Pre-Therapy and Allied Health

Kinesiology undergraduate option

A springboard for advanced study

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What is pre-therapy and allied health?

The Pre-Therapy and Allied Health (PTAH) option, within the Oregon State kinesiology major, prepares you for allied health fields such as:

  • Athletic training
  • Medical school
  • Nursing
  • Occupational therapy
  • Physician assistant studies
  • Physical therapy

 

Your career of caring starts with our pre-professional program

Help athletes get back in the game as an athletic trainer. Support patients as they develop skills needed for everyday life as an occupational therapist.

Pre-professional programs, like PTAH, will prepare you for applying to professional degree programs in your chosen allied health field.

Sample schedule

Picture life as a kinesiology student.

Explore courses

Required classes for kinesiology majors.

Talk with a current student

Have questions? Our peer advisors are here to help.

Student success

Advising and resources you can access as a student.

Your experience in a pre-professional program

If you choose the PTAH option, you’ll get hands-on experience related to the allied health professions in your classroom and in clinical and/or community environments.

Experience the clinical aspects of your area of interest, such as physical and occupational therapy, under the supervision of a licensed professional via the Pre-Therapy/Allied Health Practicum.  

Select courses related to your interests, such as medical ethics.  

You will also participate in the Pre-Therapy/Allied Health Seminar to help you prepare for professional school.

How to pursue the PTAH option

After you’ve completed Anatomy and Physiology, you must also achieve:

  • A minimum of 90 credits completed
  • A minimum 3.0 overall GPA (transfer + OSU)
  • No grade less than “C” in any anat/phys course (and KIN 132 if taken)
  • A minimum cumulative 2.7 GPA in the anat/phys series

Once you meet these requirements, you can complete the application to add the PTAH option in KIN.

Come here for pre-med, nursing or allied health

The College of Public Health and Human Sciences is a great place to start your pre-med or pre-health journey.

All of our majors are well-suited to provide you with a unique background and perspective. Choose the major that interests you and inspires you!

Once you’re here, meet with our pre-med advisor to make sure you’re on the right track.

See how current students are supported on their path to pre-med or pre-health professions.

What will you do with a pre-professional program

The PTAH option, within the kinesiology major, sets you on a trajectory to improve lives — no matter where your unique interests lie.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, allied health care jobs are expected to grow 15-37% from 2016-2026.

 

Start with the pre-therapy and allied health option and become:

*May require post-baccalaureate/graduate/professional education or additional certifications/credentials to qualify for employment.

 

  • Athletic Trainer*
  • Occupational Therapist*
  • Physical Therapist*
  • Physical Therapy Aide
  • Physician Assistant*
  • Nursing*
  • Physician*

Casey Collier, ‘19

“I absolutely use what I learned in my kinesiology program every day because I’m working with patients one-on-one, helping them recover from injuries and regain function.

Everything from the biomechanical to the psychological side of things that I’ve learned may apply, which is great.”