Preparing you for admission into any school of physical therapy
    About The Program

    With a career in physical therapy, you’ll help people return to their full physical potential, guiding them to a life of health and wellness. While pre-physical therapy is not a major itself, we’ll match you with a degree program and the necessary coursework required to prepare you for admission into a school of physical therapy.

     

     

     

    Wondering if this program is for you?

    This program will be a good fit if you:

    • Are compassionate and caring for others
    • Can adapt to changes in demands of healthcare professions
    • Work well with others
    • Are service-oriented and enjoy working with people
    • Are knowledgeable and enjoy continuous learning
    • Have strong critical thinking and decision-making skills
    • Are instructional and socially perceptive
    Careers

    With a physical therapy degree, you could also work in the areas of:

    • Athletic training
    • Audiology
    • Exercise physiology
    Internships

    At Northern, we believe getting you out of the classroom and into a real-world workplace setting is a critical part of your education. You'll have several opportunities for internships and other forms of experiential learning throughout your time at Northern. Learn more at Student Experiences!

    Scholarships

    The NSU WolfPACT is the highest guaranteed, four-year scholarship in the region. But that isn't the only scholarship available at Northern. Visit Arts and Science Scholarships for other scholarship opportunities!

    Sample Plans of Study
    Suggested Majors and Minors

    Students in our pre-physical therapy program often major in:

    And minor in:

    Study Abroad

    Experience the world while earning your degree through NSU Study Abroad! With hundreds of opportunities available around the globe, Northern can make your study abroad dream become a reality. Learn more at Study Abroad!

    Undergraduate Research

    At Northern, you'll have the chance to conduct cutting-edge research that can have real-world impacts - while still an undergraduate student. Now with our brand new, state-of-the-art Jewett Regional Science Education Center, the sky is truly the limit. Learn more at Undergraduate Research!

    Contact Information

    Ready to take the next step? Contact us today:

    Pre-Physical Therapy Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jon Mitchell, 605-626-2458 or jon.mitchell@northern.edu

    Want to learn more about living and learning at Northern? Contact NSU Admissions today 605-626-2544 or admissions@northern.edu!

    Still unsure of a major? We can help! Contact NSU Career Services at 605-626-3007 or careerservices@northern.edu.

    Postdoc. South Dakota State University
    Ph.D University of Massachusetts at Amherst
    MSc. University of London
    DIC. University of London
    MSc. Beijing Agricultural University
    BSc. Shanxi Agricultural University
     
    Dr. Guangwei Ding joined Northern's chemistry department in 2005. He has served on the editorial boards for the Scientific World Journal and the Journal of Experimental Chemistry, and as a reviewer for Geoderma, Chemosphere, and Organic Geochemistry.
     
    Courses Taught
    Chemistry Survey
    General Chemistry I
    General Chemistry II
    Analytical Chemistry
    Physical Chemistry I
    Physical Chemistry II
    Inorganic Chemistry…
    Ph.D. Portland State University
    B.A. University of Oregon
     
    Dr. Amy Dolan joined Northern's faculty in 2018. She grew up on a homestead in Nikiski, Alaska. Dr. Dolan attended the University of Oregon and graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology and Spanish. She went on to earn a Ph.D. in biology at Portland State University, studying genetics, reproductive biology, mate choice, and reproductive success of eastern kingbirds. Dr. Dolan lives on a farm with her husband Ryan, and their three children: Oliver, Ruthie, and Zet.
     
    Courses Taught
    Biology Survey
    General Biology
    Environmental Biology
    Human Biology
    Anatomy
    Gross Anatomy
    Bioethics
    Hematology
    Histology
     
    Publications
    Christopher M, Chutter, Lucas J. Redmond, Nathan W. Cooper, Amy C…
    Ph.D. University of South Dakota
    M.S. South Dakota State University
    B.S. South Dakota State University
    A.A. Winona State University
     
    Dr. Alyssa Kiesow joined Northern’s faculty in August 2007. Born in Little Falls, Minn., and raised in St. Cloud, Minn., she is Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, assists with sponsored grants and research, and serves on the South Dakota Academy of Science Executive Committee. She received multiple degrees from state institutions. Dr. Kiesow earned her Ph.D. in biological sciences with a research focus in genetics from the University of South Dakota.
     
    Research Interests
    Dr. Kiesow's primary research interests range from genetic structure of animal populations to epigenetics of developing embryos. Recent research focuses on the effects of various toxins on embryonic development in sea stars, sea urchins, and Xenopus laevis.…
    Ph.D. Montana State University
    M.S. Montana State University
    B.S. State University of New York
     
    Dr. John Long joined the science and mathematics department at Northern in May 2015. He received a Ph.D. in ecology and environmental sciences from Montana State University in 2014; an M.S. in ecological and environmental statistics from Montana State University in 2011; and a B.S. in applied mathematics from State University of New York in 2008.
     

    Courses Taught

    Biological Statistics I

    Biological Statistics II

    Introduction to Physics I

    Introduction to Physics II

    Geographic Information Systems (GIS) I

    Geographic Infromation Systems (GIS) II

    Remote Sensing

    Biogeography

     

    Research Interests

    Dr. Long's…

    Dr. George Nora began at Northern State University in 2010 and has been promoted to associate professor of chemistry.

    Courses Taught
    Organic Chemistry
    Ph.D. University of Southern Mississippi
    M.S. University of North Dakota
    B.S. University of North Dakota
     
     
    Dr. Eric Pulis joined Northern's faculty in 2018. Originally from central Minnesota, he attended the University of North Dakota, where he received his B.S. in fisheries and wildlife biology and his M.S. in biology. Dr. Pulis earned his Ph.D. at the University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Coastal Sciences, where his research focused on the taxonomy and systematics of some parasitic flat worms found in fishes. He is currently the advisor for the NSU Environmental Club.
     
    Research Interests
    Dr. Pulis's primary research interests are in the ecology, evolution, and diversity of parasites of wildlife and fishes.…