6 answers
Eian
Student
Atlantic, Iowa
3
Questions
Asked
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What would be some tips for somebody who is looking to get into physical therapy?
What should I expect? What classes would be necessary? Is there good money in it? etc
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6 answers
Allison Rosa
Physical Therapist
2
Answers
Guilderland, New York
Updated
Allison’s Answer
Physical therapy is a fantastic career choice! If you are looking to get into the field of physical therapy, I would highly suggest trying to shadow a PT in your area, possibly a few different ones in different fields (outpatient, pediatrics, acute care, etc). This will give a better idea of what the job entails and can help you decide if you want to pursue it.
When looking at college programs, some schools offer joint programs where you can save time by combining your bachelor’s and master’s program and get both degrees in a shorter period of time. Classes to look into would definitely include anatomy and physiology, sports medicine, biology, physics, and exercise physiology. This will help prepare you for the three year DPT graduate program. Schooling can be expensive, so make sure that you are factoring that into your decision of what school to attend.
In terms of pay, it depends on what field you work in, but PTs generally make good money for the work they do. It is a very rewarding career!
When looking at college programs, some schools offer joint programs where you can save time by combining your bachelor’s and master’s program and get both degrees in a shorter period of time. Classes to look into would definitely include anatomy and physiology, sports medicine, biology, physics, and exercise physiology. This will help prepare you for the three year DPT graduate program. Schooling can be expensive, so make sure that you are factoring that into your decision of what school to attend.
In terms of pay, it depends on what field you work in, but PTs generally make good money for the work they do. It is a very rewarding career!
Braelee Hernandez
Student (pre- physical therapy)
5
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Braelee’s Answer
Hey there! I am a current student at the University of Texas on the pre-PT track getting my BS in exercise science! Physical therapy related courses can be very challenging because they mainly consist of all the sciences such as Chem 1, Chem 2, Bio, Bio 2, Physics, Physics 2, and so on. I would say it is a difficult track to be on, considering for my major I only need 120 hours to get my degree, but PT school has pre-requisites that require more classes for me to take. With that being said, the classes are doable if you are willing to put in the time and effort to study and learn new concepts. Depending on what school and what major you are in, these classes can be different!
I would definitely research more into the PT aspect and possibly even shadow some physical therapists in your area to see if that job seems interesting to you. Do keep in mind, now to become a physical therapist you need to get your doctorate, which is 3 years of graduate school, after taking 4 years at an undergraduate school. The pay is a decent amount, depending on where you are planning on living/working, ranging from 70k-110k. Realistically, this is not very high pay for someone with a doctorate degree, but it is a great amount compared to other jobs. Just continue to research and see if you are really interested in it!
I would definitely research more into the PT aspect and possibly even shadow some physical therapists in your area to see if that job seems interesting to you. Do keep in mind, now to become a physical therapist you need to get your doctorate, which is 3 years of graduate school, after taking 4 years at an undergraduate school. The pay is a decent amount, depending on where you are planning on living/working, ranging from 70k-110k. Realistically, this is not very high pay for someone with a doctorate degree, but it is a great amount compared to other jobs. Just continue to research and see if you are really interested in it!
Kaylee Williams
Physical Therapy Aide
1
Answer
Mansfield, Connecticut
Updated
Kaylee’s Answer
Hi Eian, I really encourage you to shadow or become an aide in a physical therapy setting while you're taking classes. I became an aide last year, and it truly confirmed my passion for this field. Plus, I learned a lot more about physical therapy, which helped me connect my undergrad studies to real-world experiences, making my coursework more interesting and enjoyable. Also, having experience in different PT settings looks great on grad school applications!
Bright Komor
Nurse
261
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
Hello there, This should help
Physical therapy is a field where physical therapists help patients recover from injuries, improve mobility, and manage chronic conditions through exercise, hands-on techniques, and education. Successful therapists possess patience, collaboration, and realistic goals for patients. To become a PT, one must earn a bachelor's degree in a related field, complete a three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), and pursue advanced certifications or residencies in specialized areas. The field requires 7-8 years of education, including 4 years for a bachelor's degree and 3 years for a DPT.
Physical therapy is a field where physical therapists help patients recover from injuries, improve mobility, and manage chronic conditions through exercise, hands-on techniques, and education. Successful therapists possess patience, collaboration, and realistic goals for patients. To become a PT, one must earn a bachelor's degree in a related field, complete a three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), and pursue advanced certifications or residencies in specialized areas. The field requires 7-8 years of education, including 4 years for a bachelor's degree and 3 years for a DPT.
cody Mccollaum
corrections
12
Answers
Oceanside, California
Updated
cody’s Answer
What PTs do: Physical therapists evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients to improve their movement and manage pain. You’ll work with people of all ages, from athletes recovering from injuries to elderly patients with mobility issues. Understanding the full scope of the job is crucial before you dive in.
Setting expectations: Physical therapy can be physically demanding and emotionally challenging. You’ll need to work with patients who may be in pain, and you’ll often need to be patient and persistent as progress can take time.
Setting expectations: Physical therapy can be physically demanding and emotionally challenging. You’ll need to work with patients who may be in pain, and you’ll often need to be patient and persistent as progress can take time.
Cody’s totally on point, physical therapy, yeah, it can be both physically and emotionally demanding. Progress isn’t always quick, but the impact you make? Huge.😎
So remember, new techniques and research are always popping up. The best PTs blend knowledge with compassion, so focus on building strong patient relationships—it makes the tough days easier and the wins even sweeter! 💪
Dr H
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1327
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Eian, if you’re thinking about getting into physical therapy, that’s a fantastic choice. It’s a field that really mixes science with a love for helping people get back on their feet—literally. 🥰✨
You’ll want to start by focusing on classes like biology, anatomy, chemistry, and physics. These build the foundation for understanding how the human body works. 💪😏Later on, courses in exercise science and psychology can really round out your skills since physical therapy is as much about motivating people as it is about the science. 👀
Expect a lot of hands-on learning too. A big part of PT is practicing what you learn, so you’ll be doing clinical rotations or internships where you get to work with real patients. It can be challenging, but it’s super rewarding when you see someone make progress because of your care and guidance.
And about the money—physical therapists tend to do well. It’s a growing field with strong demand, so there’s definitely potential for a solid income, though it will depend on where you work and your level of experience.
Overall, it’s a journey that takes hard work and dedication, but if you’re passionate about it, it’s totally worth it. Keep that enthusiasm, stay curious, and you’ll be making a real difference in no time. You got this, all the best buddy! 🤗
You’ll want to start by focusing on classes like biology, anatomy, chemistry, and physics. These build the foundation for understanding how the human body works. 💪😏Later on, courses in exercise science and psychology can really round out your skills since physical therapy is as much about motivating people as it is about the science. 👀
Expect a lot of hands-on learning too. A big part of PT is practicing what you learn, so you’ll be doing clinical rotations or internships where you get to work with real patients. It can be challenging, but it’s super rewarding when you see someone make progress because of your care and guidance.
And about the money—physical therapists tend to do well. It’s a growing field with strong demand, so there’s definitely potential for a solid income, though it will depend on where you work and your level of experience.
Overall, it’s a journey that takes hard work and dedication, but if you’re passionate about it, it’s totally worth it. Keep that enthusiasm, stay curious, and you’ll be making a real difference in no time. You got this, all the best buddy! 🤗