If you want to learn about the education needed to be a physical therapist, we have a helpful article for you. The rules can change depending on the state you live in. Each state chooses how to license physical therapists. You may want to read more about the education and training required to become a physical therapist.
Here is a summary of the education needed for physical therapy. It also includes some important things to think about before choosing a career in this area.
Pointing Requirements: what education do you need to be a physical therapist?
To become a physical therapist in health care, you need to follow an important path. It may take some time, but it is a rewarding job. This career is in high demand as noted in various world reports and is worth your effort. If you want to be a physical therapist, you can work toward that goal. There are two main degrees you can get for physical therapy. Let’s check out the different degrees available for physical therapists.
- A bachelor’s degree
- A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program
To be a physical therapist, you need to meet several requirements along with your education. These are:
- Licensure requirement
- Residency
Undergraduate Educations
- Right now, there are not enough physical therapists. This makes students think about other options for their college studies. Future therapists have several choices for their majors.
- Some colleges have pre-physical therapy programs. These programs mostly focus on subjects like biology and physiology. Other PT schools require students to take important classes, like anatomy or exercise physiology, before they can study physical therapy. There are also rules, like keeping a certain GPA to qualify for financial aid.
- Students who want to become physical therapists can pick between two main majors. One major covers many science subjects. The other major focuses more on health topics, like fitness training and personal wellness.
Graduate education or DPT program
- A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is very important for physical therapists. To earn this degree, a student must complete the DPT program after receiving a bachelor’s degree. This program usually takes three years and follows a four-year degree.
- When choosing physical therapy, it is important to select the right option. A Doctor of Physical Therapy teaches how to diagnose and treat patients. The courses include subjects like anatomy and treatment methods. They practice skills through hands-on classes such as physiotherapy and wellness. These classes focus on exercise, health education, and respiratory care.
- In the DPT program, students must take several courses, including:
- Human Anatomy
- Psychology
- Cellular Biology
- The Cardiovascular System
- Physical Disability Studies
- Communications
If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, there is some good news. A 3+3 degree program can help you earn both a bachelor’s in exercise science and a master’s degree in just six years. Many undergraduate schools offer several majors. These faster programs are great for students who want to finish school quickly and save money. When you look for different 3+3 physical therapy schools, check if they have the major you want. You need it to graduate!
Now, you know how long it takes to become a physical therapist. You also understand the education needed for this job.
Licensure requirement
To become a physical therapist in your state, just finishing school at an accredited institution is not enough. You also need to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination. After that, you must complete 2,000 hours of clinical experience in a specialty area.
Then, you may have to take a local law exam that your state requires to get your state licensure. To keep your license, you might need to take continuing education courses. These courses also have deadlines given by your licensing board.
Residency
A clinical residency or fellowship is important for future physical therapists. It allows them to learn new things. This experience shows them what it is like to be an occupational therapist. They can also explore different specializations in this field.
Financial Support and Scholarship Opportunities for PT Education
Many people want to be physical therapists. They often worry about the cost of their education. Fortunately, there are several ways to help with this. There are scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities.
Groups like the American Physical Therapy Association and some schools give financial help to students. This support can help them reach their goal of becoming physical therapists. Finding the right assistance can reduce financial problems related to physical therapy education.
5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Pursuing a Career in Physical Therapy
1. How much should I expect a starting salary as a physical therapist?
You can earn about $5,550 a month when you start your job as a physical therapist. If you work extra hours, you might earn around $66,540 in your first year. The pay for a physical therapist can change for several reasons.
2. What Time Does It Need to Get a Degree?
Getting a physical therapy degree takes about four years on average. A physical therapist can earn two degrees. The time may vary based on the college and the program. Some students finish in three years, while others might take four years. In total, it usually takes around seven or eight years to finish all the degrees needed to become a physical therapist.
3. Is Physical Therapy a demandable career?
The NRMP data from 2018 shows there were 14,464 jobs for trained physical therapists in the United States on match day. This is an increase of 11% from 2017. The rising number of jobs likely comes from a higher demand for the employment of physical therapists.
More hospitals and clinics are opening, which helps those with years of experience. Physical therapy generates around $25 billion each year. Right now, about 220,000 physical therapists work in the U.S. Each year, 9.8 million people pay for physical therapy services.
4. Can I Explore This Program Online?
In the past, people had to get a graduate degree from a physical therapy program to be a physical therapist. Now, there are many online options for obtaining a DPT degree in physical therapy education. This change makes it easier for more people to become physical therapists, even if they do not have a graduate degree.
Physical therapy schools need students to attend most classes in person. In these classes, students practice skills in real places, like rehabilitation centers and acute care settings. They will have a hands-on learning experience as they train to become physical therapist assistants. The main focus here is on patient care.
Students will work with licensed physical therapists to help patients. This practice comes after some classroom training required to earn their degree. Helping patients in physical therapy is a very important job. You must learn how to assist people personally during this process.
5. What kind of Work Environment & Conditions will get a physical therapist?
When you work as a physical therapist in outpatient clinics, you might work in different places. Your job location will depend on your employer and the fitness facilities close to you. If you like working with patients and want to travel around the city, you might enjoy going to their homes!
If you prefer hospitals or want a shorter commute, remember that many jobs will require some weekend work. You may also have long workdays that can feel tough on your body and mind. Being flexible is key since this job requires you to change your schedule often. But there are good parts as well. Helping others can boost your mood!
Vertex:
Do you want to find out what education you need for a physical therapy career? The answer may surprise you! It’s not what a lot of people think. To become a physical therapist, you will need a college degree and special training.
This training takes about 2 to 3 years after you finish college. There are three main programs to kick-start your career in physical therapy, including doctoral program options, master’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. By following this advice, you can choose the best path for you.