what course needed to get into physical therapy

• Important Facts About This Field of Study. D.P.T. or Ph.D.
• Undergraduate Coursework. A bachelor's degree in biology is a common undergraduate degree for aspiring physical therapists; however, a specific major isn't usually required.
• Graduate Coursework. Once you've earned an undergraduate degree, your next step is to seek a graduate degree in physical therapy.
• Residency and Board Certification Info. After graduating from your physical therapy program, you could enter an optional residency if you wish to receive specialty training.
• Licensure and Continuing Education. Once you graduate from a master's or doctoral degree program in physical therapy, you must seek state licensure before becoming a practicing physical therapist.

Full Answer

What classes do you need to become a physical therapist?

11 rows · A comprehensive list of physical therapy programs by state, including admissions deadlines, ...

What are the educational requirements to become a physical therapist?

Sep 01, 2020 · Physical Therapy Education Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in a Related Field Typically, students will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in a field... Step 2: Complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree Next, students must enroll in and complete an accredited Doctor of... Step 3: Pass the NPTE In ...

What are the educational requirements for physical therapy?

To practice as a physical therapist in the U.S., you must earn a doctor of physical therapy degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education-accredited physical therapist education program and pass a state licensure exam. The length of professional DPT programs is typically three years.

What is the best school for physical therapy?

The most commonly required course prerequisites are: Anatomy / A&P 1 with lab Physiology / A&P 2 with lab Biology 1 (not botany or zoology) Biology 2 (not botany or zoology) General Chemistry 1 with lab General Chemistry 2 with lab General Physics 1 with lab General Physics 2 with lab Psychology ...

What degree do I need to become a physical therapist?

Complete a bachelor's degree. A basic physical therapy school requirement is a bachelor’s degree. External link. . However, there also are combination programs in which you can complete three years of undergraduate and pre-physical therapy classes and then advance into a three-year professional DPT program.

What degree do I need to become a PT?

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you may need to complete post-graduate work to be eligible for PT school admission.

What are the requirements for a DPT program?

Factors to consider when choosing which DPT programs to apply to include: 1 Course scheduling flexibility 2 Campus setting or hybrid online setting 3 Physical therapy curriculum specialties 4 Length of program 5 Admission requirements 6 Facilities 7 Size of university 8 Size of the department 9 Size of the PT school’s entering class 10 Graduation rates 11 Licensure rates 12 Employment rates 13 Tuition and other fees 14 Opportunities for financial assistance 15 Opportunities for mentorship 16 Extracurricular activities at the university or in the area 17 University student demographics

How many points does the GRE have?

covers verbal reasoning (130-170 points), quantitative reasoning (130-170 points), and analytical writing skills (0-6 points). If you are uncomfortable taking standardized tests, plan to take the GRE practice tests before scheduling the real examination. You can take the GRE. External link.

What is PTCAS in physical therapy?

The PTCAS provides a comparison chart of PT school prerequisites comparison chart of PT school prerequisites. External link. . Though you are not required to have a certain major. External link. , you might benefit from obtaining a bachelor’s degree that is directly relevant to physical therapy .

How many references do you need for PTCAS?

Some programs require references from specific types of individuals, such as a licensed physical therapist or professor. Programs, on average, require three references, though some require more.

Do you need observation hours for physical therapy?

under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Even if observation hours are not required by a certain program, they are highly recommended to ensure you understand the physical therapy field and whether this is the right career for you.

How do I become a physical therapist?

In order to become a licensed physical therapist, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which is given by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). The computer-administered exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions split into five sections. It is scored on a scale of 200–800; scoring a 600 or above is considered passing. The NPTE is offered four times each year: in January, April, July, and October. The FSBPT allows candidates to take it up to three times in one year. In 2019, 91% of first-time candidates who were graduates of#N#U.S.–accredited PT programs passed the NPTE. 3

How often do physical therapists have to meet continuing education requirements?

To maintain licensure, physical therapists must meet continuing education requirements every two years in most states.

What are the different types of DPT programs?

Some graduate schools also offer innovative scheduling options. USAHS offers its DPT program in two formats: 1 Residential DPT: This format blends online coursework with in-person clinical labs on weekdays. It typically takes less than three years to complete. 2 Flex DPT: This format blends online coursework with in-person clinical labs on select weekends each month. Designed for working students, it typically takes four years to complete. 2

What do I need to become a doctoral student?

Typically, students will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in a field related to health science, exercise, and/or sports. For some graduate programs, students may also be required to complete specific prerequisites, such as courses in physics, kinesiology, biology, chemistry, physiology, and anatomy. Research the prerequisites of the doctoral degree ...

What is a clinical residency?

A clinical residency is a post-graduate program that includes additional training, coursework, and clinical experiences. A residency is a good way to begin specializing in your area of greatest interest. Physical therapy fellowship programs are also available.

How long does it take to get a DPT degree?

A bachelor’s degree typically takes three to four years to complete for full-time students. Then you will need to enroll in a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, ...

