Interested in the Biology (pre-Med, pre-PA, pre-PT, etc.) program?
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Click here to learn more and sign upBecome a Physical Therapist by starting with a degree in Biology
Mercy College's Pre-Physical Therapy (Pre-PT) track is one segment of the Bachelor of Science in Biology program. Pre-PT students gain the educational foundation for graduate school and a future career as a physical therapist. Physical therapists (PTs) are movement experts who optimize the quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education. PTs teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition so that they will achieve long-term health benefits.
Students who wish to pursue a physical therapy career will go to graduate school after finishing their Bachelor of Science in Biology degree with the PT track. In graduate school, students would pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy or Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT). This is normally a three-year, nine-semester program. The Mercy College Biology program provides the specific course work required for preparation for PT school. Undergraduate students should earn a science and overall grade point average of 3.2-3.5 at Mercy College for entrance to PT school in order to be competitive in graduate applications.
I believe that the purpose of education is to prepare students with the knowledge and skills required for lifelong learning.I enjoy helping students develop problem-solving skills that they will be able to apply outside the classroom.”
The Biology program's flexible design supports each student's individual career goals. The curriculum incorporates courses covering a range of maths and sciences. In each course, expect personal attention and 1:1 support from experienced faculty.
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 205 | General Biology I | 5 |
| CHM 210 | General College Chemistry I | 5 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| HSC 100 | Introduction to Health Careers | 3 |
| Total Hours | 16 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 206 | General Biology II | 5 |
| CHM 211 | General College Chemistry II | 5 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Total Hours | 16 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 220 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| MTH 150 | Calculus | 4 |
| PHS 220 | College Physics I | 4 |
| GEN | General Education Course in Arts, Humanities, Culture and Diversity - Religious Studies | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 221 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BIO 240 | Career Topics for Biology Majors | 1 |
| MTH 140 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| PHS 221 | College Physics II | 4 |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 200 | Science in the News | 2 |
| BIO 290 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| CHM 320 | Organic Chemistry I | 5 |
| SOC 211 | Cultural Diversity | 3 |
| Total Hours | 13 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 210 | Microbiology | 4 |
| BIO 336 | Genetics | 4 |
| CHM 321 | Organic Chemistry II | 5 |
| REL 290 | Medical Ethics | 3 |
| Total Hours | 16 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 350 | Biology of Human Reproduction | 3 |
| BIO 410 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| BIO 430 | Principles of Ecology | 4 |
| PSY 201 | Lifespan Psychology | 3 |
| GEN | Elective | 1 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 400 | Service Learning in Biology | 2 |
| BIO 420 | Histology | 4 |
| CHM 410 | Biochemistry | 5 |
| GEN 300/400 level | General Education Course | 3 |
| Total Hours | 14 | |
Career Outlook
Employment Growth
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook: Employment of Physical Therapists is projected to grow 21 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for physical therapy will come from the aging baby boomers, who are not only staying active later in life, but are more susceptible to health conditions, such as strokes, that may require physical therapy. In addition, physical therapists will be needed to treat people with mobility issues stemming from chronic conditions, such as diabetes or obesity.
Salary Range
2020 Median Pay for Physical Therapists was $91,000 annually.
Admission Requirements
Mercy College students in good standing can declare a biology major. High school science courses (Biology and Chemistry with a lab) or their college equivalents must be taken within the past seven years with a “C” or better prior to the first semester. For students to progress to the third semester of the program, the mathematics prerequisites must be met. Mathematics prerequisites are as follows: high school courses or their college equivalents within the past seven years with a “C” or better including Algebra I; Algebra II and Trigonometry or Pre-Calculus or an integrated sequence of advanced math courses (Statistics, Business Math, and/or computer courses will not fulfill this requirement). All program courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
Biology Program : Estimate Your Expenses
Mercy College is the #1 college in the region for return on investment. Calculate your estimated initial expenses.
Professional Organizations
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External LinkAmerican Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Building a community that advances the profession of physical therapy to improve the health of society.
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External LinkPhysical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS)
The Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) is a service of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). PTCAS allows applicants to use a single application and one set of materials to apply to multiple DPT programs.
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