5 answers
losah
Student
Florence, South Carolina
1
Question
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Physical therapy
What are ways to become a physical therapist ?
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5 answers
Donna Calvert, PT, PhD
physical therapist
58
Answers
Mission, Kansas
Updated
Donna’s Answer
To become a PT in the United States, you will need to complete an undergrad degree, usually taking 4 years. Then you can apply to PT schools that will then be an additional 2.5-3 years finishing with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. A DPT is the "entry-level" degree needed to practice physical therapy. Some schools that have DPT programs have "bridge" programs for those who get undergrad degrees at the same school that may decrease the time by a semester or two but often a student has to pre-qualify for those programs and adhere to GPA requirements to keep that pre-qualification. After completing the educational training, you must pass an exam to practice PT in the state in which you want to live.
This sounds like a lot of time, and it is, but it is SO worth it!
This sounds like a lot of time, and it is, but it is SO worth it!
Hey Donna, I appreciate your response. I Want to focus on helping people just like how my therapist did with me and help people reach certain strengths they didn't know they had. I Really Love the fact that you took your precious time to answer my question!
losah
chloe watkins
COTA
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
chloe’s Answer
A PT here in Texas is a required Doctorates. Go to community college and get a basic associates and bachelors degree with the pre reqs needed to get into PT school (a & p I and II, etc)
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
losah
Emma Verde
Physical Therapist
171
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
Emma’s Answer
Hi Losah,
First, you'll need a bachelor's degree, and this is often in a related field like biology or kinesiology (though it doesn't have to be). You just have to make sure you fulfill prerequisite coursework in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and physics. Subsequently, apply and enroll in a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). These intensive three-year programs blend classroom instruction with hands-on clinical rotations, covering topics ranging from biomechanics to patient care.
During your DPT program, you'll engage in essential clinical experiences, allowing you to gain practical skills and exposure to real patient care settings under the guidance of licensed physical therapists. After graduation, you have to secure state licensure, a process that typically involves passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). Some states may impose additional state-specific requirements. Ongoing professional development is crucial, including pursuing optional specializations and fulfilling continuing education requirements for license renewal. With their DPT degree and licensure, you'll start your career as physical therapist, working in diverse healthcare settings to help patients improve their mobility, manage pain, and enhance their quality of life.
First, you'll need a bachelor's degree, and this is often in a related field like biology or kinesiology (though it doesn't have to be). You just have to make sure you fulfill prerequisite coursework in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and physics. Subsequently, apply and enroll in a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). These intensive three-year programs blend classroom instruction with hands-on clinical rotations, covering topics ranging from biomechanics to patient care.
During your DPT program, you'll engage in essential clinical experiences, allowing you to gain practical skills and exposure to real patient care settings under the guidance of licensed physical therapists. After graduation, you have to secure state licensure, a process that typically involves passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). Some states may impose additional state-specific requirements. Ongoing professional development is crucial, including pursuing optional specializations and fulfilling continuing education requirements for license renewal. With their DPT degree and licensure, you'll start your career as physical therapist, working in diverse healthcare settings to help patients improve their mobility, manage pain, and enhance their quality of life.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
7216
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Iosah,
Here's a roadmap to becoming a physical therapist:
Firstly, you'll need to obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a recognized program. This degree usually takes three years of full-time study and covers subjects like biology, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.
Once you've earned your DPT degree, the next step is acquiring a license to practice in your state. This involves passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and meeting any other state-specific criteria. Some physical therapists opt to gain extra certifications in areas like orthopedics or pediatrics to broaden their expertise.
It's crucial to gain real-world experience through internships or residency programs. This hands-on training allows you to apply your theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.
Maintaining your licensure and staying up-to-date with the latest research and techniques in the field is essential. This can be achieved by completing continuing education courses.
As you gain experience, you might consider advancing your career. This could involve taking on leadership roles in healthcare organizations, starting your own private practice, or even pursuing higher academic degrees like a PhD or DSc to enhance your research and teaching skills.
For more information, you can refer to these authoritative sources:
- "Education & Career Center" by The American Physical Therapy Association
- "Licensure Information" by The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
- "Certification Programs" by The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
May God bless you on your journey!
James Constantine Frangos.
Here's a roadmap to becoming a physical therapist:
Firstly, you'll need to obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a recognized program. This degree usually takes three years of full-time study and covers subjects like biology, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.
Once you've earned your DPT degree, the next step is acquiring a license to practice in your state. This involves passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and meeting any other state-specific criteria. Some physical therapists opt to gain extra certifications in areas like orthopedics or pediatrics to broaden their expertise.
It's crucial to gain real-world experience through internships or residency programs. This hands-on training allows you to apply your theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.
Maintaining your licensure and staying up-to-date with the latest research and techniques in the field is essential. This can be achieved by completing continuing education courses.
As you gain experience, you might consider advancing your career. This could involve taking on leadership roles in healthcare organizations, starting your own private practice, or even pursuing higher academic degrees like a PhD or DSc to enhance your research and teaching skills.
For more information, you can refer to these authoritative sources:
- "Education & Career Center" by The American Physical Therapy Association
- "Licensure Information" by The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
- "Certification Programs" by The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
May God bless you on your journey!
James Constantine Frangos.
Case Saxion
Physical Therapist, Consultant, Advocate
10
Answers
Louisville, Kentucky
Updated
Case’s Answer
Another option is to see if your state offers PTA (Assistant) to DPT (doctorate) bridge programs. PTA license requires an associates degree (usually 2 years) and the job pays well so you can immerse yourself in the profession while saving for a bridge to the doctoral degree. Bridge programs vary in length but are often shorter and more affordable than the traditional 4+3 year path.