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What type of education do you need to become a physical therapist?

I'm asking this question because I wanna be a physical therapist after college and i'm really curious on what do I need to major in and how long it's going to take and just everything I need to know on becoming a physical therapist.

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Colleen’s Answer

There are several majors you could choose to work towards becoming a physical therapist. The best route is to look into the college courses that are required to get into an accredited PT school. The top undergraduate degrees are kinesiology, athletic training, etc. I graduated with a degree in fitness and human performance, but later needed to complete extra classes to apply to PT school. There were some people from film and psychology in my PT school class. Talk with your guidance counselor to find the right degree that will fulfill the prerequisite courses for the PT school you will be applying for.


The typical timeline to become a physical therapist is 4 years undergraduate and 3 years for graduate Doctor of physical therapy.

I took longer to graduate from undergraduate in addition to the extra coursework after I graduated. PT programs make you stay within the given time- you do not get to go at your own pace. I wish you the best of luck; school is never easy! But the reward of the career and helping people is very satisfying and I know I have a strong career!
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Kavita Shah’s Answer

Hi, kinesiology and sports medicine are great choices. You can do major in health and science which will open door for other careers as well, just in case if you don't find physical therapy as your interest down the road! Determining what you want is the key! I would also recommend some volunteer work/ shadowing a therapist in your area just so that you have a idea of a setup and day to day as a PT
Hope this helps! Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Hello, i have done my bachelors of physical therapy from india and am a PR of usa. Recently moved to states. So there is a lot going on between MS in kinesiology andother MS courses and DPT for grad school. I am utterly confused which course should I pursue if i want to practice as a PT? And how can I decide that what pre-req courses or majors i have to take if i want admit in DPT program. Can you plz give me some info. About this. Thanks Mandar
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Jonas L.’s Answer

Majoring in Sports Medicine or Kinesiology are good option to consider, if you want to be a Physical Therapist. University may require a master's degree, while organizations like NovaCare might suggest a bachelor's degree and some experience. Hopefully, these answers help.
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Perry’s Answer

You didn't say what grade you are in. However, to become a physical therapist, most of the time you need a BS or BA first. You will need to take courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. An undergraduate degree in Athletic Training is good if you want to work with athletes and it has all of the above courses. You should also be comfortable with a computer. However, you should be a very good communicator both in speaking and writing.


I would encourage you to go to several physical therapy settings--in a hospital, outpatient orthopedic clinic, pediatric clinic. Perhaps you can either volunteer or work as an aide in these settings to become familiar with the field of physical therapy.


After your undergraduate degree, you will need to go to a 3 year Physical Therapy program which will lead to a DPT--Doctorate of Physical Therapy. While in the program, you will spend time in several physical therapy settings to help you decide what type of career you want. Finally, after you get your DPT, you will start your career and continue to learn throughout the rest of your career. Good luck
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Kevin’s Answer

Jonas, I agree that Sports Medicine or Kinesiology would be great majors for Kyle, however, becoming a Physical Therapist now requires a Doctorate. Due to previous educational reforms, physical therapy has progressed from a Bachelors degree, to a Masters degree, to now a Doctorate.


Kyle, below is a timeline of what is required to become a physical therapist. Total timeline being 6-7 years


Undergraduate majors: Kinesiology, Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Pre-Physical Therapy. (4 years)
Application to PT school also requires pre-requisite courses in: anatomy and physiology, general chemisty, general biology, statistics, psychology, and organic chemistry as well as taking the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).


Physical Therapy School: 3 years - you may apply to PT school following completion of an undergraduate degree with the above pre-requisites. Having a 3.0PGA is important for acceptance into PT school.


In some instances, schools have programs that allow you to transition directly from your undergraduate program into their PT program and gradue with your bachelors and doctorate in 6 years. If you have any other questions or concerns please let me know.


Kevin A. Keene, MS, ATC
Certified Athletic Trainer
Nemours Childrens Hospital

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Ken’s Answer

This will tell you much about becoming a physical therapist:
www.learnhowtobecome.org/physical-therapist/


Good Luck! Keep me posted! I would like to help further if I can.
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Sharon’s Answer

Hello! In order to get into physical therapy school, you need to have a bachelors degree first. A degree in Kinesiology or an Athletic training seems to be the chosen field. In my day, to be a physical therapist, you become one by directly getting a bachelors in Physical therapy that will take you 4-5 yrs. Because of the APTA 2020 vision, it is encouraged that by the year 2020, ALL PT's will have a doctors degree. What this means is that after you have your bachelors in any degree, then you can apply for a doctorate program for physical therapy. This doctorate program will take 2 or 3 yrs (depending on the school). Thankfully, you dont have to get your masters in PT prior to the doctorate program. After you passed the board, then you can be called a doctor. :)
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