Is physical therapy a rewarding career?

Launching Your Physical Therapy Career. Physical therapy is a rewarding career path—you’ll have the opportunity to change people’s lives for the better. Here are some other aspects to consider as you prepare to launch your career.

How long does it take to become a physical therapist?

The length of professional DPT programs is typically three years.

What is a specialization in physical therapy?

Specialization is the process by which a physical therapist builds on a broad base of professional education and practice to develop a greater depth of knowledge and skills related to a particular area of practice. PTs are not required to be certified in order to practice in a specific area.

What does a physical therapist do?

Physical therapists diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to people at the end of life. Many patients have injuries, disabilities, ...

How does a physical therapist help people?

They help people achieve fitness goals, regain or maintain their independence, and lead active lives.

Does APTA rank DPT?

APTA does not rank DPT education programs. Programs are accredited by CAPTE, which assures quality in physical therapist education. Among the factors you should keep in mind when choosing your program: Cost and financial aid opportunities. Most DPT students graduate with student loans.

How long is a DPT program?

Programs offer different student experiences and have different costs. Program length. The traditional DPT program is three years, but some programs compress academic requirements into a shorter time span, which could help you manage the total cost of your education experience and enter the field faster.

Is there a demand for physical therapy?

Demand for physical therapists varies by geographical region and area of practice, but PT unemployment rates are typically low across the country. The need for physical therapists is expected to remain strong as the United States population ages and the demand for physical therapist services grows.

What majors are required for a DPT?

The most common undergraduate majors among PT students include exercise science, biology, kinesiology, and psychology.

What are the requirements for a DPT program?

Most DPT programs require applicants to complete the Graduate Record Examination .

How many years do you have to take to become a DPT?

DPT programs may require preprofessional (pre-PT/undergraduate) science courses to be completed in a four-year university/college within the seven to 10 years prior to enrollment. Be prepared to identify what classes you have taken (or will take) to fulfill the program's course requirements.

What is a technical standard?

A program's technical standards and/or essential skills document may describe the physical, behavioral, and/or cognitive abilities needed to complete the physical therapist curriculum at that particular institution and to competently perform as a physical therapist upon graduation.

Does APTA rank DPT?

APTA does not rank DPT education programs. Programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, which assures quality in physical therapist education.

What does a physical therapist do?

As a physical therapist, you will have the ability to diagnose and treat conditions that limit people's mobility and ability to function in daily living, and to provide patients with an increased quality of life.

What is the most important course to take in high school?

Biology -- the study of life -- is perhaps the most important course you will take in high school to prepare for a career in physical therapy. In biology, you will investigate scientific concepts such as the structure and function of cells, cellular organization, human body systems, cellular respiration, genetics and human disease -- all of which will be critical to your study of physical therapy. As you will need to take biology in college as part of the physical therapy requirements, taking biology in high school will provide you with knowledge that will be critical to your future success.

Do you need math to become a physical therapist?

No science-based career would be complete without a solid foundation in mathematics. Most physical therapy programs require completion of geometry, algebra and pre-calculus. Therefore, you will need to take these courses in high school to prepare for college requirements. An in-depth understanding of mathematics is important to the daily practice of a physical therapist as it is integral to understanding the structure and function of the body and in developing appropriate fitness and wellness programs.

What do you learn in anatomy?

In anatomy, you will learn about the structure of the human body. Understanding the intricacies of how each body part is interconnect ed and works together as a whole for bodily function will be critical for you to properly diagnose and treat mobility conditions. By taking anatomy in high school, you will gain a strong foundation in structural ...

Where is Jillian Wendt?

Based in Northern Virginia, Jillian Wendt has been in science and teacher education for eight years. She has been writing education-related articles for practitioner and research journals for several years. She holds a Doctor of Education in curriculum and instruction from Liberty University. Dr.

Physical Therapy Majors (pre-PT undergrad)

Be advised that there is no “physical therapy major” in undergraduate studies. While you do need to complete certain prerequisites to become a PT, your undergrad degree or major can be in anything you choose. The actual physical therapy degree, or Doctoral of Physical Therapy (DPT), is earned in a graduate-level program at a PT school.

What makes a PT school applicant stand out?

If you really want to distinguish yourself from your PT school competition, try going a different route other than Exercise Science.

How to Set Yourself Apart When Applying to PT School

If you are applying to PT school having graduated with an “unconventional” undergraduate degree, don’t despair. You can promote yourself in many ways.

Still Want to Know the Top 10 Majors for Physical Therapy?

If you think a science-based degree is best for you, you’re in good company. The top majors accepted into Physical Therapy school are science degrees, as you can see in the table below.

Undergraduate Coursework

• A bachelor's degree in biology is a common undergraduate degree for aspiring physical therapists; however, a specific major isn't usually required. No matter what major you choose, you'll need to complete certain science prerequisites. Coursework in human anatomy and physio…

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Graduate Coursework

Residency and Board Certification Info

Licensure and Continuing Education