3 answers
Micale
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
Asked
555 views
whats the best collage to go to, to learn about physical therapy
i'm 16 and i'm not sure if i wanna go to collage but if i do end up going i want to become a physical therapist. #physical
Login to comment
3 answers
Brooke Williams
2
Answers
Updated
Brooke’s Answer
There are many universities that have great PT programs. Going to an in-state public college/university will be the cheapest option (very important to keep student debt low because PTs don't have very high salaries). Some options for getting into PT:
1. Assistant Physical Therapist - This requires an associate degree (2 years full time) and passing the National Physical Therapy Examination
2. Physical Therapist - This requires an undergraduate (4 years full time) and graduate (3 years full time) to get your Doctor of Physical Therapy License
1. Assistant Physical Therapist - This requires an associate degree (2 years full time) and passing the National Physical Therapy Examination
2. Physical Therapist - This requires an undergraduate (4 years full time) and graduate (3 years full time) to get your Doctor of Physical Therapy License
Marsha Hill
Technical Project Management Consultant
3
Answers
Northborough, Massachusetts
Updated
Marsha’s Answer
First thing, college is not for everyone, there are many examples of folks who lead happy, productive and successful lives who never went to college.
My pre-teen daughter attended a clinic where she was asked to:
1) write down what kind of car she would like to have and what kind of home she would like (a dream list).
2) the instructor wrote down the price of both items and how much yearly salary you need to buy, lease or rent the items.
3) my daughter decided that realistically WNBA players don't make enough to support the lifestyle she wanted, marrying someone rich was a longshot ---> she needed to be a licensed trade person, hustle really hard in sales or go to college for 6 years to get what she wanted.
If you're unsure but definitely think you want to do something related to physical therapy...volunteer or reach out to a few adults locally who are physical therapists during school breaks. I've picked up the phone in the past and said... "Hi, this is not a sales call...I am a student looking for a mentor or an informational interview with you. When is a good time for us to have a 15-30min conversation so that I can ask some questions?)
College is an expensive mental and financial investment do some research before you decide. Many places now require you to earn a PhD. to fully practice physical therapy.
My pre-teen daughter attended a clinic where she was asked to:
1) write down what kind of car she would like to have and what kind of home she would like (a dream list).
2) the instructor wrote down the price of both items and how much yearly salary you need to buy, lease or rent the items.
3) my daughter decided that realistically WNBA players don't make enough to support the lifestyle she wanted, marrying someone rich was a longshot ---> she needed to be a licensed trade person, hustle really hard in sales or go to college for 6 years to get what she wanted.
If you're unsure but definitely think you want to do something related to physical therapy...volunteer or reach out to a few adults locally who are physical therapists during school breaks. I've picked up the phone in the past and said... "Hi, this is not a sales call...I am a student looking for a mentor or an informational interview with you. When is a good time for us to have a 15-30min conversation so that I can ask some questions?)
College is an expensive mental and financial investment do some research before you decide. Many places now require you to earn a PhD. to fully practice physical therapy.
Beth Burgess PT, MS, GCS
Physical Therapist
56
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Beth’s Answer
Physical Therapy is a very rewarding job with lots of opportunities. It requires 7 years of college with high grades and community involvement.
You need to choose an undergraduate college to get your bachelor’s degree - usually in biology, kinesiology or related science. However, if you watch your prerequisites, you can major in anything. I have friends who were psychology, and dance majors.
Physical Therapy school is a graduate level study and you will graduate with a DPT. MnAPTA.org lists 5 programs in Mn, and LaCrosse,Wi and Iowa have good programs. All schools have to offer the same classes and pass the same inspection by thePT association. So you get an excellent education at any of the schools. There is not one best school for PT, Some schools are stronger with sports and orthopedic classes, some are stronger with stroke, brain, spine injury and some with pediatric classes. Consider what type of clients you would love to work with. Spend some volunteer time at various therapy clinics to help you choose, and ask your local PT’s which college is strongest in your favorite subject.
Explore MnAPTA.org for programs on Mn
Volunteer or observe at various therapy clinics to help decide if you like it.
Keep your grades up
You need to choose an undergraduate college to get your bachelor’s degree - usually in biology, kinesiology or related science. However, if you watch your prerequisites, you can major in anything. I have friends who were psychology, and dance majors.
Physical Therapy school is a graduate level study and you will graduate with a DPT. MnAPTA.org lists 5 programs in Mn, and LaCrosse,Wi and Iowa have good programs. All schools have to offer the same classes and pass the same inspection by thePT association. So you get an excellent education at any of the schools. There is not one best school for PT, Some schools are stronger with sports and orthopedic classes, some are stronger with stroke, brain, spine injury and some with pediatric classes. Consider what type of clients you would love to work with. Spend some volunteer time at various therapy clinics to help you choose, and ask your local PT’s which college is strongest in your favorite subject.
Beth recommends the following next steps: