2 answers
Allison
Student
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Questions
Asked
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What is the best path I should take to pursue an education in Physical therapy or Exercise Sciences?
I'm currently a junior in high school and am trying to decide the best fit job or career path. I know I want to do something in the injury recovery field like physical therapy but I'm unsure of what the best path is.
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2 answers
Cheri Hall
Physical Therapist
55
Answers
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Updated
Cheri’s Answer
Hello Allison,
Embarking on the journey to become a physical therapist can be quite extensive. As a junior in high school, you can start by enrolling in all available biology, chemistry, physics, and math courses. This will provide you with a solid foundation for your college studies as you work towards your bachelor's degree. Additionally, while still in high school, you could start gaining practical experience by volunteering or observing at various PT clinics in your locality. Many current PTs started this way, and they are often eager to guide upcoming students aspiring to join the profession. The work environment in a hospital can greatly differ from that in an independent outpatient clinic or an assisted living facility. Therefore, familiarizing yourself with these different settings could prove beneficial as you strive to attain your PT degree.
Another career option you might find interesting is athletic training. Athletic trainers are highly skilled healthcare professionals who provide services or treatments and mitigate risks in diverse settings. While some people may mistake ATs for personal trainers or physical therapists, the roles are quite distinct. For instance, did you know that ATs are employed in the military, the arts, and even businesses? Your high school might have an athletic trainer whom you could shadow for a day or two to gain firsthand insight into their daily tasks.
Embarking on the journey to become a physical therapist can be quite extensive. As a junior in high school, you can start by enrolling in all available biology, chemistry, physics, and math courses. This will provide you with a solid foundation for your college studies as you work towards your bachelor's degree. Additionally, while still in high school, you could start gaining practical experience by volunteering or observing at various PT clinics in your locality. Many current PTs started this way, and they are often eager to guide upcoming students aspiring to join the profession. The work environment in a hospital can greatly differ from that in an independent outpatient clinic or an assisted living facility. Therefore, familiarizing yourself with these different settings could prove beneficial as you strive to attain your PT degree.
Another career option you might find interesting is athletic training. Athletic trainers are highly skilled healthcare professionals who provide services or treatments and mitigate risks in diverse settings. While some people may mistake ATs for personal trainers or physical therapists, the roles are quite distinct. For instance, did you know that ATs are employed in the military, the arts, and even businesses? Your high school might have an athletic trainer whom you could shadow for a day or two to gain firsthand insight into their daily tasks.
I think this is a very thorough and effective answer - good luck, and study hard! You can also start following some social media sites that provide content on injury and prevention, such as ASCM, strength and conditioning organizations, other sports medicine alliances, and even local PT clinics and gyms that post information about exercise and treatment programs.
Rebecca Kollmorgen
Donna Calvert, PT, PhD
physical therapist
57
Answers
Mission, Kansas
Updated
Donna’s Answer
This response takes the next steps from above and looks at the search for colleges and PT schools:
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.
Look at the American Physical Therapy Association website for DPT programs (APTA.org)
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.
Donna recommends the following next steps: