3 answers
Reagan
Student
Bolton, Connecticut
1
Question
Asked
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What do you have to do to become a physical therapist, how long do you have to go to college for?
I've wanted to become a physical therapist since I was little.
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3 answers
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
343
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Reagan:
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career as a Physical Therapist. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Other classes to take will be anatomy, exercise science and physiology. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Physical Therapist, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway for Physical Therapy.
According to Indeed.com, the educational pathway to become a Physical Therapist will be between 7-8 years. 4 Years will be to earn a Bachelor Degree. A Masters Degree will be 2-3 years. The Doctorate Degree will be another 2-3 years. Then, there are internships, certifications and licensing that have to be earned and achieved along the way.
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-long-to-become-physical-therapist
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Colleges and Universities for a Physical Therapy major:
- University of Delaware
- University of Pittsburgh
- Washington University (St. Louis)
- Northwestern University
- University of Iowa
- University of Southern California
- Duke University
- Emory University
- Creighton University
- MGH Institute of Health Professions
- Ohio State University
- University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill)
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/physical-therapy-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path in Physical Therapy!
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career as a Physical Therapist. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Other classes to take will be anatomy, exercise science and physiology. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Physical Therapist, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway for Physical Therapy.
According to Indeed.com, the educational pathway to become a Physical Therapist will be between 7-8 years. 4 Years will be to earn a Bachelor Degree. A Masters Degree will be 2-3 years. The Doctorate Degree will be another 2-3 years. Then, there are internships, certifications and licensing that have to be earned and achieved along the way.
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-long-to-become-physical-therapist
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Colleges and Universities for a Physical Therapy major:
- University of Delaware
- University of Pittsburgh
- Washington University (St. Louis)
- Northwestern University
- University of Iowa
- University of Southern California
- Duke University
- Emory University
- Creighton University
- MGH Institute of Health Professions
- Ohio State University
- University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill)
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/physical-therapy-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path in Physical Therapy!
Donna Calvert, PT, PhD
physical therapist
57
Answers
Mission, Kansas
Updated
Donna’s Answer
To clarify the educational process of becoming a physical therapist:
As of 2020, the American PT Association (APTA.org) stated that all educational programs will be at the clinical doctorate level (DPT). So, you should be looking for a program that offers that degree, not a Masters degree.
So...To become a PT, you will need to complete an undergrad degree, usually taking 4 years. Then you can apply to PT schools that will then be an additional 2.5-3 years finishing with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. A DPT is the "entry-level" degree needed to practice physical therapy. Some schools that have DPT programs have "bridge" programs for those who get undergrad degrees at the same school that may decrease the time by a semester or two but often a student has to pre-qualify for those programs and adhere to GPA requirements to keep that pre-qualification.
I would highly recommend the following for you to continue to investigate if PT is the profession you are interested in pursuing:
1. Go to the American Physical Therapy Association website (APTA.org) and learn about the profession, the education required and the schools that offer a DPT degree
2. Volunteer or observe in a PT department in various settings (outpatient, hospital, extended care etc) to see how the profession differs and remains the same in different settings
3. Devote yourself to your studies to perform at your best level. PT school is highly competitive--only the people with the best grades are considered. But you also have to have an ability to motivate others.
Good luck in your pursuits!
As of 2020, the American PT Association (APTA.org) stated that all educational programs will be at the clinical doctorate level (DPT). So, you should be looking for a program that offers that degree, not a Masters degree.
So...To become a PT, you will need to complete an undergrad degree, usually taking 4 years. Then you can apply to PT schools that will then be an additional 2.5-3 years finishing with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. A DPT is the "entry-level" degree needed to practice physical therapy. Some schools that have DPT programs have "bridge" programs for those who get undergrad degrees at the same school that may decrease the time by a semester or two but often a student has to pre-qualify for those programs and adhere to GPA requirements to keep that pre-qualification.
