How Tough is Physical Therapy school?

Question

I want to go into PT (physical therapy). Can someone give me an idea of what to expect so I can better prepare myself? I'm working on getting a BS in Kinesiology specializing in exercise science. I've taken most of my prereqs. and had very little trouble with most of them (except physics was a little hard). I'm thinking of going into a DPT program but I'd love to hear about MPT programs as well.

Answer 1

Well, Nitikka has copied and pasted my answer from a previous post and posted it as her own...so please know that this was originally posted by me.

But, as far as the difference between the DPT and MPT program, the essentials are still the same and both sit for the same licensing exam in the long run. Yet, the DPT program will have a little heavier emhasis on pharmacology, radiology, differential diagnoses, etc...it just covered alittle deeper than the MPT program and they also have longer clinical affiliations.

Answer 2

I think that, as a new grad, if you go to an MPT degree school in 5 years you will be kicking yourself that you did not go to a DPT school. The MPT is going the way of the dinosaur, so it's probably best to get with the times and go for a DPT.

Answer 3

Where most people have trouble with the physical therapy program is that you no longer can rely on memorization. You have to deeply understand concepts of physiology, muscular function, research, etc...and yes you do need the physics to understand concepts such as torque, force, electrical fields as these are used on a daily basis in our treatment programs. It take alot more analytical skills as opposed to declaritive type of memory. If you are someone who likes using clues and evidence to solve problems, you will do well. The intensity of the program is also something that is difficult to get used to. You will be spending 5-8 hours a day in the classroom as opposed to 3-4 of a typical college student.

The MPT and the DPT program result in the same degree, but there is a higher emphasis in pharmacology, radiology and differential diasnosis in the DPT program. The APTA recognizes the fundamental difference in the program, but both are considered "entry level."

Answer 4

I just finished PT school last year. woo hoo. My school organized it so that it was two years of classwork/labs and the last year spent in clinicals. I had two nine week and two eleven week clinicals and then went straight into working full-time. Each school is different so look at what schools your interesting in and see how they set up their program and determine if thats what you want. I loved mine.

Also look at mistify's postings for additional information about PT degrees, school, etc. . . .

Answer 5

It isn't tough when u r determined to learn it.