Why Kinesiology Is a Smart Major for Pre-Physical Therapy Students

Aspiring physical therapists can gain an edge by choosing the right undergraduate major. A strong foundation can set you apart when it’s time to apply to PT school.

If you’re planning a career in physical therapy (PT), your undergraduate major plays a big role in shaping both your readiness for admission to professional physical therapy schools and your long-term success.

Kinesiology, or the study of human movement, offers one of the strongest and most relevant pathways. The coursework in anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise physiology mirrors the prerequisites required by PT programs. It also sharpens the applied science and problem-solving skills that admissions committees value.

The benefits of studying kinesiology extend beyond preparation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for physical therapists is projected to grow 11% from 2024 to 2034, signaling strong demand for professionals in this field. ¹ By majoring in kinesiology, you not only build the academic base needed for PT school but also position yourself for a career in one of healthcare’s fastest-growing areas.

An online kinesiology degree from NMSU Global Campus allows you to complete key prerequisites while balancing school with work and life. With a flexible format and supportive New Mexico State University faculty, you can develop the knowledge and skills needed to stand out in PT school admissions and thrive in graduate-level study.

Ready to begin? In this article, we’ll explore the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from NMSU Global Campus and see how this online bachelor’s degree program helps you prepare for the next step in your PT journey.

Is Kinesiology a Good Major for Pre-Physical Therapy?

When applying to physical therapy programs, your undergraduate major can set the tone for both admissions readiness and graduate-level success.

While PT schools admit students from many disciplines, the kinesiology major consistently stands out as one of the most effective choices. The coursework reflects the scientific and applied knowledge at the heart of physical therapy. That gives students a smoother path into the profession.

Because physical therapy is grounded in anatomy, physiology, and human movement, kinesiology offers an ideal foundation. The major combines engaging online coursework with applied experiences that help students link theory to practice. It is also one of the most common and respected majors among PT applicants.

Why the Kinesiology major stands out as a top pre-PT choice

• Alignment with Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) prerequisites: Kinesiology coursework covers essential foundations in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and exercise physiology, all directly relevant to PT program curricula.
• Strong representation among applicants: According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), 1 in 4 physical therapy program applicants holds a kinesiology degree, making it one of the most common entry points into the profession. ²
• Focused preparation and confidence: Kinesiology majors engage in virtual labs, movement analysis, and applied coursework that mirror clinical PT training. PT school admissions committees value applicants who bring that kind of learning experience.

Kinesiology coursework stands out for two reasons: clear alignment with PT school prerequisites and a hands-on training emphasis. With a strong track record among applicants, the kinesiology major has become one of the most reliable pathways to PT school. Admissions committees often view this major as proof of both readiness for and authentic interest in physical rehabilitation work.

How Kinesiology Prepares You for Physical Therapy School

A kinesiology degree goes beyond memorizing anatomy charts or exercise science terms. As a pre-physical therapy major, it functions like a training ground for the skills PT students need most.

Kinesiology students learn to analyze movement, think critically about patient needs, and communicate solutions that make a difference in people’s lives. By blending science with applied practice, the major helps undergraduates begin thinking like future physical therapists — well before they enter a DPT program.

Which key skills do NMSU Global Campus kinesiology majors bring to PT school?

• Scientific literacy: Physical therapy programs are rigorous, requiring a strong command of biology, chemistry, and physiology. Kinesiology majors enter with this foundation already in place, making it easier to keep pace with graduate-level coursework. This preparation often translates to stronger performance in challenging classes like pathophysiology and pharmacology.
• Research and analysis: Today’s PTs rely on evidence-based practice, such as designing treatment plans guided by the latest scientific findings. Kinesiology students gain experience reading research, analyzing data, and applying findings to real-world scenarios. This skill not only impresses PT school admissions committees but also prepares students for the scholarly projects required in most DPT programs.
• Communication and collaboration: Physical therapy is as much about people as it is about science. Kinesiology coursework often emphasizes group projects, presentations, and applied lab work, all of which sharpen communication skills. Graduates learn how to explain complex ideas to classmates, instructors, and eventually patients. These abilities directly influence patient trust and treatment success.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking: No two patients are alike, which means PTs must be creative problem-solvers. Kinesiology builds this skill early by asking students to design training plans, adapt exercise prescriptions, and evaluate how different bodies respond to movement. This mirrors the real-world challenge of tailoring care to each patient’s unique needs.

Together, these transferable skills strengthen PT school applications and provide a smoother transition into graduate study.

If you’re exploring kinesiology as your pre-physical therapy degree, program choice matters. The online Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from NMSU Global Campus provides the scientific foundation, applied experiences, and flexibility you need to take the next step toward PT school.

What advantages can an online BS in Kinesiology give you in PT school admissions?

Getting into physical therapy school is competitive. Nationally, acceptance rates hover around 29%, which means applicants need more than the minimum prerequisites. ³

To stand out, you must show strength across several dimensions of the application process. Admissions committees typically evaluate candidates in four key areas:

• Academic preparation: Admissions officers look for a strong GPA and successful completion of required science courses such as anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and exercise science.
• Relevant background: Committees seek evidence of interest in movement science, healthcare, or rehabilitation that demonstrates a serious commitment to the field.
• Professional readiness: Strong communication skills, letters of recommendation, and performance in PT school interviews signal the ability to succeed in graduate-level training and patient care.
• Personal qualities: Attributes such as leadership, motivation, and dedication to patient care reflect the character traits that PT programs value most.

