
| College Physics I <> PHYSICS 130-A | This is the first quarter of a three-quarter algebra-based
physics course with lecture and laboratory. Physics is the most
basic of the sciences, dealing with the behavior and structure of
matter. Lectures and labs illustrate physical principles:
mechanics, motion, momentum and energy, and fluids. Continues in
winter and spring quarters as PHYSICS 130-B, C. View PHYSICS 130-A Sections |
| College Physics II <> PHYSICS 130-B | This course is the continuation of PHYSICS 130-A algebra-based physics with lecture and laboratory; the sequence concludes with PHYSICS 130-C in the spring quarter. Harnessing the forces of electrical power; how they have altered the way we live and perceive ourselves in the universe. Lecture demonstrations illustrate physical principles: electricity and magnetism, DC and AC circuits. Must be taken concurrently with PHYSICS 131-B Physics Laboratory II. Labs will meet for the first time after the first lecture session. Prerequisite: completion of PHYSICS 130-A or current enrollment in PHYSICS 130-A. View PHYSICS 130-B Sections |
| College Physics III <> PHYSICS 130-C | This course is the continuation of PHYSICS 130-A,B. Wave motion, optics, and introduction to the basic concepts of modern physics including quantum mechanics, relativity, and atomic physics. The course focuses on conceptual understanding of basic physical principles and their real-world applications. Demonstration experiments will be used to illustrate physical phenomena and concepts. Must be taken concurrently with PHYSICS 131-C Physics Laboratory III. Lab times are Tuesdays 8:00-9:50 pm or Saturdays 2:00-3:50 pm. Labs will meet for the first time after the first lecture session. Prerequisite: completion of PHYSICS 130-B or current enrollment in PHYSICS 130-B. View PHYSICS 130-C Sections |
| Physics Laboratory I <> PHYSICS 131-A | This is the laboratory course associated with PHYSICS 130-A and
must be taken concurrently. Credit for this course is .34
units.
View PHYSICS 131-A Sections |
| Physics Lab III <> PHYSICS 131-C | This is the laboratory course associated with PHYSICS 130-C and must be taken concurrently. Credit for this course is .34 units. View PHYSICS 131-C Sections |
| Professional Health Careers Proseminar I <> PRO_HLTH 396-A | Prohealth Proseminar I will meet during the first fall quarter
of the students’ pre-health program to prepare students to succeed
in the professional health careers program. This proseminar series
will be completed by PROHLTH 396-B: Prohealth Proseminar II in the
students’ final winter quarter. This non-credit course covers
topics including adjusting to life as a science student, academic
resources, extracurricular resources, and preparing for the
professional/medical school application process. There is no
tuition charged for this course.
View PRO_HLTH 396-A Sections |
| Professional Health Careers Proseminar II <> PRO_HLTH 396-B | This non-credit proseminar is for students in the Professional
Health Careers certificate programs. This course prepares students
for the year-long application cycle beginning in the summer. This
course will provide opportunities for students to work on major
application components as part of the coursework, including their
AMCAS activities listing, preparing a strong personal statement,
selecting target medical/professional schools, and navigating the
centralized application. The course will also allow students to
practice their interviewing skills and plan for their glide
year.
View PRO_HLTH 396-B Sections |
| Introduction to Statistics & Data Science STAT 202-DL | This course provides an introduction to probability and statistics theory and foundational data science applications. The focus will be on the analysis of data using computer software, and the approach is is conceptual—the goal is for students to understand, not to memorize. Important concepts include samples versus populations, normal curves and the central limit theorem, sampling distributions, standard errors, statistical inference, correlation and regression, t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the chi-squared test. The replication crisis in science and how bad statistics helped cause it will also be discussed. There are no formal prerequisites for this course. Recommended skills include comfort with basic algebra and some experience with spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. This course is conducted completely online. A technology fee will be added to tuition. View STAT 202-DL Sections |