4 answers
Daniel
Student
Norwalk, Connecticut
1
Question
Updated
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What is the best path towards becoming a physical therapist ?
I am a first-year freshman who is attending the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. I am in the exercise science program here at this institution, and my plan is to complete a Doctorate of Physical Therapy to be able to be a physical therapist for athletes
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4 answers
Rebecca Kollmorgen
physical therapy
31
Answers
North Hampton, New Hampshire
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
I agree with Linda's answer, every school is different. I am familiar with your university, they offer PT, why don't you start by checking your school website and talking to an academic counselor about the program? The sooner you transfer into the PT program, the easier.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Daniel
Donna Calvert, PT, PhD
physical therapist
68
Answers
Mission, Kansas
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Here are some suggestions re: preparing for PT grad school as an undergrad:
1. Identify NOW the PT schools you are interested in attending. Be aware of each of their program’s pre-requisites and any national testing required (e.g. GRE). Make sure you are tracking to complete those pre-requisites before applying to PT schools.
2. Make yourself study or work on assignments in between undergrad classes and develop efficient study methods. (see your college’s learning center for study techniques)
3. Attain your highest GPA possible, especially in sciences.
4. Apply to more than one PT school.
5. As of 2020, the American PT Association has required the entry level degree to practice to be at the DPT or clinical doctorate level. Unless you want an additional degree such as an MBA, the standard is to move from a completed undergrad degree directly into a DPT program.
6. Become familiar with the APTA website. (APTA.org)
Good luck!
1. Identify NOW the PT schools you are interested in attending. Be aware of each of their program’s pre-requisites and any national testing required (e.g. GRE). Make sure you are tracking to complete those pre-requisites before applying to PT schools.
2. Make yourself study or work on assignments in between undergrad classes and develop efficient study methods. (see your college’s learning center for study techniques)
3. Attain your highest GPA possible, especially in sciences.
4. Apply to more than one PT school.
5. As of 2020, the American PT Association has required the entry level degree to practice to be at the DPT or clinical doctorate level. Unless you want an additional degree such as an MBA, the standard is to move from a completed undergrad degree directly into a DPT program.
6. Become familiar with the APTA website. (APTA.org)
Good luck!
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Daniel
Jane Akinyemi
Lecturer
36
Answers
Salem, Massachusetts
Updated
Jane’s Answer
Hi Daniel,
You are headed on the right path. I also agree with all the previous answers. Just to reiterate and highlight further that, if you want to become a physical therapist who works with athletes, you need to take the right courses in college, spend time in clinics, and then go for a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. After that, you can choose a sports specialization if you want to dig deeper.
At UMass Lowell, the Exercise Science program sets you up perfectly for this path. Honestly, you’re already headed in the right direction with this track. If you pick Clinical or Strength & Conditioning as your concentration, you’ll cover everything a physical therapist needs. You’ll build a solid base in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. You’ll get plenty of hands-on lab experience, meet all the DPT requirements, and actually see how athlete performance and injury prevention work in the real world.
Wishing you all the best
Dr. Jane Akinyemi
You are headed on the right path. I also agree with all the previous answers. Just to reiterate and highlight further that, if you want to become a physical therapist who works with athletes, you need to take the right courses in college, spend time in clinics, and then go for a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. After that, you can choose a sports specialization if you want to dig deeper.
At UMass Lowell, the Exercise Science program sets you up perfectly for this path. Honestly, you’re already headed in the right direction with this track. If you pick Clinical or Strength & Conditioning as your concentration, you’ll cover everything a physical therapist needs. You’ll build a solid base in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. You’ll get plenty of hands-on lab experience, meet all the DPT requirements, and actually see how athlete performance and injury prevention work in the real world.
Wishing you all the best
Dr. Jane Akinyemi
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Daniel
Linda Thunn, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
26
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Linda’s Answer
Hi Daniel,
Check the requirements for each PT program you want to apply to and include those classes in your current BS. Since program requirements differ, knowing them will help you succeed.
Check the requirements for each PT program you want to apply to and include those classes in your current BS. Since program requirements differ, knowing them will help you succeed.
Thank you so much!
Daniel