Mercy College

What you'll study

The programme combines a core health science curriculum with courses targeted to the knowledge and prerequisites expected by physical therapy graduate programmes. You will study human anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology and neuroscience alongside foundational natural science and quantitative courses such as general chemistry, physics and statistics. Coursework emphasises laboratory and practical skills in anatomy labs, movement analysis, and exercise testing.

Typical modules and learning experiences include:

• Human Anatomy & Physiology: layered study of body systems with cadaver or prosection lab exposure where available.
• Kinesiology and Biomechanics: principles of human motion, gait analysis and functional movement assessment.
• Exercise Physiology and Conditioning: metabolic and cardiovascular responses to exercise and laboratory-based fitness assessment.
• Neuroscience and Motor Control: neural mechanisms of movement, motor learning and rehabilitation principles.
• Clinical Skills and Observation: supervised observation hours, clinical simulation, and workshops on documentation and patient interaction.
• Research Methods and Statistics: introductory research design, data analysis and evidence-based practice relevant to rehabilitation sciences.
• Professional Issues and Ethics: healthcare law, ethics, interprofessional practice and patient-centred care.

The degree typically culminates in a capstone or senior seminar where students integrate clinical knowledge, complete a research or practicum project, and prepare application materials for graduate study or certification.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or recognised equivalent. Admission decisions are based on a combination of academic records, prerequisite coursework, and demonstrated interest in physical therapy and healthcare. Essential preparatory subjects include biology and chemistry; mathematics (algebra or statistics) and English are also typically expected. Successful applicants commonly present a consistent academic record in science and maths and show extracurricular or volunteer experience in healthcare settings.

Applicants to the pre-physical therapy track are encouraged to obtain observation or volunteer hours in physical therapy or rehabilitation settings, secure letters of recommendation (preferably from science instructors or healthcare supervisors), and prepare for any graduate-entry requirements they intend to pursue later, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or specific clinical prerequisites. Transfer students with college-level science coursework and clear documentation of labs and credits are welcome; consult Mercy College admissions for evaluation of prior study.

Career prospects

The primary pathway for graduates is entry to accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programmes; the Health Science–Pre-Physical Therapy curriculum is designed to meet common prerequisites and to support a competitive graduate application. Beyond DPT study, graduates may pursue roles such as rehabilitation aide, physical therapy assistant (with additional certification where required), exercise specialist, clinical research assistant or fitness/wellness coordinator.

Other career directions include employment in hospitals, outpatient clinics, sports performance centres, long-term care facilities, community health organisations and research settings. Graduates also move into related graduate programmes such as occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, public health or health administration, depending on their interests and additional qualifications.

Why study at Mercy College

Mercy College offers a student-focused environment with small class sizes and accessible faculty, including instructors with clinical and research experience in rehabilitation sciences. The college maintains partnerships with local hospitals, outpatient clinics and rehabilitation centres that provide opportunities for observation, internships and applied learning. Students benefit from dedicated pre-health advising to help plan prerequisite coursework, clinical hours and graduate application timelines.

Facilities supporting this programme typically include anatomy and exercise science labs, simulation spaces and equipment for movement analysis and strength testing. The college’s emphasis on experiential learning, combined with a liberal arts foundation, aims to develop both the technical competencies and communication skills essential to success in graduate study and patient-centred practice.