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Is there cross over degrees that combine a doctorate of physical therapy degree and an athletic trainers certification simultaneously or must students pursue these two goals separately?
#athletictraining #physicaltherapy
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Emma’s Answer
In the United States, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Athletic Trainer (AT) certification are typically pursued as separate educational and certification pathways. These two professions have distinct training and certification requirements, and there isn't a specific program that combines both qualifications simultaneously.
To become a licensed physical therapist (DPT), students typically complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy program, which is a doctoral-level program that includes coursework, clinical rotations, and examinations. Upon graduation, they must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to become licensed to practice.
To become a certified athletic trainer (ATC), students usually complete a bachelor's or master's degree program in Athletic Training, which includes coursework, clinical training, and passing the Board of Certification (BOC) examination. Athletic trainers often work in sports and athletic settings, providing services such as injury prevention, assessment, rehabilitation, and emergency care.
While these two professions share some overlapping skills and knowledge related to sports and physical rehabilitation, they have distinct scopes of practice and educational pathways. Individuals interested in pursuing both DPT and ATC qualifications would typically need to complete the educational requirements for each profession separately. This may involve pursuing a DPT degree first and then obtaining ATC certification or vice versa. It's essential to research and comply with the specific educational and certification requirements of each profession in your desired state or region.
To become a licensed physical therapist (DPT), students typically complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy program, which is a doctoral-level program that includes coursework, clinical rotations, and examinations. Upon graduation, they must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to become licensed to practice.
To become a certified athletic trainer (ATC), students usually complete a bachelor's or master's degree program in Athletic Training, which includes coursework, clinical training, and passing the Board of Certification (BOC) examination. Athletic trainers often work in sports and athletic settings, providing services such as injury prevention, assessment, rehabilitation, and emergency care.
While these two professions share some overlapping skills and knowledge related to sports and physical rehabilitation, they have distinct scopes of practice and educational pathways. Individuals interested in pursuing both DPT and ATC qualifications would typically need to complete the educational requirements for each profession separately. This may involve pursuing a DPT degree first and then obtaining ATC certification or vice versa. It's essential to research and comply with the specific educational and certification requirements of each profession in your desired state or region.
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Justin’s Answer
In order to be accepted to PT school, you must first have an undergraduate degree, including all of the prerequisite classes that are required to apply to PT school. I graduated from Texas State University with an undergraduate degree in Exercise & Sports Science, which is equivalent to an athletic training degree. I did not pursue an Athletic Trainer certification because I knew I only wanted to be a PT. However, there were several classmates of mine who pursued an AT certification & became certified after graduating, then applied & were accepted to PT school. Basically, an AT certification requires an undergraduate degree & is often used as the degree that many students obtain to get into PT school, as it encompasses many, if not all, of the prerequisite classes required to apply to PT school. I hope this answers your question. Although an AT certification & PT doctorate cannot be achieved simultaneously, one is a stepping stone to the other.
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Pro’s Answer
Try looking at Interdisciplinary, General Studies, or Liberal Arts/Liberal Studies Degrees: Or even an Individualized Major that you can name yourself.
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Beth’s Answer
Yes, many physical therapists also are athletic trainers. It takes a lot of hard work and extra classes but it can be done. Physical therapy is a post graduate program . Choose athletic training as your bachelors degree track - or kinesiology/sport science, be on a team, or work with the team trainer while completing athletic training classes and physical therapy prerequisites. Graduate and get into a physical therapy program.
Be aware that physical therapy is very competitive and you must keep a high gpa to get in.
Both PT and ATC will require a certificate test at the end of your classes. The test is usually 8 hours long and covers everything you have learned.
Shadow a PT/ATC to see if you like the work
Keep your grades up.
Go to APTA. Org to learn more
Be aware that physical therapy is very competitive and you must keep a high gpa to get in.
Both PT and ATC will require a certificate test at the end of your classes. The test is usually 8 hours long and covers everything you have learned.
Beth recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Kyle’s Answer
Good Question, as previous replies mentioned traditionally ATC is a 4 year degree and then you sit for the ATC certification. However, in the future ATC will no longer be a 4 year degree as the profession is moving towards a masters degree to solidify there role ( similar to the DPT for physical therapy)
Athletic training and Physical therapy have commonalities in that they both deal with the human anatomy, injuries to the body, and science of exercises to prevent and heal.
ATC focus more with On-Field care and work, being present during games to treat athletes with injuries on the side-lines. They also create and work with CSCS to create preventative and effective exercise routines.
Physical Therapist is very vast, Outpatient PT mostly focuses on patients with chronic pain conditions or post-surgical (ex. ACLR, Total Joint replacements) Neuro In-patient or Outpatient PT works with neurological patients ( Stroke, Brain Injury, Vestibular disorder) Sports PTs in some aspect operate similar to ATC, but also work with athletes in rehab after injuries.
Research ATC education requirements and possible changes in the future
Research DPT education requirements
Shadow ATC at local sports team or center]
Shadow DPT in outpatient, inpatient, and possibly sports settings
Athletic training and Physical therapy have commonalities in that they both deal with the human anatomy, injuries to the body, and science of exercises to prevent and heal.
ATC focus more with On-Field care and work, being present during games to treat athletes with injuries on the side-lines. They also create and work with CSCS to create preventative and effective exercise routines.
Physical Therapist is very vast, Outpatient PT mostly focuses on patients with chronic pain conditions or post-surgical (ex. ACLR, Total Joint replacements) Neuro In-patient or Outpatient PT works with neurological patients ( Stroke, Brain Injury, Vestibular disorder) Sports PTs in some aspect operate similar to ATC, but also work with athletes in rehab after injuries.
Kyle recommends the following next steps: