What are some of the Schooling Req./ Exp. for becoming a Physical Therapist?

Question

I need to know because i want to do this and if you can help in any way that would be great.

Answer 1

According to the US Dept of Labor:

Required Education:
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.**

Skills needed: 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.

Ongoing Training Needed: 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.

Key Points:
*Employment is expected to increase much faster than the average, as growth in the number of individuals with disabilities or limited functioning spurs demand for therapy services.

*Job opportunities should be particularly good in acute hospital, rehabilitation, and orthopedic settings.

Earnings:
Median annual earnings of physical therapists were $60,180 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $50,330 and $71,760. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,010, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $88,580.

Good luck!

Answer 2

As far as high school goes, just take classes that will get you INTO college-- some honors, some APs, perhaps in the sciences. It really doesn't matter if you take accounting instead of art for an elective for example- you just have to get in. Once you get to college, you'd probably be taking lots of bio and physio classes. It wasn't my area of study so I'm not sure, but again if you're still in HS concentrate on doing well and getting into your dream school!

Answer 3

college degree in physical therapy. Then have to pass an exam