Maria
What all do I need to do to become a physical therapist?
I've researched this topic quite a bit, but most of what I've found has been confusing. I'm the kind of person who likes a checklist, but the information I've gathered for this is all catty-wompus! (Excuse my old sayings...) #career-choice #physical-therapist #physical-therapy
4 answers
Brendon Larsen, PTA
Brendon’s Answer
"Catty-Wompus" should absolutely become commonplace again.
Alright, so this is the breakdown of how you become a Physical Therapist in the USA.
<h1>1. Choose (and complete) a Bachelor's degree.</h1>
There is no specific degree that you have to earn but there is a list of pre-requisite courses that you'll be required to complete. The exact prerequisites vary by school but generally it involves the following:
* 2 psychology courses
* 2 physics courses
* 2 chemistry courses
* 2 anatomy and physiology courses
It's really common to see undergraduates earn degrees such as Biology, Chemistry, Nursing, Public Health or Exercise Physiology since most of those courses would be included in any one of those majors. However, you can major in Theatre, Dance, Business Management, or Healthcare Administration if you like and then use your electives for these courses. (Almost every major dance or theater company will have a Physical Therapist that they contract with, so getting a bachelor's in that field wouldn't be horrible.)
<h1>2. Apply for graduate school.</h1>
In addition to your prerequisites you'll need to take the GRE (basically the ACT for grad school), "shadow" physical therapists for 50-150 hours (depending on the school -- if you find work as a physical therapist technician then the hours are easy), write and essay and interview with admissions.
<h1>3. Graduate with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.</h1>
This is the part that confuses a lot of people: by the year 2020 every physical therapy program in the USA is required to be converted to a three-year doctorate program. You're not required to earn a Master's degree first, so schooling should only be seven years total (4 for your Bachelor's and 3 for your DPT.)
<h1>4. Be an awesome therapist!!!</h1>
UPDATE Here are sources that I think you'll find useful:
http://www.ptcas.org/Directory/ (most but not all schools use PTCAS for applying to grad school, you'll be able to find a list of different schools in each state as well as what each school requires. A summary sheet can be found here: http://www.ptcas.org/uploadedFiles/PTCASorg/Directory/Prerequisites/PTCASCoursePreReqsSummary.pdf)
https://www.sacredheart.edu/academics/collegeofhealthprofessions/academicprograms/physicaltherapy/33physicaltherapyoption/ (this is one of a few programs that have begun offering 3+3 programs in physical therapy. Basically, if you do your undergraduate at the same school where you want to end up studying physical therapy, you can skip a year. This was the first result when I googled "DPT 3+3 programs")
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Embarking on a Career as a Physical Therapist: An In-Depth Guide
1. Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree:
Kickstart your journey to becoming a physical therapist by securing a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution. While no specific major is mandatory for admission into physical therapy courses, it's advisable to concentrate on subjects like biology, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and other related scientific disciplines.
2. Accumulate Experience:
Garnering experience in the realm of physical therapy is crucial. You can do this by volunteering or securing employment in healthcare environments. Such experience not only bolsters your application but also equips you with invaluable insights into the profession.
3. Undertake a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program:
To obtain your license as a physical therapist, you need to finish a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program from an institution accredited by CAPTE. These programs generally span three years and encompass both classroom learning and clinical rotations.
4. Clear the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE):
Post your graduation from a DPT program, you'll need to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to secure your license to practice as a physical therapist. This test measures your understanding and abilities in the domain of physical therapy.
5. Secure State Licensure:
After successfully passing the NPTE, you'll have to apply for state licensure in the state where you intend to practice as a physical therapist. Each state has unique requirements for licensure, so it's crucial to investigate and meet those prerequisites.
6. Ponder Specialization:
While it's not compulsory, numerous physical therapists opt to specialize in fields like orthopedics, sports therapy, neurology, or pediatrics. Specialization can augment your career prospects and enable you to concentrate on specific patient groups or conditions.
7. Engage in Continuing Education:
To retain your license and remain updated in the physical therapy field, you should engage in continuing education programs and activities. This ensures that you're abreast with the latest progressions and optimal practices in the profession.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Referenced in Answering this Question:
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): APTA is a premier professional body for physical therapists in the United States. Their website offers valuable data on educational prerequisites, licensing processes, and career growth in physical therapy.
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE): CAPTE is the accrediting body for physical therapy education courses in the United States. Their website provides comprehensive information on accredited DPT programs and licensure prerequisites.
Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT): FSBPT supervises the NPTE and state licensure for physical therapists. Their website offers vital resources on exam registration, licensing processes, and regulatory updates in the field of physical therapy.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Morgan Sarver
Morgan’s Answer
It can be super confusing to truly understand all the requirements. As previously mentioned you will first need a bachelors degree. Although the previous writer is correct that there is no specific degree required, each graduate school actually has different prerequisite requirements. Most of the core classes are the same but there are often a few differences with other classes. A great place to refer to for those requirements is here: http://ptcasdirectory.apta.org/39/List-of-PTCAS-Programs
Some examples of degrees myself and classmates had from undergrad were:neuroscience, pre-PT/allied health, biology, kinesiology, athletic training, exercise science, pre-med, chemistry, physics, etc.
In your last year of undergraduate studies you will start applying to PT school. This can be the really confusing part. I recommend using the site above to look at what the typical acceptance rates are for each school to see where you fit in. It is expensive apply so I would try to narrow down which schools you like and think you have a good chance of getting into.
Another thing to mention is some colleges have programs where if you commit to doing physical therapy school with them, you can accelerate the process and complete it within 6 years instead of 7. This will also save you the hassle of having to apply to programs if you like your program.
Hope this helps! Happy to be of further assistance should you need it!
Lindsey Manning-Djabbari
Lindsey’s Answer
Here's a great Q&A thread about the path to a career in physical therapy here on CareerVillage.org: https://www.careervillage.org/questions/14631/what-type-of-education-do-you-need-to-become-a-physical-therapist?page=1#14931. Tons of terrific advice here about the education you need to become a physical therapist. I hope it helps!