As a current second-year student at the University of Iowa, I’m studying Human Physiology on the Pre-PT track. My academic journey is not just about textbooks and exams—it’s about understanding the intricacies of the human body, preparing for a meaningful career, and embracing a path of lifelong learning.
What is Human Physiology?
Human Physiology is the study of how humans function, from maintaining basic life processes, playing extensive sports, or overcoming an injury. The Human Physiology B.S. prepares students for pre-health professional careers or even research through rigorous coursework. It certainly isn’t an easy degree, but it helps prepare you for success in grad school programs. I specifically chose this major because I wanted to go to Physical Therapy school post-grad, and the classes you take help prepare you.
What do you learn?
Required Courses: Human Physiology requires you to take a full year of biology, chemistry, and physics, along with a full semester of calculus and stats. If you have any questions regarding specific courses, you can look at a degree audit or on the HHP website.
Electives: Human Physiology also requires you to pick 18 semester hours worth of specific electives, ranging from cell biology to animal biology. These courses can help you learn what types of research you might be interested in while in undergrad.
Pre-PT Prerequisites: In addition to your major, pre-health students are required to take prerequisites in courses such as biology, psychology, and chemistry in order to apply to their respective programs. Fortunately, most of these courses align/overlap with many science-related degrees.
Why Pre-PT?
The Pre-PT track is a unique opportunity to prepare for graduate school while tailoring my undergraduate experience toward my ultimate goal: becoming a physical therapist. This track guides me in fulfilling prerequisites for PT school, like shadowing hours and coursework in areas like physics and statistics. The structure ensures I stay on track while developing skills that will serve me well in patient care.
Experiences Outside of the Classroom
Experiential Learning: HHP at UIowa provides resources to help guide you in future career paths, whether that’s shadowing with health professionals, volunteering in the community, or working with UIHC.
Study Abroad: Human Physiology majors have plenty of study abroad opportunities that allow them to explore what health care is like outside of the US.
Leadership Roles: Not only is Human Physiology heavily science-related, but faculty at UIowa encourage you to explore leadership opportunities outside of your comfort zone, that tailor to your unique interests, and overall make you a well-rounded student.
What’s Next for Me?
As I work through my courses and hands-on experiences, I’m excited about what lies ahead. From applying to PT schools to exploring specialties like sports rehab or pediatric therapy, the possibilities are endless. Studying Human Physiology on the Pre-PT track at Iowa has been both rewarding and inspiring—it’s a journey that continues to challenge me to grow academically, personally, and professionally.