3 answers
Colten
Student
Antwerp, Ohio
3
Questions
Asked
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What is the best path to take to become a Physical Therapist? What classes should I take now?
I want a high-paying job as a physical therapist, but I don't know how to get there. It would be very helpful to know what kind of college I should attend.
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3 answers
Cheri Hall
Physical Therapist
46
Answers
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Updated
Cheri’s Answer
Hello Colten,
To embark on a career as a physical therapist, the ultimate requirement is a doctorate in physical therapy. However, your first step is to obtain a bachelor's degree, typically acquired over four years at a university. While you can choose any major, popular choices among aspiring physical therapists include Biology, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or Psychology. These subjects often cover the prerequisite classes needed for admission into doctorate programs.
Certain universities provide what's known as a direct-entry Physical Therapy program. This accelerated program allows you to complete your bachelor's degree in three years instead of four, followed by immediate acceptance into their Physical Therapy doctoral program. This doctorate program spans three additional years and includes both academic coursework and practical internships.
Before applying to any physical therapy program, it's essential to gain hands-on experience. This can be achieved through volunteering at a physical therapy clinic or working as a physical therapy aide. Given the demanding nature of the coursework and the profession, schools prefer applicants with prior experience in the field.
If you're currently in high school, consider volunteering at local physical therapy clinics or hospitals. Additionally, taking as many science classes as possible will provide a strong foundation for your college studies.
Call local PT clinics to ask about volunteering or shadowing for a day.
Take high school classes such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy. And AP classes if possible.
To embark on a career as a physical therapist, the ultimate requirement is a doctorate in physical therapy. However, your first step is to obtain a bachelor's degree, typically acquired over four years at a university. While you can choose any major, popular choices among aspiring physical therapists include Biology, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or Psychology. These subjects often cover the prerequisite classes needed for admission into doctorate programs.
Certain universities provide what's known as a direct-entry Physical Therapy program. This accelerated program allows you to complete your bachelor's degree in three years instead of four, followed by immediate acceptance into their Physical Therapy doctoral program. This doctorate program spans three additional years and includes both academic coursework and practical internships.
Before applying to any physical therapy program, it's essential to gain hands-on experience. This can be achieved through volunteering at a physical therapy clinic or working as a physical therapy aide. Given the demanding nature of the coursework and the profession, schools prefer applicants with prior experience in the field.
If you're currently in high school, consider volunteering at local physical therapy clinics or hospitals. Additionally, taking as many science classes as possible will provide a strong foundation for your college studies.
Cheri recommends the following next steps:
Sharmeen Shivji
Student
1
Answer
Coral Springs, Florida
Updated
Sharmeen’s Answer
To embark on a career as a physical therapist, your journey begins at a four-year college to earn a bachelor's degree. There's no specific undergraduate major required for physical therapy school, so choose a subject that fascinates you. Nowadays, graduate schools value diverse academic backgrounds. However, you'll need to fulfill certain prerequisites required by physical therapy programs, such as biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, anatomy, and statistics, among others.
If you're still in high school, it's wise to enroll in science and math courses to lay a solid foundation for your college studies. For instance, taking AP Chemistry can give you a head start when you tackle Chemistry 1 and Chemistry 2 in college, where the pace is significantly faster.
If you're still in high school, it's wise to enroll in science and math courses to lay a solid foundation for your college studies. For instance, taking AP Chemistry can give you a head start when you tackle Chemistry 1 and Chemistry 2 in college, where the pace is significantly faster.
Aka Ivan
Social Worker
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Aka’s Answer
I recently came across a website that's hiring physical therapists at a wellness center, and I believe the site is jobiak.empowerme.com. You can check it out to see what qualifications are needed, My suggestion is that make sure you have a valid therapist license before applying for any therapy positions.
It's important to verify that you meet the continuing education requirements for physical therapists in your state, as maintaining your license often depends on ongoing learning and skill development.
You should also prepare a strong resume highlighting your clinical experience, areas of expertise, and any additional certifications that could set you apart when applying for physical therapist roles.
If you're new to the field, consider completing an internship or residency program, as hands-on experience is often a key qualification for physical therapist positions.
It's important to verify that you meet the continuing education requirements for physical therapists in your state, as maintaining your license often depends on ongoing learning and skill development.
You should also prepare a strong resume highlighting your clinical experience, areas of expertise, and any additional certifications that could set you apart when applying for physical therapist roles.
If you're new to the field, consider completing an internship or residency program, as hands-on experience is often a key qualification for physical therapist positions.