Do they need a doctorate, or is an undergraduate degree enough? Some people believe physical therapists go to medical school. The truth is that some do, but many do not. So, what is the difference?
But this topic still has a lot of mystery. Let’s explore the questions and find some answers. Do you want to know how many years it takes to become a physical therapist? Or do you want to know if they are seen as doctors? Keep reading!
Is Medical School Necessary for a Physical Therapist?
Many people want to go to medical school after finishing PT school for different reasons. Some like the coursework and enjoy learning about various subjects. Others feel it is important for their job, especially if they want to focus on a specific area in sports medicine and medicine.
Many people begin a PT (physical therapy) track while they are finishing their undergraduate degree. After they graduate, or when they are close to finishing, they apply to medical school. This is not the same as getting both degrees at the same time.
Medical schools offer several courses. Some of these are for physical therapists. The courses include:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
- Statistics
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Anatomy
- Physiology
The Medical School vs. The Physiotherapy School
There is a major difference between the two schools in how well they provide services.
- A medical school degree takes about four years. A degree in physical therapy can take three to five years, depending on your program choice.
- Physical therapists practice more with patients than doctors do. They do not need to take the MCAT or finish a residency.
- Physical therapists hold licenses. Doctors require special certification to practice with their medical degrees.
- In the last two years of medical school, students focus on getting hands-on practice. They work a lot with patients and hospital staff. Physical therapists usually spend time in labs or classrooms. They get less practice in teaching people how to use rehabilitation techniques for recovery from injuries.
How much Does Med School Cost?
It’s tough to figure out the total cost of medical school without considering your current way of living. However, you can discover this from your desk. The cost of medical school can vary depending on the program type and the location. In the United States, most programs range from $30,000 to $50,000 per year.
The educational level that physical therapists have to Passed
Many people ask how many years it takes to become a physical therapist. You can find out by counting the time from when you decided to pursue this career. The journey starts in high school.
Graduate from High School
To become a physical therapist, you need to take important science and math classes in both your college and physical therapy school. Many DPT students do this. High school students should get ready for these challenging classes by working hard in school.
A good way to do this is by taking Advanced Placement (AP) and honors classes, especially in science and math. This will help you stand out when you apply to colleges or graduate programs. Joining clubs you are interested in, like Math Club, can also help you gain experience and skills. Every little bit helps!
Graduate from an Undergraduate College
To become a physical therapist, grades are very important. You need a bachelor’s degree to apply to any physical therapy school. Many schools also want good GRE scores and strong GPAs. Plus, having good letters of recommendation and related experience can boost your application. It is important to look into each school before you apply. Some schools may ask for different things.
Graduate From Physical Therapy School or Med School
To be a physical therapist, you need to have advanced education. This usually starts with a bachelor’s degree. After that, you will need a doctorate degree. The field is changing fast! You can also get a Master’s or Doctorate of Physical Therapy (MPT), and both allow you to practice. However, many schools now offer a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) instead of an MPT. This change means that they want all licensed physical therapists to have a doctoral-level degree.
The time it takes to become a physical therapist depends on the type of program you choose. Some schools have programs that last three years. Other schools may have degree courses that take five years.
Complete Physical Therapy Observation Hours
To get into physical therapy school, physical therapy students need to complete certain observation hours in a physical therapy environment. These hands-on hours are very important. They help students see what physical therapists do each day and how they interact with patients.
Doing these hours helps students learn more about the profession and shows how dedicated they are to becoming physical therapists. During this time, students will work alongside licensed physical therapists.
They will learn important treatment methods and how to care for patients. Finishing these hours is a key step in physical therapy training and helps improve their future clinical education.
Can Physical Therapists be called doctors?
According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), physical therapists are experts in movement. They assist people in enhancing their quality of life by using exercise, hands-on treatments, and education. A family doc is a doctor who holds a medical degree. They work as a physician, surgeon, or dentist.
There are several similarities between physical therapists and doctors, especially in how they are trained. But there are also key differences. This might lead you to ask, “Is a physical therapist a doctor?” The answer is no. The roles of physical therapists and doctors are different. Therefore, physical therapists cannot be called doctors.
What Do Physical Therapists Work?
Physical therapists are licensed professionals. They assist people in recovering from medical problems, injuries, illnesses, and surgeries. They do not diagnose or prescribe medication. Instead, they focus on improving patients’ mobility and helping to relieve pain and reduce muscle spasms. They can work in various places:
- Hospitals
- Inpatient rehab facilities
- Education or research centers
- Fitness centers and sports training areas
- Schools
- And many other locations
Where Physical Therapists Work
Physical therapists can work in many places in healthcare. They help patients with chronic conditions. You can find them in hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, and rehabilitation centers. They also work in schools and sports facilities. Some even go to patients’ homes.
This shows how flexible their job is in health sciences. This variety helps them meet the specific needs of different patients. They can focus on special areas like sports rehabilitation, therapy for children, or working with older adults. Their role is important because they help people recover and improve their quality of life at any age.
Vertex Line
If you want to learn about physical therapy, you may ask, “Do physical therapists go to med school?” Working through this blog will help you get that answer. Before you begin your path to being a physical therapist, it’s key to understand what a physical therapist actually does.
How Much Physical Therapists Earn
The amount of money physical therapists can earn varies quite a bit. This difference happens for several reasons. These include where you work, how much experience you have, and the kind of practice you are a part of.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics mentions that the average salary for physical therapists is about $97,720 a year. Physical therapy assistants earn around $62,790 yearly too. This shows that jobs in physical therapy can be financially rewarding.
Some factors can affect how much you earn. These include your specialty and any extra certifications you have. Therapists who are more experienced and work in busy areas can make a lot more money. You can find more information about salaries in the table below from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Setting
Median Salary
Hospitals
$98,000
Outpatient Clinics
$95,000
Rehabilitation Centers
$96,000
Home Health Services
$94,000
Schools
$92,000
This look shows that a career in physical therapy can be very rewarding. It is a great choice for those who are interested in health sciences.