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Pre-College Summer Programs
Rutgers logo
Pre-College Summer Programs
Rutgers logo
Pre-College Summer Programs
Rutgers logo
Pre-College Summer Programs
Students stretching on yoga mats

Physical Therapy Summer Academy

Are you thinking about a career in physical therapy?

Learn about the exciting field of physical therapy and the Exercise Science major that provides an ideal track to the Rutgers' Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Graduate Program through this credit-bearing intensive academy.

Students in the Physical Therapy Summer Academy will receive advice on how to prepare for this growing field from academic advisors and professionals in the field. Students will tour the Functional Human Anatomy Labs and visit the Rutgers DPT Graduate Program Campus.

  • Earn 1.5 college credits upon completion in the academy
  • Gain perspective and exposure to the field of physical therapy
  • Learn about the wide range of career opportunities available
  • Receive an overview of undergraduate coursework
  • Engage with professionals and current DPT students

Academy Overview

Who
Students completing their sophomore and junior year, ages 16 to 18 by Summer 2026

What
A residential, in-person program to learn about physical therapy through academic lessons & hands-on experiences

When
Week I: July 12 - July 18, 2026
Week II: July 26 - August 1, 2026

Where
Rutgers–New Brunswick in New Jersey

Additional Benefits

Students will earn 1.5 college credits through the course, 01:377:144 Foundations of Kinesiology and Health, and a Rutgers Pre-College Digital Badge credential, upon completion of the Physical Therapy Academy.

Application Information

Daily Sample Schedule

Below is the sample schedule for a student in the Physical Therapy Academy.

*Evening student life activities will consist of a variety of different events, such as a movie night at the Rutgers Cinema, arts and crafts events, sports, and more. All activities are supervised by a residential or program assistant.

  • Students will move into their on-campus residential dorm.

  • 8:00amBreakfast
    9:00amWelcome Orientation
    • Introductions, Ice Breaker, Activity
    11:00amLecture: 
    Introduction to Physical Therapy
    12:00pmLunch
    1:00pmGuest Speaker Lecture:
    Kinesiology & Health Department
    2:00pmLecture: 
    Preparing for Physical Therapy
    3:00pmLecture: 
    Foundations of Kinesiology & Health
    4:30pmGroup Project preparation
    5:00pmDinner 
    6:00pmCultural/recreational activity
  • 8:00amBreakfast
    9:00amBusch Campus:
    Exercise Class
    Gym Tour - Werblin Fitness Center
    11:00amBus back to College Avenue Campus
    12:00pmLunch
    1:00pmLecture:
    DPT 4+3 Program
    2:00pmGuest Speaker Lecture: 
    Current Rutgers Exercise Science Student
    3:00pmLecture: 
    Foundations of Kinesiology & Health
    4:30pmGroup Project preparation
    5:00pmDinner
    6:00pmCultural/recreational activity 
  • 8:00amBreakfast
    9:00amGuest Speaker Lecture:
    Outpatient Physical Therapist
    10:00amGroup Activity:
    Physical Therapy Theraband Challenge
    11:00amGuest Speaker Lecture:
    Travel Physical Therapist
    12:00pmLunch
    1:00pmPhysical Therapy Case Study & Discussion
    2:00pmGroup Activity: 
    PT Goniometer Lab
    3:00pmLecture: 
    Foundations of Kinesiology & Health
    4:30pmGroup Project preparation
    5:00pmDinner 
    6:00pmCultural/recreational activity
  • 7:30amBreakfast 
    8:00amField Trip to Rutgers–Newark
    Rutgers Doctorate of Physical Therapy Newark Graduate Program
    Rutgers School of Health Professions
    12:00pmLunch upon return
    1:00pmGroup Activity:
    PT Exercises
    2:00pmGuest Speaker Lecture: 
    Acute Care Physical Therapist 
    3:00pmLecture: 
    Foundations of Kinesiology & Health
    4:30pmGroup Project preparation
    5:00pmDinner 
    6:00pmCultural/recreational activity 
  • 8:00amBreakfast 
    9:00amHuman Cadaver Lab
    Anatomy Lab
    11:30amReturn to College Avenue campus
    12:00pmLunch
    1:00pmVideo and Discussion:
    Physical Therapy Initial Evaluation
    2:00pmGuest Speaker Lecture: 
    Pediatric PT
    3:00pmGroup Project Presentations
    Foundations Course Review and Wrap Up
    5:00pmBreak to get ready for dinner and ceremony
    6:00pmDinner & Certificate Ceremony

  • Students will move out of their on-campus residential dorm.

Physical Therapy Academy Gallery

Students looking at an organ in the Human Anatomy lab
Instructor showing physical therapy theraband exercises
Students in an exercise cardio class
Student looking at an organ in the Human Anatomy lab
Students during a Physical Therapy exercises practice
Students in the Human Anatomy lab
Students practicing physical therapy exercises
Students in the Human Anatomy lab
Student practicing physical therapy theraband exercises
Students in the Human Anatomy lab
Students practicing physical therapy exercises with instructor
Students practicing physical therapy exercises
Students looking at the brain in the cadaver lab
Students talking to their instructor
Students in the cadaver lab
Instructor showing physical therapy exercises
Students performing exercises
Students performing an exercise in front of class
Students demonstrating physical therapy exercises
Student trying out a physical therapy demo

Next Steps

Dates and Deadlines
Program Costs
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