Curriculum varies from program to program, but in addition to the theory and practice of physical therapy, your physical therapy courses will likely cover:. Accreditation is the seal of a approval that a school or program meets the highest standards set by an accrediting organization.
As a student, attending a non-accredited school can hinder your future education plans. Many accredited schools will not accept credits or coursework from a non-accredited institution. No problem. Read each program description carefully to determine which direction you want to take in your undergraduate education.
For instance, a BS in exercise science is likely to focus heavily on nutrition and fitness assessment whereas a health studies major will include more classes on chemistry, biology, brain function and advocacy.
In order to move to the graduate-level portion of the program, students usually need to receive a C or higher in each class. Some physical therapy schools offer a unique degree track for high school students: The freshman-to-doctorate, or Direct Freshman Entry, option. Students usually earn a bachelor of science in biology, sports studies, physiological sciences or health services.
Choose a Health Services major if you want an education on health laws and running a practice. However, as the entire industry moves to a doctorate degree, it makes sense for practicing physical therapists to head back to school. Transitional DPT t-DPT programs are designed to help practicing physical therapists increase their knowledge base, improve their skills in evidence-based practice and better understand the business of physical therapy.
Although PTs are at the forefront of natural health treatments, a transitional DPT program highlights the latest advancements in wellness and new ways to promote healthy habits in patients. More knowledge: Enhance your clinical skills and learn the latest advances in physical therapy.
Stay competitive: As new DPT graduates enter the field, patients may seek out professionals with a higher degree. Earning a transitional DPT prevents you from lagging behind. Online transitional DPTs are prevalent since these programs are designed for a working physical therapist.
Many programs offer self-paced classes and can be completed in a year. DPTs are considered professional, or entry-level, degrees. Some of your most important learning experiences will occur outside the classroom.
Physical therapist schools design their curriculums with a significant focus on clinical experience. Some programs require students to participate in clinical rotations outside of the town or city the campus is located in. Clinical education hours vary by school. For example, some require 38 weeks while other programs want students to complete as many as 50 weeks in clinical internships.
Typically, the rotations are done in 6, 8 or week segments with the first one usually occurring after the first year. If you choose a school that requires relocation for clinical rotations, you may be concerned about how this could affect your finances since most students do not receive a stipend. The organization is crystal-clear in their stance that they do not weight one school over another.
Applying to multiple schools can be time-consuming, but the physical therapy industry has streamlined the process for program applications. While it offers plenty of convenience, you need to pay attention to details and plan ahead.
Peer assessments were sent to deans, faculty and administrators at accredited physical therapy schools across the country.
Start Class : Operated by a technology company that collects data in various fields, Start Class ranks physical therapy schools using a slightly more objective approach than U.
Instead of relying on opinions, the rankings are based on student outcomes, student-faculty ratio, the amount of clinical experience required and other facts. However, your decision should truly be based on how a school fits with your career goals and lifestyle needs. The University of Southern California may be ranked No. Consider the following factors:. Physical therapy shadowing opportunities can be found in nearly any of the environments in which a physical therapist practices, from hospitals to research centers to fitness centers.
Similarly, you may find yourself working across a variety of physical therapy practice areas, such as:. Exposure to a number of different areas may help you with clarity of career choice. Depending on where you choose to shadow, you may find out there are some areas that you prefer more than others. According to the APTA , the typical doctorate in physical therapy takes three years to complete. Courses in your physical therapy education might include:. Each of these physical therapy school prerequisites will require time and attention to complete, so make sure you begin them with enough advance time before your application is due.
There are on-campus and online doctor of physical therapy program options available. As mentioned, it is important to ensure that your program of choice meets the requirements of the state you wish to work in — such as having CAPTE accreditation so that you can obtain your physical therapy license after completing your education.
Online physical therapy programs also allow you to study at the school of your choice without having to uproot your family or move across the country. Physical therapy licensure is required in every state, but precise physical therapy license requirements vary by location. Be sure to check the requirements you need to fulfill in the state you wish to work in. You are allowed five hours for the NPTE questions, which will be objective, multiple choice and computerized.
The NPTE content will cover the body systems e. The NPTE exam is administered four times per year. What happens after the NPTE exam? For those who pass the NPTE, congratulations, you are one step closer to obtaining licensure!.
Those who did not pass the required score, you do have the option of retaking the test. There is a maximum of three times in a month period and six times in a lifetime.
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