Academics
What are the best high school courses to take to prepare for the Undergraduate Physical Therapy Program?
- While not required, the following courses will be helpful in preparing you for success in the Program
- Anatomy
- Physics
- upper level Biology courses
Will my AP courses count for credit?
- For the Undergraduate Physical Therapy Program option, we do NOT accept pre-requisite AP science courses
- however, these courses are very beneficial in preparing you for success in your studies, so they are strongly recommended
- Liberal studies courses are usually accepted
- Submit your AP test scores directly to the Admissions Office
Admissions
What courses are calculated into my high school GPA?
- All courses are calculated into your high school GPA
What if I can't decide which major to choose?
- The undergraduate Health Science degree provides an excellent foundation for many of Gannon University's undergraduate and graduate health programs.
- Some specific programs have waiting lists and/or specific admission requirements, so it is important to decide as soon as possible.
- While students can switch their major at any time, switching sooner rather than later helps to assure unnecessary courses are not taken and necessary courses are.
- For some majors, deciding by the mid to end of the freshman year will allow completion of the degree in a timely manner.
- If you are not yet a Gannon student, your Admissions Counselor can provide you with information and coordinate visits with faculty to assist you with this decision.
- Gannon students should request a meeting with their advisor to discuss options and requirements for specific programs.
Do I need to complete volunteer hours for admission into the undergraduate or graduate PT Program?
- At this time, we do not require volunteer hours for admission into either the undergraduate or graduate program
- We strongly recommend that you job shadow a physical therapist to determine if this is a good career choice for you
Are there any "guaranteed seat" options for the graduate Doctor of Physical Therapy Program?
- Yes, both Undergraduate Physical Therapy Program options have guaranteed seats for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Erie Campus.
- The "4+3" option provides the opportunity for students to have a guaranteed seat in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program after completing their four years of undergraduate study. The graduate program is three years - hence the "4 + 3".
- Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 and a pre-requisite GPA of 3.0
- At the end of four years, the student received a Bachelor of Science in Health Science
- This is a nice option for qualified students who want to play competitive sports
- The "3 + 3" option is an accelerated program for students who meet higher admission requirements. With this option, students enter the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program during their senior year at Gannon. The credits during that year count towards their undergraduate major as well as their physical therapy degree. Students in this option finish their undergraduate and graduate studies in six years - hence the "3 + 3".
- Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.4 and a pre-requisite GPA of 3.4
- At the end of four years, the student received a Bachelor of Science in Health Science while simultaneously finishing the first year of the doctoral program
What if I don't qualify for a "guaranteed seat" option or I do not enter as a freshman into the program?
You should declare a major in Health Science and make an appointment with Dr. Carolyn Galleher galleher001@gannon.edu to discuss your options, explore physical therapy as a career and/or to develop a plan to achieve your goal of becoming a physical therapist.