What training do you need to be a physical therapist?

Question

My B.A. in English isnt medical-related. But I have heard that it does not matter what your B.A. is in, you get your Masters in physical therapy. Is this true? How about a PT assistant? Seperate training for people w/an undergraduate degree as well? Length of time to get certified for that? Job market should be wide open and plentiful w/baby boomers becoming senior citizens right?

Answer 1

For admission into a PT program, your initial degree does not matter; but you would need to complete a list of prerequisite courses if you did not have them as an undergrad...it usually requires a year of chemisty and physics, a year and a half of biology and psychology, statistics and calc or trig, and anatomy and physiology. Each school has a specific guidlines as to which particular courses should be taken, but these are imperitive to completion prior to admission to the professional phase of the program. At this time, all PT programs in the US are either at the master's or doctorate level.

As far as PTA degrees, this remains a 2 year degree; and high school equivelent science courses are usually required for admission. Your degree will not influence your admission to this program...although you will probably not have to take your gen eds...Otherwise, your training would be the same as other PTA students.

Both PTs and PTAs are once again in demand, but the PTA career will hit a ceiling before the PT does. Many staffing agencies, home health care corperations and extended care facilities are offering sign on bonuses that could reach up to $5,000. The demand in these particular settings is higher than clinic and hospital settings.

You may visit www.apta.org to obtain a list of accredited PT programs and to learn more about the career.

Answer 2

PT programs are pretty competitive to get into, given that people realize it's a growing field with good employment opportunities. You should check with some colleges to see their programs