Degree Map: Pre-Professional Health Sciences A.S., Pre-Physical Therapy Option

If you are a full-time student and follow this degree map, you can complete this associate degree in two years.  See an academic advisor for a customized degree map that works for you.  To be recommended for the Associate in Science degree, you must achieve a grade point average of 2.0 as a minimum on all coursework attempted (minimum of 60 hours).

Note the Milestones below each semester.  Milestones are reminders of actions you should take during that semester to help keep you on track for degree completion. 

First Semester

Milestones

• To maintain financial aid eligibility, a student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 1.70 during the first 30 credit hours attempted.  See a financial aid counselor to determine your financial aid status.
• Download MS Office from MyTCC.
• Form a study group, join a student organization, or volunteer at a community service site.
• Visit the writing, math and science, or technology learning centers for free individual tutoring support services.
• Check academic calendar for important dates and deadlines impacting classes and financial aid.
• Meet with an academic advisor before enrolling for the next semester.

Second Semester

Milestones

• To maintain financial aid eligibility, a student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 1.70 during the first 30 credit hours attempted.  See a financial aid counselor to determine your financial aid status.
• Meet with an academic advisor before enrolling for the next semester.
• Schedule a campus visit with your transfer institution’s student recruitment office.
• Check academic calendar for important dates and deadlines impacting classes and financial aid.
• Visit Career Services by your 20th credit hour to explore career opportunities associated with this degree.

Third Semester

Milestones

• Consult with an academic advisor to complete a Petition for Computer Proficiency.
• Meet with an academic advisor for a graduation check.
• To maintain financial aid eligibility, a student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 if 31 or more hours have been attempted.  See a financial aid counselor to determine your financial aid status.
• Check academic calendar for important dates and deadlines impacting classes and financial aid.
• Complete applications for admission and financial aid for the four-year institution to which you plan to transfer.
• Visit Career Services to build your resume.

Fourth Semester

Milestones

• Check academic calendar for important dates and deadlines impacting classes and financial aid.
• Meet with an academic advisor to file for graduation.
• To maintain financial aid eligibility, a student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 if 31 or more hours have been attempted.  See a financial aid counselor to determine your financial aid status. 

Transfer Information

This degree is intended for transfer to a four-year university for completion of a baccalaureate degree.  You should work closely with an academic advisor each semester to make certain you are enrolled in the correct courses for a seamless transfer process and you are encouraged to begin a dialogue with your intended transfer school as early as possible. Early coordination between TCC academic advisors and advisors from selected four-year institutions can streamline the transfer process. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that he/she understands the program/admission/transfer requirements for the transfer school.

To become a physical therapist, a student must eventually earn a graduate degree.  Although graduate schools do not stipulate specific undergraduate degrees required for admission, a strong science background is required. Successful candidates are those who are very strong in the mathematical, physical and biological sciences as well as in a broad range of social sciences and the humanities.