How many years does it take to become a physical therapist?

Hi Gianna!

If you want to become a PT, I would start asking people within your community who are physical therapist or currently enrolled in a PT program. I believe the first 3 years are for the undergraduate studies and another 2-3 years for the DPT degree. Once you have graduated from the DPT program, you can take your licensure test. to become a full pledge PT. You can also pursue your career further by undergoing clinical residency or fellowship in PT. I would also advise you to go to the APTA website: www.apta.org and look for prospective students where you can find more informations on how to start and look for CAPTE approved PT program . Also, find time to volunteer in a local PT clinic or hospital so that you can have an idea on what physical therapists do. To give you a heads up, start reading about anatomy,physiology,kinesiology/biomechanics ,pharmacology as well as research /data gathering coz you have to deal with all of these when you are already in the program. I m pretty sure if you set your mind into it, you will be successful ! Goodluck on your future career!

most programs for your DPT (doctor of physical therapy) require a 4 yr bachelor degree and then the DPT program varies from 2-3 years depending on intensity of the program. Many DPT programs have become competitive due to the interest in students becoming a PT from kinesiology, basic science degrees which do not give you much skill to work with in the marketplace. Focus on a basic science degree with math, chemistry and physics and search the pre-reqs needed for most DPT programs. Look at electives that give you some knowledge in anatomy, physiology and such to make you familiar as when in your DPT it gets much more intense.