I would highly recommend the following for you to continue to investigate if PT is the profession you are interested in pursuing:
1. Go to the American Physical Therapy Association website (APTA.org) and learn about the profession, the education required and the schools that offer a DPT degree
2. Volunteer or observe in a PT department in various settings (outpatient, hospital, extended care etc) to see how the profession differs and remains the same in different settings
3. Devote yourself to your studies to perform at your best level. PT school is highly competitive--only the people with the best grades are considered. But you also have to have an ability to motivate others.
Good luck in your pursuits!
Ethan Gause
Physical Therapist Aide
1
Answer
Tustin, California
Updated
Ethan’s Answer
What do you have to do to become a physical therapist, how long do you have to go to college for?
Hey Reagan!
Becoming a physical therapist is a long process and it takes time to build up an application in order to apply for schools. I am currently in the process of applying for programs right now, so this is all fresh in my mind.
Schools with require material from 4 main categories: Personal Information (background/demographic information about yourself), Academic History ( transcripts from all the colleges you attended), Supporting Information (a personal statement essay, experiences, achievements, certifications/licenses), and Program Materials (varies from each school). Schools also require specific courses to be taken in order to apply and the most common are 2 biology classes with labs, 2 chemistry classes with labs, 2 physics classes a physiology class with a lab, an anatomy class with a lab, 1-2 psychology classes, and a statistics class. Some schools might have specific courses on top of these that they want or specific tests, such as the GRE.
You want to fill up your application with as much relevant supporting information that you can. You want to make yourself stand out from other applicants and you can do this by engaging in extracurricular activities outside of school, (ex: club, conferences attended volunteer work, sports, etc.).
You also need to make sure that you have letters of recommendation from at least one professor and one physical therapist. To get one from a professor, make sure that you pick a professor in your major that knows you well and would be happy to vouch for you. To get one from a physical therapist, you will need to look into either shadowing opportunities or paid positions in order to get that letter from them.
Once you work through all of that and submit your applications all you can do now is wait. If you are lucky enough to get an interview the school will either have you come in for a physical interview or online through Zoom. If you pass that and receive an acceptance, you're in! Most programs will go 3 years on average, but I have seen as few as 2 years and as much as 4 in my sightings.
I posted a link for prereq courses below and it will show you all the classes that each specific school wants!
Hopefully this answer helps!
Prereq Courses by School: https://ptcasdirectory.apta.org/5287/Comparison-of-Course-Prerequisites-by-Program
Hey Reagan!
Becoming a physical therapist is a long process and it takes time to build up an application in order to apply for schools. I am currently in the process of applying for programs right now, so this is all fresh in my mind.
Schools with require material from 4 main categories: Personal Information (background/demographic information about yourself), Academic History ( transcripts from all the colleges you attended), Supporting Information (a personal statement essay, experiences, achievements, certifications/licenses), and Program Materials (varies from each school). Schools also require specific courses to be taken in order to apply and the most common are 2 biology classes with labs, 2 chemistry classes with labs, 2 physics classes a physiology class with a lab, an anatomy class with a lab, 1-2 psychology classes, and a statistics class. Some schools might have specific courses on top of these that they want or specific tests, such as the GRE.
You want to fill up your application with as much relevant supporting information that you can. You want to make yourself stand out from other applicants and you can do this by engaging in extracurricular activities outside of school, (ex: club, conferences attended volunteer work, sports, etc.).
You also need to make sure that you have letters of recommendation from at least one professor and one physical therapist. To get one from a professor, make sure that you pick a professor in your major that knows you well and would be happy to vouch for you. To get one from a physical therapist, you will need to look into either shadowing opportunities or paid positions in order to get that letter from them.
Once you work through all of that and submit your applications all you can do now is wait. If you are lucky enough to get an interview the school will either have you come in for a physical interview or online through Zoom. If you pass that and receive an acceptance, you're in! Most programs will go 3 years on average, but I have seen as few as 2 years and as much as 4 in my sightings.
I posted a link for prereq courses below and it will show you all the classes that each specific school wants!
Hopefully this answer helps!
Prereq Courses by School: https://ptcasdirectory.apta.org/5287/Comparison-of-Course-Prerequisites-by-Program