5 answers
Ghassan
Student
Spring, Texas
1
Question
Updated
615 views
What are all the steps needed in order to become a physical therapist, and what are the different routes I can take to become one?
Is there any short cuts I can take, or anything I should look out for?
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5 answers
Loryn Studer
Doctor of Physical Therapy
6
Answers
Bend, Oregon
Updated
Loryn’s Answer
Just want to clarify becoming a PTA is not a step towards becoming a DPT. A physical therapy assistant is a professional who works with a doctor of physical therapy in order to treat patients. A PTA can perform treatments and daily appointments on their own where as a DPT will evaluate, diagnose, and treat a patient. To become a PTA you go to PTA school which is not just half or part of DPT school. You will need to go back to school to become a DPT if you choose to become one after becoming a PTA. A PTA is a wonderful career option that’s give you the opportunity to treat patients without the documentation burden of evaluating and diagnosing. Things to consider would be the pay is less than a DPT and the autonomy as a provider is also less. Be wary of anything that seems like a short cut. Think critically when evaluating DPT programs and have a genuine pros and cons list if you consider a hybrid program. Remember the training you are receiving is the foundation of your career which determines the connections you’ll make, the skill set you’ll have, and thus the opportunities you’ll have.
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ghassan !
Yes, you should look out for anyone suggesting that you short cut or modify the correct path to becoming a Physical Therapist.
Being a Physical Therapist is a very serious career, one in which you work directly on bodies of people who have been ill or injured. There is no way to fast track or short cut this education and the clinicals a student needs to qualify as a Physical Therapist. There's a lot to learn and if you do not like school very much, this career may not be for you. There are also no various different routes for this career, only one.
It takes 7 years in Texas to become a Physical Therapist. That means doing a four year Bachelors Degree and a three year Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. This is a very profound path with lots to learn, so if it doesn't sound like something you'd want, you can decide if it may not be for you. Your Bachelors Degree should be in Exercise Science, Anatomy, Biology, or Biochemistry which will enable the Doctoral program to go smoothly for you. During your Bachelors, you would have to take the prerequisites for the Doctoral Program which are courses in Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Statistics, and Medical Terminology. It is a heavy path, but if you are doing great in the life sciences in high school, you should be fine with more advance courses in college.
To gain some insight about the path and career, I have left some links below to videos that may be informative for you and something to consider about the education and career for Physical Therapy. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best in all you do !
THOUGHTS ON PHYSICAL THERAPY SCHOOL https://youtu.be/6MSGo3MEyEo?si=dRJ6Zc59xaQKpx1F
PROS AND CONS OF BEING A PHYSICAL THERAPIST https://youtu.be/ddqDUxU3H_s?si=SCJCcNYfsUtDnd52
WHAT IT'S LIKE BEING A PHYSICAL THERAPY STUDENT https://youtu.be/ZykwuUQAFC4?si=4JCZoR2XrSx7AONp
WHAT IT'S LIKE IN A PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM https://youtu.be/h6BHTPbk4N0?si=k6pfxMSxkz6wNbDZ
Yes, you should look out for anyone suggesting that you short cut or modify the correct path to becoming a Physical Therapist.
Being a Physical Therapist is a very serious career, one in which you work directly on bodies of people who have been ill or injured. There is no way to fast track or short cut this education and the clinicals a student needs to qualify as a Physical Therapist. There's a lot to learn and if you do not like school very much, this career may not be for you. There are also no various different routes for this career, only one.
It takes 7 years in Texas to become a Physical Therapist. That means doing a four year Bachelors Degree and a three year Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. This is a very profound path with lots to learn, so if it doesn't sound like something you'd want, you can decide if it may not be for you. Your Bachelors Degree should be in Exercise Science, Anatomy, Biology, or Biochemistry which will enable the Doctoral program to go smoothly for you. During your Bachelors, you would have to take the prerequisites for the Doctoral Program which are courses in Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Statistics, and Medical Terminology. It is a heavy path, but if you are doing great in the life sciences in high school, you should be fine with more advance courses in college.
To gain some insight about the path and career, I have left some links below to videos that may be informative for you and something to consider about the education and career for Physical Therapy. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best in all you do !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Nimi Patel
Physical Therapist
8
Answers
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
Nimi’s Answer
Becoming a physical therapist requires a lot of schooling. You’ll need a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, which takes about 3 years after earning a bachelor’s degree (which is typically 4 years) so that is about 7 additional years of schooling. Then, there is the National Physical Therapy Exam to pass and become licensed through the board of the state you work in. However, there are some programs that offer an “accelerated” track or “early assurance” as a freshman in undergrad. These would also be called 3+3 programs or 4+2 programs. I will add some links to those below to explore as that would be the only “shortcut” option, but keep in mind they are meant to be more rigorous because they are condensing the information into a smaller period of time (like 2 years instead of 3 years). Also, be sure to double check that the programs are accredited. As of right now, the 3 listed below are for the year.
If you like the idea of working in physical therapy but are looking for a shorter or less rigorous path, you can become a physical therapist assistant. PTAs complete a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree and must also pass a national exam for licensure.
A related field is occupational therapy. Occupational therapists help people regain independence in daily activities, and they need a Master of Occupational Therapy degree, which takes about 2-3 years after a bachelor’s degree. Graduates must pass the national exam and get licensed through the board as well.
If you’re interested in fitness but not formal therapy or rehabilitation, you can pursue a career as an exercise physiologist or kinesiologist, which requires a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or exercise science. This role doesn’t require state licensure in Texas, but national certifications like ACSM or NSCA are optional. You could also become a personal trainer through this route.
