2 answers
Jes
Student
Pierre, South Dakota
1
Question
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How many years of college do you need to attend to become a physical therapist?
I am a Freshman who is interested in being apart of the physical therapist field. #physical-therapist #physical-therapy
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2 answers
Anthony Hillebrand
Physical therapy
6
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Depending where you go, it is between 6.5 to 7 years total to finish the doctorate in physical therapy.
Cathleen Arch
Business Banking
2
Answers
Hamilton Township, New Jersey
Updated
Cathleen’s Answer
Hi Jes,
To be a physical therapist, the candidate has to receive their Doctorate of Physical Therapy.
One way is to get your Bachelors degree and then apply to graduate school. Typically most undergraduate students major in Sports Science or Kenesiology or Health Science. You may want to look online at some of the graduate programs for what classes you need in undergraduate, so you can take them as part of your college coursework. Most students take 4 years undergraduate and 3 years graduate to receive their doctorate.
Another way is to enter into a 6 year program. There are about 20 six year programs out there that intertwine the undergraduate studies with the graduate studies. My daughter is currently in one of these programs. This is good if you are 100% at a young age that this is what you want to do.
It is a big commitment of time, energy and money. I recommend you observe at a physical therapy practice for a week or two now. You may find you love it, and then you know it is a great career choice for you. You may find you it was not what you expected and want to consider other options.
Good luck! Your future is bright!
Observe at a local physical therapy practice to see if you like it.
Look at some graduate schools' admission page, so you are taking the right classes
Work hard on your undergraduate academics so you enhance your ability to get into graduate school.
To be a physical therapist, the candidate has to receive their Doctorate of Physical Therapy.
One way is to get your Bachelors degree and then apply to graduate school. Typically most undergraduate students major in Sports Science or Kenesiology or Health Science. You may want to look online at some of the graduate programs for what classes you need in undergraduate, so you can take them as part of your college coursework. Most students take 4 years undergraduate and 3 years graduate to receive their doctorate.
Another way is to enter into a 6 year program. There are about 20 six year programs out there that intertwine the undergraduate studies with the graduate studies. My daughter is currently in one of these programs. This is good if you are 100% at a young age that this is what you want to do.
It is a big commitment of time, energy and money. I recommend you observe at a physical therapy practice for a week or two now. You may find you love it, and then you know it is a great career choice for you. You may find you it was not what you expected and want to consider other options.
Good luck! Your future is bright!
Cathleen recommends the following next steps: