2 answers
Joseph
Student
Salisbury, Maryland
3
Questions
Updated
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What 4-year degree is recommended that will not only assist me in the PT master's program but will allow me to be employable in case entry into the Master's Program is delayed.
I am currently a senior in high school. I will graduate on June 11th. I'm torn between two college majors. One course of study is Physcial Therapy. One of my biggest concerns with the PT route is the 4 year degree leading up to the PT Master's Program. I have attended multiple college tours. At each PT session the speaker noted that getting into the PT program is like "fitting through the eye of a needle." I'm up for the challenge but will admit I have concerns about being financial stable while I attempt to "fit through the eye". Suggestions anyone?? #physical-therapist #occupational-therapy
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2 answers
Beth Burgess PT, MS, GCS
Physical Therapist
56
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Beth’s Answer
This is an outstanding question! It is old now, so I thought I’d update it. Luke’s answer is still very accurate!
PT is now called a Doctorate in Physical Therapy but is still 2-3 years of graduate school. It is still very competitive with only 10/20% of applicants accepted each year. Things to get you noticed include excellent grades and test scores, volunteer experience in a variety of settings - special Olympics, nursing home, sports teams, community activities, etc.
To get into graduate school there are prerequisites needed in undergraduate school. Each program is a little different- so be sure to look at where you want to apply and take the right classes. You want to apply at multiple schools. For example - one school may want a competitive anatomy class while another may want vertebrate zoology, there are different psych classes too.
Your undergrad degree can be anything as long as you took the prerequisites. Think of what you want to do with PT. Do you want to own your practice - major in business, there are lots of business jobs out there if you have to wait. Do you live sports? Major in kinesiology or exercise science and work as a personal trainer or therapy technician while reapplying. Love dance? Major in dance and be a coach if you don’t get in.
I love that you are thinking ahead and making contingency plans.
PT is now called a Doctorate in Physical Therapy but is still 2-3 years of graduate school. It is still very competitive with only 10/20% of applicants accepted each year. Things to get you noticed include excellent grades and test scores, volunteer experience in a variety of settings - special Olympics, nursing home, sports teams, community activities, etc.
To get into graduate school there are prerequisites needed in undergraduate school. Each program is a little different- so be sure to look at where you want to apply and take the right classes. You want to apply at multiple schools. For example - one school may want a competitive anatomy class while another may want vertebrate zoology, there are different psych classes too.
Your undergrad degree can be anything as long as you took the prerequisites. Think of what you want to do with PT. Do you want to own your practice - major in business, there are lots of business jobs out there if you have to wait. Do you live sports? Major in kinesiology or exercise science and work as a personal trainer or therapy technician while reapplying. Love dance? Major in dance and be a coach if you don’t get in.
I love that you are thinking ahead and making contingency plans.
Luke Pedersen, PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy at Total Performance Physical Therapy
6
Answers
Updated
Luke’s Answer
In terms of the best major to be accepted into a PT program, there honestly is not one. I had classmates with all different majors including biology, exercise physiology, athletic training, english, finance, accounting. What is more important is that you get high grades in whatever major pursue and that you do things to stand out such as joining clubs, playing a sport, having a leadership role, being active in the community, etc. It is also important to do take and perform well in the prerequisite courses for whatever program you are interested in (usually includes biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, calculus, psychology, statistics). Also try to get some volunteer hours in a handful of different physical therapy settings including outpatient, hospital, skilled nursing facility, inpatient rehab.
In terms of being employable while applying for PT school, that is a different answer. Certain degrees may not have great employment perspectives without some higher education. For example, a biology degree doesn't allow you much be itself unless you are interested in being a lab technician or doing research. Figure out degrees that will offer you employment opportunities with just a 4 year (or associate) degree. Some that may be good for PT are athletic trainer, PT assistant, teacher, etc.
In terms of being employable while applying for PT school, that is a different answer. Certain degrees may not have great employment perspectives without some higher education. For example, a biology degree doesn't allow you much be itself unless you are interested in being a lab technician or doing research. Figure out degrees that will offer you employment opportunities with just a 4 year (or associate) degree. Some that may be good for PT are athletic trainer, PT assistant, teacher, etc.