What Degree Is Needed to Be a Physical Therapist?
A physical therapist is a medical professional who helps individuals experiencing problems with mobility and/or muscular or neurological function. A physical therapist performs a wide variety of therapies and educates patients as to the use of devices, such as crutches, canes and wheelchairs. Becoming a physical therapist requires extensive post-graduate training, as well as successful completion of a professional board examination.
Undergraduate Training
In order to become a licensed physical therapist, a person must first obtain a Bachelor's degree in preparation for a post-graduate program in physical therapy. Although most physical therapy programs do not require an undergraduate degree in any specific discipline, a background in science, physiology, anatomy and math will help to prepare one for the rigorous post-graduate training.
Post-graduate Training
The Commission on Accredited Programs in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is the accrediting agency for schools that offer physical therapy training programs. Programs are offered as both Masters and Ph.D. degrees. The length of the program will depend upon each school's individual requirements, but generally last from two to three years. The majority of physical therapy educational programs at this time lead to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, and it is the American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA) goal that by 2020, all training programs offer the Doctorate track.
Coursework
Individuals enrolling in physical therapy programs may expect to carry a rigorous academic load that includes both theoretical and practical information. Beginning courses include anatomy, physiology and pathology with particular emphasis on the musculoskeletal system. After establishing this framework of knowledge, students move on to learning more about various treatment modalities, diagnosis and testing and addressing specific types of conditions or disorders. During the later part of training programs, students participate in internship opportunities in order to practice these skills under the direction of a licensed physical therapist.
Examination
The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSTPT) administers a national licensing examination, the National Physical Therapist Examination (NPTE), which all graduates of physical therapy training programs must pass as a condition of eligibility for licensure. The NPTE consists of 225 questions related to the practice of physical therapy, as well as anatomy, pathology, physiology and pharmacology that must be completed within five hours.
Physical Therapist Assistant Programs
An alternative route to working in the field of physical therapy is to get an Associate's degree from a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program. PTAs work under the direction of a licensed physical therapist to provide direct patient care and education. PTA programs require only a high school diploma for admission, although as there are a limited number of them, admissions can still be somewhat competitive. PTA Associate programs generally last two years, and graduates must pass a national licensing examination.
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