Health Sciences (B.S.): Pre-Physical Therapy concentration - J

Pre-Physical Therapy is a rigorous, science-packed concentration that prepares graduates for admission to doctorate of physical therapy (D.P.T.) programs and paves the way for chiropractic and physician-assistant graduate study. Courses include chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, biology, psychology and statistics. An internship under the supervision of a physical therapist, chiropractor or physician assistant is required. Graduates earn a B.S. in Health Sciences with a concentration in Pre-Physical Therapy. Graduates who successfully complete the education curriculum for secondary licensure become candidates for a license to teach science in grades 7-12.

In addition to the learning outcomes for all Health Sciences majors (see below), there is an additional outcome for students in this concentration:

Students will have the knowledge and skills for entry into graduate programs in physical therapy, chiropractic medicine, physician’s assistant and related allied health disciplines.

Health Sciences Programs at NVU-Johnson

Students majoring in Health Sciences at NVU-Johnson choose one of three concentrations: Health Sciences (B.S.): Health & Exercise Science concentration - J , Health Sciences (B.S.): Physical Education concentration - J with or without licensure, and Health Sciences (B.S.): Pre-Physical Therapy concentration - J . Students graduate with a B.S. in Health Sciences with a concentration in one of these specialties. Graduates who successfully complete the appropriate education curriculum also become candidates for a license to teach science (grades 7-12) or physical education (grades PreK-12).

The major is designed for students wishing to pursue careers in health, fitness, physical education and the allied health fields. It trains students in the basic sciences, including biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology; assessment of health status; the disease process; health and fitness; and cardiac and pulmonary assessment and rehabilitation. Graduates are prepared for a variety of career options as well as graduate study (which is required for students pursuing careers as physical therapists, chiropractics, physician assistants and similar fields). In addition, with the current increases in lifestyle-related disease and the growing elderly population, graduates will be poised to take advantage of new prospects in the health field.

Learning Outcomes

In addition to the outcomes identified within each concentration, the B.S. in Health Sciences seeks to produce graduates who:

Demonstrate through both speaking and writing an understanding of biological, physical and social sciences related to human movement, sport exercise and contemporary health issues.
Identify and describe challenges to the natural homeostasis of the body and mind and how they respond to these challenges.
Apply knowledge related to physical activity, nutrition and other lifestyle behaviors to prevent and control diseases in diverse populations.
Use both qualitative and quantitative methods to appraise risk factors, health status, fitness and physical skills, and then design safe and effective programs to target these factors in healthy and diseased populations.
Possess in-depth understanding of the scientific methods and the ability to accurately interpret and apply scientific findings related to the human body, health and disease.
Demonstrate an ability to apply theoretical knowledge, research skills, use of technology and professionally appropriate and ethical behaviors in workplace settings.

Health Sciences Core Curriculum (NVU-J) (24 credits)

AHS 1010 - Contemporary Health Issues Credit(s): 3
AHS 3120 - Kinesiology Credit(s): 3
AHS 3230 - Physiology of Exercise Credit(s): 4
AHS 4030 - Psychology of Sports & Exercise Credit(s): 3
BIO 2011 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I Credit(s): 4
BIO 2012 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II Credit(s): 4
PSY 1010 - Introduction to Psychology Credit(s): 3

Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration

Required Concentration Courses (36 credits)

AHS 2080 - Health Sciences Seminar Credit(s): 1
AHS 4060 - Cardiopulmonary Assessment, Rehabilitation & Training Credit(s): 4
AHS 4810 - Internship in Allied Health Science Credit(s): 1-12 (Credit(s): 3) OR
AHS 4911 - Senior Research Credit(s): 3
BIO 1211 - Introduction to Biology: Ecology and Evolution Credit(s): 4
BIO 1212 - Introduction to Biology: Cells and Genetic Basis Credit(s): 4
CHE 1031 - General Chemistry I Credit(s): 4 *
CHE 1032 - General Chemistry II Credit(s): 4
ENV 2210 - Current Topics in Science Credit(s): 1
MAT 2021 - Statistics Credit(s): 3
PHY 2031 - Fundamental Physics I Credit(s): 4
PHY 2032 - Fundamental Physics II Credit(s): 4

Electives (6-8 credits):

Choose 6-8 credits. Note: At least 3 credits must be either an AHS-designated course or BIO 3180 .

AHS 2130 - Strength & Conditioning Credit(s): 3
AHS 3043 - Care & Prevention of Athletic Injuries Credit(s): 4
AHS 3050 - Introduction to Pharmacology Credit(s): 3
AHS 4025 - Health Behavior: Change & Adherence Credit(s): 3
AHS 4110 - Psychophysiology of Stress Credit(s): 3
BIO 3125 - Biological Chemistry Credit(s): 4
BIO 3130 - Cellular Biology: A Molecular Approach Credit(s): 4
BIO 3140 - Introduction to Microbiology Credit(s): 4
BIO 3180 - Nutrition Credit(s): 3
CHE 3111 - Organic Chemistry I Credit(s): 4
PSY 2070 - Developmental Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 3070 - Abnormal Psychology Credit(s): 3

Total: 66-68 credits

Important Note: To remain in this program, students must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 after completion of four semesters, plus at least a 3.0 GPA in the following courses:

BIO 2011 Anatomy & Physiology I (4 cr.)

BIO 2012 Anatomy & Physiology II (4 cr.)

BIO 1211 Introduction to Biology: Ecology & Evolution (4 cr.)

BIO 1212 Introdution to Biology: Cells and Benetic Basis of Life (4 cr.)

Graduate Study Advisory

Some graduate programs may have admission requirements as noted below that are not included in this program of study (e.g., see below). Electives should be identified early in the degree program and in discussion with an advisor about academic and career goals.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs sometimes require the following additional prerequisites:
- One additional psychology course (PSY 2070 or PSY 3070 recommended)
Doctor of Chiropractic programs often require the following additional prerequisite:
- CHE 3111 - Organic Chemistry I
Physician’s Assistant (PA) graduate programs often require the following prerequisites:
- Two semesters of 4-credit advanced biology courses (3000- or 4000-level). Replacement of PHY 2031 - Fundamentals Physics I and PHY 2032 - Fundamentals Phyics II with these courses is recommended for those interested in PA programs.

Secondary Teaching License in Science

Students pursuing licensure endorsement to teach science in grades 7-12 must successfully complete one of the approved majors for this endorsement (the Biology: Field Naturalist (B.A.) - J , Biology (B.S.): Pre-Medical concentration - J , Health Sciences (B.S.): Pre-Physical Therapy concentration - J , Environmental Science (B.S.): Environmental Analysis & Assessment concentration - J , or Environmental Science (B.S.): Environmental Policy & Advocacy concentration - J ), as well as specific teacher-education coursework and requirements. Please refer to the Secondary Teacher License Endorsement - J section for details.

Important:

In order to earn a degree, you must successfully complete all requirements for your major as listed here AND meet all other Degree Requirements , including the General Education Core Curriculum and NVU Graduation Standards .

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