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The education requirements for becoming a physical therapist vary by country. In the United States, a physical therapist must have a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited physical therapy program.
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Introduction
A physical therapist is a healthcare professional who helps patients regain mobility and function after an injury or illness. Education requirements for becoming a physical therapist vary by country, but most therapists need at least a master’s degree from an accredited physical therapy program. In the United States, physical therapists must also pass a state-licensed exam before they can practice.
Most physical therapists enter the profession with a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field such as exercise science or kinesiology. Many physical therapy programs require applicants to have completed certain prerequisite courses, such as human anatomy and physiology, before they can be admitted.
Full-time students can usually complete a bachelor’s degree in 4 years, but many PT programs require 5 or 6 years of study. In the United States, there are more than 200 accredited physical therapy programs that offer either a master’s degree or doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree. The curriculum for these programs includes coursework in areas such as anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, and pharmacology, as well as clinical training in things like wound care and rehabilitation methods.
Most PT programs also include a period of full-time clinical experience called a clinical internship or residency. Therapists who want to specialize in a particular area of practice may need to complete additional coursework or certifications after they finish their PT program.
For example, therapists who want to work with patients who have suffered a stroke may pursue certification in neurologic physical therapy from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. To maintain their license, physiotherapists must participate in continuing education activities throughout their career.
What Are the Education Requirements for Becoming a Physical Therapist?
A physical therapist (PT) is a healthcare professional who helps patients regain mobility and manage pain after suffering an injury or illness. To become a PT, you will need to complete a 4-year degree in physical therapy from an accredited institution.
High School Diploma or GED
In order to become a physical therapist, you will need to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited physical therapy program.
You can enter a physical therapy program directly from high school, but most programs require at least some college coursework prior to admission. In general, you will need to complete prerequisite courses in topics such as human anatomy and physiology, physics, chemistry, and psychology.
In order to be eligible for admission into a DPT program, you will need to earn a high school diploma or GED. You should also plan on completing a bachelor’s degree before beginning your professional doctoral program. While it is possible to enter a DPT program with any bachelor’s degree, many programs give preference to applicants who have majored in a relevant subject such as exercise science or kinesiology.
Bachelor’s Degree
A physical therapist (PT) is a health care professional who diagnoses and treats individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.
Doctoral Degree
In order to become a physical therapist, you must first earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited physical therapy program. Currently, there are over 200 such programs available in the United States. Admission to a DPT program is highly competitive, and prospective students must have earned a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, most programs require applicants to take the GRE and complete prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology.
Once admitted to a DPT program, students can expect to complete coursework and clinical rotations over the span of three years. Coursework will cover topics such as human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and neuroscience. Students will also gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in various settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, and home health agencies. Upon completion of a DPT program, graduates must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) in order to obtain licensure and begin practicing as physical therapists.
Conclusion
Physical therapists must have a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited physical therapy program. They must also pass a state-administered licensure exam. Some states may require physical therapists to complete a certain number of continuing education credits in order to maintain their license.
