2007-05-13 22:12:58 · 6 answers · asked by magically_blue 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
They could if they were to go back to Medical School. The training as a physical therapist would help with certain tests such as the MCAT (the entrance exam to get in to Medical School).
As one of the other posters said some physical therapists are drs. These drs are called physiatrists. They deal with Rehabilitation of injuries, some that can't be treated by a regular physical therapist.
2007-05-13 22:16:35 · answer #1 · answered by sokokl 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Since 2002, all graduates of PT programs in the US became either master's or doctorate level. This is known as a DPT and should not be confused with an MD or pHD.
The DPT is an entry level degree that take about 7 years to obtain and it allows them to perform within the scope of physical therapy practice. The DPT was designed to make the PT more prepared to handle direct access (being able to get PT without first seeing a physician). It does not allow the PT to presribe drugs...and no they are not trying to "Be doctors"...we are establishing ourselves as experts in the field of physical therapy.
Some PTs go on to receive their pHD...often in anatomy, education, biomechics, etc. This is usually done by PTs who wish to participate in research or teach at the university level.
A DPT or pHD should not be confused with an MD. An MD is a medical doctor. They have completed medical school and frequently specialize afterwards...family medicine, surgery, physiatry (see below). Their focus is the practice of medicine...the use of medications or surgical procedures to physiologically affect the person.
A PHYSIATRIST is NOT a physical therapist with a doctorate degree. They are a MEDICAL doctor. This means they are in control of a person's medical status during the rehabilitative process. They may prescribe certain procedures or medications that affect one's rehab prognosis. They are a coordinator of physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, but ARE NOT therapists per se, and do not perform physical therapy treatments. An example of what a physiatrist might do is to consult on a patient who has had a stroke, they may recommend a medication called Baclofen to help control spasticity and might refer the patient to PT. They DO NOT perform the PT treatment.
So yes, a physical therapist can earn a doctorate level degree after 7 years (6 year programs usually result in an MS). Yet, the DPT should not be confused with a physiatrist, a pHD or an MD.
2007-05-14 21:04:56 · answer #2 · answered by mistify 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A physical therapist IS a doctor.
2007-05-14 05:15:40 · answer #3 · answered by Steph 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
ive been to many physical therapist that have been doing it for years and they weren't doctors.
2007-05-14 05:16:03 · answer #4 · answered by Morganna 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
unless you have the letters "M.D." after your name, you are nothing !
2007-05-14 05:19:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
umm... i have friend and she did but really, i have no idea.
2007-05-14 05:15:47 · answer #6 · answered by Sankiny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