This is where kinesiology provides an advantage. The major covers the prerequisite science courses, immerses students in movement and rehabilitation, and fosters both professional and interpersonal skills. By the time they apply, kinesiology majors can demonstrate preparedness across the same categories admissions committees use to make decisions.

Why choose a BS in Kinesiology as your pre-PT degree?

For students planning to apply to physical therapy programs, the choice of undergraduate major can shape both admissions readiness and long-term success.

Kinesiology provides a direct pathway by combining the necessary prerequisites with applied experiences in movement science and rehabilitation. Here’s how it gives students a distinct advantage:

• Streamlined admissions preparation: Instead of piecing together prerequisites across multiple departments, kinesiology students complete nearly all required PT courses within their major. This makes the application process smoother and ensures that coursework is tied directly to human movement, making the knowledge more relevant and easier to retain.
• Demonstrated interest in the profession: Physical therapy programs look for applicants who are academically prepared and committed to the field. By majoring in kinesiology, students show early dedication to rehabilitation and movement science. This focus often stands out in personal statements and interviews, where kinesiology majors can point to coursework and applied experiences as proof of genuine preparation.
• Stronger performance: Research shows that kinesiology and exercise science majors often perform better in PT coursework than peers from unrelated majors because they have already mastered the scientific foundations.
• Professional fit: Kinesiology graduates bring both technical knowledge and applied practice, entering PT school with the confidence and readiness needed to succeed.

In short, an online BS in Kinesiology doesn’t just check boxes: it demonstrates commitment, preparation, and readiness in the exact areas PT schools evaluate most closely. That combination gives graduates a real edge in the admissions process.

Career Options for Kinesiology Majors

While many kinesiology majors pursue physical therapy, it is far from the only option. This degree stands out for its versatility across fast-growing fields in health, fitness, and human performance.

Students may choose to gain work experience before graduate study or pursue a different professional direction. Kinesiology provides pathways to meaningful and well-paying careers in both cases. Some of the most common kinesiology career paths include:

Athletic training and sports performance

Employment of athletic trainers is projected to grow 11% by 2034, much faster than average. ⁴ Kinesiology graduates are well prepared for graduate study in athletic training or roles in sports science and performance analytics.

Occupational therapy

The field of occupational therapy is expected to grow 14% by 2034, adding over 12,000 new jobs nationwide. ⁵ Kinesiology provides the anatomy, physiology, and movement science foundation that OT graduate programs value.

Strength and conditioning coaching

With rising demand for specialized trainers in schools, fitness facilities, and professional sports, kinesiology majors often transition into roles designing performance programs for athletes or general populations.

Health and wellness careers

The global wellness market surpassed $5.6 trillion in 2022 and continues to expand, creating opportunities in corporate wellness, community health, and preventative care. ⁶

Recreation and fitness management

As organizations invest in health-focused initiatives, opportunities for program directors and fitness managers continue to grow.

Corporate wellness programs

More companies are prioritizing employee well-being, and demand for wellness professionals is rising. A 2025 industry survey found that 77% of employees believe workplace wellness programs have a positive impact on their organizations. ⁷ This recognition makes corporate wellness a growing area where kinesiology graduates can improve both health outcomes and organizational culture.

Career flexibility makes kinesiology one of the smartest undergraduate choices. You will be well prepared for PT school, but you will also graduate with in-demand skills that already apply across healthcare, fitness, and wellness sectors. With the online Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from NMSU Global Campus, you can prepare for multiple career paths while keeping graduate study an option for the future.

Build Your Physical Therapy (PT) Career Foundation with NMSU Global Campus

New Mexico State University has a long history of preparing students to make an impact in health, science, and human performance. That same commitment is now available through NMSU Global Campus — a fully online format designed for busy students who want to qualify for kinesiology careers without putting life on hold.

The online Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology is built with pre-physical therapy students in mind. Students can expect:

• Core science courses: Complete anatomy, physiology, and exercise science courses that meet PT school prerequisites.
• Applied coursework: Coursework in biomechanics, movement science, and virtual lab-based learning mirrors PT practice and provides applied experience.
• Flexible online learning: Students at NMSU Global Campus can prepare for graduate school while balancing work, family, and other commitments.

This kinesiology bachelor’s program also offers career versatility. Whether you continue into a DPT program or move into athletic training, wellness promotion, occupational therapy, or another health-related career, you will graduate with skills that are in demand across multiple industries. At NMSU Global Campus, you are doing more than earning a degree. You’re building the foundation for a rewarding future in health and rehabilitation.

References

1. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Physical Therapists.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 28 August 2025.

2.  “Five most common undergraduate degrees among Doctor of Physical Therapy program applicants.” Online Physical Therapy Programs, last updated September 2023.

3.  “Best physical therapy schools: Acceptance Rate Comparison.” College Tuition Compare, 2025.

4.  “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Athletic Trainers.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 28 August 2025.

5. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Occupational Therapists.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 28 August 2025.

6. McGroarty, B. “The Global Wellness Economy Reaches a Record $5.6 Trillion — And It’s Forecast to Hit $8.5 Trillion by 2027.” Global Wellness Institute, 7 November 2023.

7. Gordon, C. “50+ Critical Workplace Wellness Statistics of 2025.” Recruiters Line Up, 7 May 2025.