2 answers
Kaylee
Student
Lebanon, Tennessee
1
Question
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What are the steps the becoming a physical therapist?
Is there anything I need to know about physical therapy?
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2 answers
Cheri Hall
Physical Therapist
49
Answers
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Updated
Cheri’s Answer
Dear Kaylee,
Here's your roadmap to becoming a physical therapist, a journey that typically takes seven years.
1. Start by graduating from high school, focusing especially on science (biology, chemistry, physics) and math courses. These subjects will lay the groundwork for your future college studies.
2. Next, earn your bachelor's degree from a four-year university. While you can choose any major, it's wise to consider a science-related field like Biology, Kinesiology, or Exercise Science. These majors usually cover the prerequisite courses for graduate school. Psychology is another popular choice for aspiring physical therapists.
3. During your college years, start gaining practical experience by volunteering or working as an aide in a PT clinic. This experience, although not always mandatory, can strengthen your graduate school application. You can even start this step in high school. Many PT clinics offer paid positions for PT aides, allowing you to learn the ropes and understand the daily duties of a physical therapist.
4. Sit for the GRE, a standardized test similar to the SAT but designed for graduate school applicants.
5. Apply to Doctoral Physical Therapy Programs and work towards your Doctorate of Physical Therapy. This phase usually lasts three years, combining classroom learning with clinical rotations for practical training. Some universities in the US offer direct-entry physical therapy programs. These programs allow you to earn your bachelor's degree in an accelerated three-year format and then proceed directly to the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program, provided you maintain the required GPA. Visit APTA.org to learn more about such programs.
6. Finally, pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE).
Best of luck on your journey!
Here's your roadmap to becoming a physical therapist, a journey that typically takes seven years.
1. Start by graduating from high school, focusing especially on science (biology, chemistry, physics) and math courses. These subjects will lay the groundwork for your future college studies.
2. Next, earn your bachelor's degree from a four-year university. While you can choose any major, it's wise to consider a science-related field like Biology, Kinesiology, or Exercise Science. These majors usually cover the prerequisite courses for graduate school. Psychology is another popular choice for aspiring physical therapists.
3. During your college years, start gaining practical experience by volunteering or working as an aide in a PT clinic. This experience, although not always mandatory, can strengthen your graduate school application. You can even start this step in high school. Many PT clinics offer paid positions for PT aides, allowing you to learn the ropes and understand the daily duties of a physical therapist.
4. Sit for the GRE, a standardized test similar to the SAT but designed for graduate school applicants.
5. Apply to Doctoral Physical Therapy Programs and work towards your Doctorate of Physical Therapy. This phase usually lasts three years, combining classroom learning with clinical rotations for practical training. Some universities in the US offer direct-entry physical therapy programs. These programs allow you to earn your bachelor's degree in an accelerated three-year format and then proceed directly to the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program, provided you maintain the required GPA. Visit APTA.org to learn more about such programs.
6. Finally, pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE).
Best of luck on your journey!
Dr Rimsha Usman
Physio therapist
2
Answers
Jhang Sadar, Punjab
Updated
Dr Rimsha’s Answer
Becoming a physical therapist requires a significant amount of education, training, and dedication, but can be a highly rewarding career. Here are the steps to become a physical therapist:
*Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree (Typically 4 Years)*
- Most physical therapy programs require a bachelor's degree, typically in a science-related field like biology, psychology, or exercise science.
- Take prerequisite courses like anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and statistics.
*Step 2: Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)*
- Most physical therapy programs require GRE scores as part of the application process.
- Prepare for the exam by studying and taking practice tests.
*Step 3: Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree (Typically 3 Years)*
- Attend an accredited physical therapy program to earn a DPT degree.
- Complete classroom and clinical training in subjects like:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biomechanics and kinesiology
- Neurology and rehabilitation
- Pharmacology and pathology
- Physical therapy techniques and interventions
*Step 4: Complete Clinical Internships (Typically 1-2 Years)*
- Participate in clinical internships to gain hands-on experience in physical therapy settings.
- Work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists to develop clinical skills.
*Step 5: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)*
- After graduating from a DPT program, pass the NPTE to become a licensed physical therapist.
- The exam assesses knowledge and skills in areas like patient management, examination, and intervention.
*Step 6: Obtain Licensure (Timing Varies)*
- Requirements for licensure vary by state, so check with your state's licensing authority for specific requirements.
- Typically, licensure involves passing the NPTE and completing continuing education requirements.
*Step 7: Pursue Residency or Fellowship Training (Optional, 1-2 Years)*
- Consider pursuing residency or fellowship training to specialize in a particular area of physical therapy, such as sports physical therapy or pediatric physical therapy.
*Step 8: Maintain Certification and Licensure*
- Complete continuing education requirements to maintain licensure and certification.
- Stay current with industry developments and advancements to provide high-quality patient care.
By following these steps, you can become a licensed physical therapist and start a rewarding career in healthcare.
*Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree (Typically 4 Years)*
- Most physical therapy programs require a bachelor's degree, typically in a science-related field like biology, psychology, or exercise science.
- Take prerequisite courses like anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and statistics.
*Step 2: Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)*
- Most physical therapy programs require GRE scores as part of the application process.
- Prepare for the exam by studying and taking practice tests.
*Step 3: Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree (Typically 3 Years)*
- Attend an accredited physical therapy program to earn a DPT degree.
- Complete classroom and clinical training in subjects like:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biomechanics and kinesiology
- Neurology and rehabilitation
- Pharmacology and pathology
- Physical therapy techniques and interventions
*Step 4: Complete Clinical Internships (Typically 1-2 Years)*
- Participate in clinical internships to gain hands-on experience in physical therapy settings.
- Work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists to develop clinical skills.
*Step 5: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)*
- After graduating from a DPT program, pass the NPTE to become a licensed physical therapist.
- The exam assesses knowledge and skills in areas like patient management, examination, and intervention.
*Step 6: Obtain Licensure (Timing Varies)*
- Requirements for licensure vary by state, so check with your state's licensing authority for specific requirements.
- Typically, licensure involves passing the NPTE and completing continuing education requirements.
*Step 7: Pursue Residency or Fellowship Training (Optional, 1-2 Years)*
- Consider pursuing residency or fellowship training to specialize in a particular area of physical therapy, such as sports physical therapy or pediatric physical therapy.
*Step 8: Maintain Certification and Licensure*
- Complete continuing education requirements to maintain licensure and certification.
- Stay current with industry developments and advancements to provide high-quality patient care.
By following these steps, you can become a licensed physical therapist and start a rewarding career in healthcare.