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Do I have to complete medical school to become a physical therapist?

I want to know not only if I have to attend medical school but other things I should do before becoming a physical therapist.

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Andrea C Wooldridge’s Answer

You can get your undergraduate or Bachelor's degree (BS or BA) in anything. I recommend getting a "useful" or employable undergraduate degree, such as accounting or Physical Therapy Assistant program (often an associates degree) bridged into a Bachelor's degree. PT school is competitive, so being able to earn a living while applying to PT school for a few years or in the unfortunate circumstance that you do not get into graduate school, is highly recommended. Undergraduate degrees, such as Kinesiology, Biology, or chemistry, do not yield job opportunities unless you magically have 3-5 years experience in the field. I can personally say that my Computer Science background has been endlessly beneficial to me throughout my career as a Physical Therapist. Going onto sites such as Indeed or Glassdoor and doing some basic job searches in your potential undergraduate degree will let you know if it is a good pick for you. You can take the prerequisite classes for PT school while getting your undergraduate degree or after you graduate. Veterinary (4 year doctorate includes clinical rotations) and Physical Therapy (3-year doctorate program includes clinical rotations) are examples of clinical doctorate programs that are completely separate from a Medical Doctor program.
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Karri’s Answer

You do not need to attend medical school to become a physical therapist, but you do have to attend graduate school for physical therapy, which is typically three years (after you have already earned a college degree). You can check out this link: https://www.apta.org/your-career/careers-in-physical-therapy/becoming-a-pt.

Good luck!
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Evan’s Answer

Medical school in the United States a 4 year doctorate degree that is for training doctors of allopathic medicine (MDs) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs). These are the physicians you see for any and all medical problems. This differs than a 4 year doctorate of physical therapy (DPTs). They still attend a school after graduating from their undergraduate institution. These programs are 3 years and will get you on your way to practicing as a physical therapist!
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