what kind of schooling do you have to go through to be a physical therapist?

Question

I'm thinking about going to school to be a P.T but I can't find very much info on how many years, and what kind of classes you have to take. If you have any info or good websites I'd love to hear about it! Also if you know of a good school I'd like to know that too! Thanks!!

Answer 1

Here's the Occupational Outlook Handbook page for PT
Very informative and includes links:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos080.htm

Here's the page for PT aides
many PTs start as aides and work their way through school while gaining experience:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos167.htm

Here's the American Physical Therapy Association:
http://www.apta.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home
and their Prospective PT and PTA Student Information page:
http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Prospective_Students&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=218&ContentID=21562

Good Luck!

Answer 2

All States require physical therapists to pass a licensure exam before they can practice, after graduating from an accredited physical therapist educational program.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there were 205 accredited physical therapist programs in 2004. Of the accredited programs, 94 offered master’s degrees, and 111 offered doctoral degrees. All physical therapist programs seeking accreditation are required to offer degrees at the master’s degree level and above, in accordance with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

Physical therapist programs start with basic science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics and then introduce specialized courses, including biomechanics, neuroanatomy, human growth and development, manifestations of disease, examination techniques, and therapeutic procedures. Besides getting classroom and laboratory instruction, students receive supervised clinical experience. Among the courses that are useful when one applies to a physical therapist educational program are anatomy, biology, chemistry, social science, mathematics, and physics. Before granting admission, many professional education programs require experience as a volunteer in a physical therapy department of a hospital or clinic. For high school students, volunteering with the school athletic trainer is a good way to gain experience.

Physical therapists should have strong interpersonal skills in order to be able to educate patients about their physical therapy treatments. Physical therapists also should be compassionate and possess a desire to help patients. Similar traits are needed to interact with the patient’s family.

Physical therapists are expected to continue their professional development by participating in continuing education courses and workshops. In fact, a number of States require continuing education as a condition of maintaining licensure.

Read more here: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos080.htm