What classes should I take if I want to be a physical therapist?

Becoming a physical therapist requires years of education and training in areas such as kinesiology, anatomy, biology and physical fitness. Many physical therapists also receive extensive training in patient psychology to better understand and help clients cope with the emotional challenges associated with a physical ailment.

PHYSICAL THERAPY BASICS
People who have suffered serious injuries or illnesses often face difficulties with movement and pain management. They depend on physical therapists to help them recover. Through focused exercise plans and individual attention, these professionals help patients restore their range of motion, build strength, improve flexibility and manage pain as they recuperate.

EARN A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN A HEALTH-RELATED FIELDBefore enrolling in a doctoral degree program for physical therapy, you must meet certain prerequisites. This normally includes completing a bachelor’s degree program with a heavy dose of the following courses:
Anatomy
Physiology
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Check with the doctoral degree program you plan to enroll in for specific prerequisite requirements.

COMPLETE A DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY DEGREE PROGRAMIn order to work as a physical therapist, you must complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program. As of 2014, there were 228 physical therapy programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), most of which last three years.It is usually necessary to apply for DPT programs through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Students in DPT programs must complete a clinical internship in an area such as acute or orthopedic care with supervised experience. DPT programs involve coursework in the following subjects:
Applied Physical Therapy
Functional Anatomy
Complex Conditions
Life Span Development
Pharmacotherapy

MEET YOUR STATE’S LICENSING REQUIREMENTSAll states require PTs to become licensed. Licensing requirements are set by individual states, but include passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). The NPTE is a computerized, multiple-choice exam. Applicants may take the exam three times in a twelve-month period. The Practice Exam and Assessment Tool (PEAT), also developed by the FSBPT, allows applicants to practice taking the test using an exam that resembles the NPTE.Other licensing requirements may include a law exam and a criminal background check. Most renewal programs require the completion of continuing education credits. Make sure to check with your state board for specific licensing requirements.

COMPLETE A RESIDENCY (OPTIONAL)After earning a DPT degree, you can apply to a clinical residency program for additional training and experience in specialty areas of care. These programs typically last one year. You can then specialize further by completing a fellowship in an advanced clinical area.

OBTAIN BOARD CERTIFICATION (OPTIONAL)After working in the field, physical therapists may apply to become a board-certified specialist in one of eight clinical specialty areas offered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. In order to become board-certified, physical therapists must complete at least 2,000 hours of clinical work or an APTA-accredited residency program in the specialty area, and pass an exam.