The University of Missouri Department of Physical Therapy in the School of Health Professions strives to foster an inclusive and diverse community of people and abilities. We understand the importance of graduating students who not only reflect academic excellence, but also represent the diversity within the communities we serve. Pre-PT Scholars Program (PPS) is a pipeline development program designed to support Mizzou undergraduate students from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds for success in applying to a graduate physical therapy (PT) program. On-campus students who have completed at least one semester of college coursework are encouraged to apply if they meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Economically disadvantaged: low-income designation per the U.S. Department of Education or are eligible for Pell Grants.
• Educationally disadvantaged: first-generation college student defined as none of the student’s parents/guardians with whom they regularly reside have completed a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. university or college.
• Racially/ethnically underrepresented as described by the University of Missouri and the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy and the American Physical Therapy Association.

Undergraduate students selected into the Pre-PT Scholars program receive wrap-around services to help prepare them academically and professionally for PT school.