2 answers
Erin
Student
3
Questions
Updated
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How much schooling to be successful?
How much schooling do you need to really be a successful physical therapist?
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2 answers
Cheri Hall
Physical Therapist
55
Answers
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Updated
Cheri’s Answer
Hello Erin,
The journey to becoming a physical therapist might seem long, but it's quite straightforward. It all starts with finishing high school and obtaining your diploma. While in high school, focus on subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math as these will set a solid foundation for your college education.
The next step involves earning your Bachelor's degree from a four-year college. Although you can choose any major, most aspiring physical therapists opt for a science-related field such as Biology, Exercise Science, or Psychology. These areas of study will help you fulfill the necessary prerequisites for applying to a physical therapy school.
After obtaining your Bachelor's degree, you can proceed to apply for a Physical Therapy degree. This involves joining a doctorate program that typically takes three years. The program entails studying subjects like Anatomy, Kinesiology, and Biochemistry, along with practical instructions on physical therapy-based evaluation and treatment. You'll also undertake several clinical rotations to practice your newly acquired skills. Upon graduation, you'll be eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam to earn your license.
Lastly, there are several universities in the US that offer a 3+3 degree program. This program merges a Bachelor's degree and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree into a six-year course. Here, you'll complete your Bachelor's degree at a faster pace and then proceed to the physical therapy degree, which takes the standard three years.
The journey to becoming a physical therapist might seem long, but it's quite straightforward. It all starts with finishing high school and obtaining your diploma. While in high school, focus on subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math as these will set a solid foundation for your college education.
The next step involves earning your Bachelor's degree from a four-year college. Although you can choose any major, most aspiring physical therapists opt for a science-related field such as Biology, Exercise Science, or Psychology. These areas of study will help you fulfill the necessary prerequisites for applying to a physical therapy school.
After obtaining your Bachelor's degree, you can proceed to apply for a Physical Therapy degree. This involves joining a doctorate program that typically takes three years. The program entails studying subjects like Anatomy, Kinesiology, and Biochemistry, along with practical instructions on physical therapy-based evaluation and treatment. You'll also undertake several clinical rotations to practice your newly acquired skills. Upon graduation, you'll be eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam to earn your license.
Lastly, there are several universities in the US that offer a 3+3 degree program. This program merges a Bachelor's degree and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree into a six-year course. Here, you'll complete your Bachelor's degree at a faster pace and then proceed to the physical therapy degree, which takes the standard three years.
Cynthia Doyle PT, DPT, CCI
Physical Therapist
12
Answers
Cheboygan, Michigan
Updated
Cynthia’s Answer
Something that is great about physical therapy is that there is always something new to learn and ways to improve your effectiveness. After you get your college degree and your license, each state requires you to complete a certain number of continuing education units. This can be by attending conferences in person or virtually. In this way, you get to learn something more in depth about a topic that interests you, and you will improve your skills. This will lead you to be more successful in treating your clients.