Is physical therapy right for you? Students seeking a career in physical therapy should focus on honing their skills in these key areas:

• Written and verbal communication
• Interpersonal communication
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Physical stamina
• Leadership skills

Students are encouraged to be well rounded inside and outside of school. Extracurricular activities are a way a student can demonstrate their leadership skills, time management, as well as their compassion and connection to their community. These activities include, but are not limited to:

• Volunteer Work/Community Service
• Student Government
• Mentoring
• Coaching
• School Clubs and Organizations

Remember: Extracurriculars are about balance and should not affect your GPA! If you need support balancing life and school, IU East provides Student Success Coaches to help.

Pre-Professional Observations are required as part of the admissions for many Physical Therapy programs. Be sure to review the requirements of the school program and start the process early. Contact Career Services to get started.

Career Services

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is a standardized test that students take in preparation of graduate school. Most physical therapy programs require GRE scores. The GRE is approximately three hours and forty five minutes long and consistes of three parts:

• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Analytical Writing

The GRE is offered throughout the year and Pre-Physical Therapy students are encouraged to take the exam a year before applying to a physcial therapy program. Students wishing to apply earlier should consider taking the GRE in the spring. However, you should ultimately take the GRE when you are ready!

While it varies from person to person, plan on studying between 50-200 hours before taking the test. 

For information on the GRE:

• GRE Test Content
• GRE Test Prep