Careers in the health care industry are increasing and completion of this concentration provides the academic requirements necessary to enter a graduate program for physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, athletic trainer or other health professions such as nursing, medical school, respiratory therapist or prosthetics and orthotics. Upper division electives built into the curriculum (upon consultation with and approval of their advisor) allow students the flexibility to take additional classes required for the graduate program(s) they are interested in attending.
Students also have the opportunity to gain more knowledge and experience in the physical therapy (and related) fields through a practica experience. During these placements in local physical therapy clinics and hospitals, students learn the basic skills to provide patient care and the essentials of evidence-based practice alongside physical therapists. In addition to being immersed in the field and accumulating observational hours needed to apply to graduate pro- grams, students also attend presentations by current graduate students, physical therapists, and other health professionals, as well as workshops to help students’ preparation for applying to graduate school.
Kinesiology core (44-47 units) + Pre-Health Professions Concentration (24-26 units) = 67-71 units for the major.