Finally, rehabilitation aides or physical therapy aides need only a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training. It’s an excellent entry-level position for anyone wanting experience in a clinical rehab setting before committing to more schooling. This would be a great option in order to learn more about the field of physical therapy and view the clinic or hospital environments.
https://franklinpierce.edu/academics/programs/health-science/docs/dpt-pathway.html
https://www.westminster.edu/academics/schools/pre-health/4-2-3-physical-therapy.cfm
https://www.su.edu/admissions/future-first-year/application-information/early-assurance-pathway-application-requirements/physical-therapy-early-assurance-pathway-ea-dpt/
If you like the idea of working in physical therapy but are looking for a shorter or less rigorous path, you can become a physical therapist assistant. PTAs complete a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree and must also pass a national exam for licensure.
A related field is occupational therapy. Occupational therapists help people regain independence in daily activities, and they need a Master of Occupational Therapy degree, which takes about 2-3 years after a bachelor’s degree. Graduates must pass the national exam and get licensed through the board as well.
If you’re interested in fitness but not formal therapy or rehabilitation, you can pursue a career as an exercise physiologist or kinesiologist, which requires a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or exercise science. This role doesn’t require state licensure in Texas, but national certifications like ACSM or NSCA are optional. You could also become a personal trainer through this route.
Finally, rehabilitation aides or physical therapy aides need only a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training. It’s an excellent entry-level position for anyone wanting experience in a clinical rehab setting before committing to more schooling. This would be a great option in order to learn more about the field of physical therapy and view the clinic or hospital environments.
Nimi recommends the following next steps:
Ping C
Librarian
14
Answers
Worcester, Massachusetts
Updated
Ping’s Answer
Dear Ghassan,
Becoming a physical therapist usually takes about seven years. First, you earn a bachelor’s degree in a field like biology or exercise science and complete science courses such as anatomy, chemistry, and physics. Then you apply to a three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, where you study body movement, treatment methods, and complete clinical training with real patients. After graduation, you must pass a national exam to get licensed.
Some people start as physical therapist assistants (PTAs), which takes about two years, and later continue their education to become PTs. Others choose combined “3+3” programs that let them earn both degrees faster. Though the path takes time, it leads to a rewarding career helping people recover and move better.
Read more here at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm#tab-4
Becoming a physical therapist usually takes about seven years. First, you earn a bachelor’s degree in a field like biology or exercise science and complete science courses such as anatomy, chemistry, and physics. Then you apply to a three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, where you study body movement, treatment methods, and complete clinical training with real patients. After graduation, you must pass a national exam to get licensed.
Some people start as physical therapist assistants (PTAs), which takes about two years, and later continue their education to become PTs. Others choose combined “3+3” programs that let them earn both degrees faster. Though the path takes time, it leads to a rewarding career helping people recover and move better.
Read more here at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm#tab-4
Jane Akinyemi
Lecturer
21
Answers
Salem, Massachusetts
Updated
Jane’s Answer
Hi Ghassan
Here are a few points to note in becoming a physical therapist:
Strategies to Speed Up Your Path to Becoming a Physical Therapist
1, Pick the Right College Major
2. Choose a major like kinesiology or biology that meets DPT prerequisites to avoid taking extra courses later.
3. Take Advanced Courses in High School
4. If your college accepts them, AP or IB courses can reduce your workload or help you graduate sooner.
5. Apply to Combined Undergraduate and DPT Programs
6. These programs let you study both degrees at once, saving time and securing your spot early.
7. Shadow Physical Therapists Early
8. Many programs require observing therapists. Start early to meet this requirement and strengthen your application.
9. Volunteer or Work in Healthcare
10. Gaining experience shows your commitment and helps prepare you for the field.
11. Apply Carefully
12. Use the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) to apply to multiple programs efficiently.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Missing Course Requirements
2. Check each program’s prerequisites before applying to ensure you meet all requirements.
3. Low GPA or GRE Scores
4. Aim to exceed the minimum scores for better chances of acceptance.
5. Delaying Observation Hours
6. Arrange and complete these hours early, as they can take time to set up.
7. Not Considering Program Fit
8. Think about location, cost, curriculum style, and clinical opportunities, not just rankings.
9. Make sure the program is accredited by CAPTE. Without accreditation, you cannot get licensed as a physical therapist.
I hope these work.
Wishing you all the best
Dr. Jane Akinyemi
Here are a few points to note in becoming a physical therapist:
Strategies to Speed Up Your Path to Becoming a Physical Therapist
1, Pick the Right College Major
2. Choose a major like kinesiology or biology that meets DPT prerequisites to avoid taking extra courses later.
3. Take Advanced Courses in High School
4. If your college accepts them, AP or IB courses can reduce your workload or help you graduate sooner.
5. Apply to Combined Undergraduate and DPT Programs
6. These programs let you study both degrees at once, saving time and securing your spot early.
7. Shadow Physical Therapists Early
8. Many programs require observing therapists. Start early to meet this requirement and strengthen your application.
9. Volunteer or Work in Healthcare
10. Gaining experience shows your commitment and helps prepare you for the field.
11. Apply Carefully
12. Use the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) to apply to multiple programs efficiently.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Missing Course Requirements
2. Check each program’s prerequisites before applying to ensure you meet all requirements.
3. Low GPA or GRE Scores
4. Aim to exceed the minimum scores for better chances of acceptance.
5. Delaying Observation Hours
6. Arrange and complete these hours early, as they can take time to set up.
7. Not Considering Program Fit
8. Think about location, cost, curriculum style, and clinical opportunities, not just rankings.
9. Make sure the program is accredited by CAPTE. Without accreditation, you cannot get licensed as a physical therapist.
I hope these work.
Wishing you all the best
Dr. Jane Akinyemi