5 answers
Jeremy
Student
Montville, Connecticut
1
Question
Asked
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Where should I go to college if I want to major in pt?
Top colleges that have a good program for physical therapy or physical training.
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5 answers
Andrea C Wooldridge White, PT, DPT, FPHC, cert. HGP-I
Physical Therapist
7
Answers
Northport, Alabama
Updated
Andrea C Wooldridge’s Answer
The answer depends on what you are looking for. First, look at the NPTE (post-graduate licensure exam) pass rates. When I applied, the school I chose (University of North Georgia) had a 98% first-attempt pass rate, where as the same year statistics for Georgia State University was <50%. You want a program that prepares you to be a licensed practitioner, not just a facility taking your tuition. What is the remediation policy for students who do not pass the exam on the first try?
Next, what do you think you want to do? Most schools are ortho-intensive.
If you want to go into pediatrics, then a pediatric and neuropathic program is important. Do they have a PT Staff-run clinic as part of the program that caters to pediatrics, brain injuries, etc? Do they have any community programs like Hippotherapy?
If you want to work with athletes, what is the program's relationship with the University's athletic program or local semi-pro and pro teams?
If you are more research oriented, your target will often be schools that emphasize your test and GPA numbers during application process. Emory University in Georgia, for example, is more research-heavy.
For more hands-on and manual therapy training, programs like St Augustine in Florida allow you to choose a specialty to emphasize during your last semester, which can include higher level manual techniques.
Last, what is your budget? You don't want to take $200K in loans if you plan to take a $65K/year non-profit, pediatric career path. If you plan to work home health full time, you can make $90-110K in some markets (40-50 hours weeks). Typical outpatient PT makes closer to $70-90K. Keep this in mind when making your selection. I've seen Tuition reimbursement sign-on bonuses from $1,000 to $25,000, but you have to sign a pro-rating contract. High bonuses mean that job is hard to fill or has high turn over, so be wary when locking into that kind of incentive package and do NOT rely on such perks to pay for your tuition.
Next, what do you think you want to do? Most schools are ortho-intensive.
If you want to go into pediatrics, then a pediatric and neuropathic program is important. Do they have a PT Staff-run clinic as part of the program that caters to pediatrics, brain injuries, etc? Do they have any community programs like Hippotherapy?
If you want to work with athletes, what is the program's relationship with the University's athletic program or local semi-pro and pro teams?
If you are more research oriented, your target will often be schools that emphasize your test and GPA numbers during application process. Emory University in Georgia, for example, is more research-heavy.
For more hands-on and manual therapy training, programs like St Augustine in Florida allow you to choose a specialty to emphasize during your last semester, which can include higher level manual techniques.
Last, what is your budget? You don't want to take $200K in loans if you plan to take a $65K/year non-profit, pediatric career path. If you plan to work home health full time, you can make $90-110K in some markets (40-50 hours weeks). Typical outpatient PT makes closer to $70-90K. Keep this in mind when making your selection. I've seen Tuition reimbursement sign-on bonuses from $1,000 to $25,000, but you have to sign a pro-rating contract. High bonuses mean that job is hard to fill or has high turn over, so be wary when locking into that kind of incentive package and do NOT rely on such perks to pay for your tuition.
Sienna Hitzeman
Senior Product Manager
1
Answer
Bend, Oregon
Updated
Sienna’s Answer
Hello! Just to clarify, I'm not a professional expert or PT, but my spouse is. He recently completed his DPT at Regis University in Denver.
I'd like to start by pointing out that the educational path for a Physical Therapist is quite different from that of a Physical Trainer or Personal Trainer. The former involves attaining a graduate degree, usually requiring three years of study after your undergraduate degree, while the latter involves obtaining certifications or similar qualifications.
If you're keen on becoming a Physical Therapist, rest assured, there are numerous excellent programs in almost every school that will provide you with the necessary prerequisites to gear you up for post-grad PT school. You'll probably want to consider schools that offer majors closely related to Human Physiology, Kinesiology, Anatomy, and Biology. These subjects will equip you with the necessary scientific knowledge before you apply for grad programs. From our experience, graduate programs tend to focus more on your academic performance, practical experience (like shadowing, working as a PT aide, internships), and your GRE score, rather than the reputation of your undergraduate institution.
Having said that, I believe the University of Washington offers fantastic undergraduate and graduate PT programs.
Best of luck with your exploration, and I'm here to help if you have any other queries!
Find school with good programs (professors, classes, labs) in Human Physiology, Kinesiology, Anatomy, Biology.
Learn the prerequisite courses for applying to PT (get in those classes, do your best, seek help when needed).
I'd like to start by pointing out that the educational path for a Physical Therapist is quite different from that of a Physical Trainer or Personal Trainer. The former involves attaining a graduate degree, usually requiring three years of study after your undergraduate degree, while the latter involves obtaining certifications or similar qualifications.
If you're keen on becoming a Physical Therapist, rest assured, there are numerous excellent programs in almost every school that will provide you with the necessary prerequisites to gear you up for post-grad PT school. You'll probably want to consider schools that offer majors closely related to Human Physiology, Kinesiology, Anatomy, and Biology. These subjects will equip you with the necessary scientific knowledge before you apply for grad programs. From our experience, graduate programs tend to focus more on your academic performance, practical experience (like shadowing, working as a PT aide, internships), and your GRE score, rather than the reputation of your undergraduate institution.
Having said that, I believe the University of Washington offers fantastic undergraduate and graduate PT programs.
Best of luck with your exploration, and I'm here to help if you have any other queries!
Sienna recommends the following next steps:
Joseph Ford
125
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
First it depends on whether you want to stay local or relocate. Then decide on Certificate, Degree or other and how quck you may want to start the profession. This is a good link to start your research on schools.
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/physical-therapy-rankings
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/physical-therapy-rankings
Donna Calvert, PT, PhD
physical therapist
48
Answers
Mission, Kansas
Updated
Donna’s Answer
As a PT professor for 20 years, serving many years on admission boards, I recommend that no matter where you go to undergraduate school or what your undergrad degree major is, that you make sure you meet the prerequisites of the PT schools you are intending to apply to. So, first, identify several PT schools that you want to apply to then go into the school's on-line catalog and see what each particular school requires for admission to PT school. For example, some schools may require a microbiology course or an advanced chemistry but others may not. Just be sure that you use your undergrad elective credits to take any courses outside of those required by your major that you may need to meet the PT prerequisites. And always apply to more than one PT school!
Once you complete undergrad school, PT school will 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.
Go to the American Physical Therapy Association website to see a list of schools in the US that offer PT degrees. (apta.org)
Study hard and good luck...
Once you complete undergrad school, PT school will 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.
Go to the American Physical Therapy Association website to see a list of schools in the US that offer PT degrees. (apta.org)
Study hard and good luck...
Will Kremer
Project Manager
2
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Will’s Answer
Here's a list of some of the best places to study physical therapy: the University of Southern California (USC), Boston University, the University of Iowa, the University of Pittsburgh, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Delaware. These institutions are renowned for their excellent programs and can provide a great foundation for your career.
If you're interested in physical training, consider these leading schools: the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, the University of Florida, the University of Texas - Austin, Boston University, the University of Georgia, and the University of Wisconsin. They're known for their top-notch programs and can help you reach your full potential.
If you're interested in physical training, consider these leading schools: the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, the University of Florida, the University of Texas - Austin, Boston University, the University of Georgia, and the University of Wisconsin. They're known for their top-notch programs and can help you reach your full potential.