Local Physical Therapy Schools

Physical Therapy SchoolsWould you like to make a difference in the Physical Therapy field?

Are you looking for an exciting and rewarding career as a Physical Therapist?

Answering yes to both questions qualifies you as someone who should strongly consider attending one of the schools below. There are many Physical Therapy Schools that are currently offering their own special training programs. Click on your state below to view all the schools that offer FREE INFORMATION about financial aid programs available for you to start your future today! No obligation required. Sign up today!

Physical therapy is growing rapidly these days and many people are joining this career. It deals with helping patients who want to recover from physical body damage. If you want to help these patients, you need to enroll into the best physical therapy schools in your state or online. To succeed in your endeavors you need to start by choosing the best schools and also decide to study for a masters or doctorate degree. This is because physical treatment is not an easy career to pursue, but it can also be fulfilling and interesting. There are several things that you should think about before you contemplate which physical therapy schools that will mold you for a better chance to succeed in the industry.

First and foremost, to get to the best therapy institution you need to research painstakingly. Through thorough research, you will be able to know the specialization that you should pursue as a physical therapist. This search will also help you know what the state requires and what the market has for you. It will also guide you to a list of the available schools that you should join and the requirements of each and the schools training background and much more. You can get this information from websites or get referrals from family members, friends or students who have been to these schools.

Secondly, you need to decide on whether to join accredited or unaccredited schools. It is advisable for one to study in accredited schools. This is because a diploma or degree from unaccredited institutions will not open great employment opportunities. Location of the institution is also imperative. You need to join an institution that is close to you as you will have enough time and energy to reach the schools and also have time to study but not spend it commuting. Alternatively, you can enroll to online schools and start studying physical treatment from the comfort of home, office or when traveling.

Additionally, you should also know the available physical therapy courses that are available for you. You should make sure that you specialize in a course that will make it easier for you to get employment. Some of the physical therapy programs to join are orthopedic, pediatric, geriatric therapy and more. Lastly, you should not fail to look at the cost of studying. You should thus join physical therapy schools that offer their courses at affordable prices although they vary from one school to another.

Physical therapists need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. All states require physical therapists to be licensed.

Education

In 2013, there were 218 programs for physical therapists accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, all of which offered a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.

DPT programs typically last 3 years. Most programs require a bachelor’s degree for admission as well as specific prerequisites, such as anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and physics. Most DPT programs require applicants to apply through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).

Physical therapist programs often include courses in biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, and pharmacology. Physical therapist students also complete clinical internships, during which they gain supervised experience in areas such as acute care and orthopedic care.

Physical therapists may apply to and complete a clinical residency program after graduation. Residencies typically last about 1 year and provide additional training and experience in specialty areas of care. Therapists who have completed a residency program may choose to specialize further by completing a fellowship in an advanced clinical area.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

All states require physical therapists to be licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state but all include passing the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Several states also require a law exam and a criminal background check. Continuing education is typically required for physical therapists to keep their license. Check with state boards for specific licensing requirements.

After gaining work experience, some physical therapists choose to become a board-certified specialist. The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties offers certification in 8 clinical specialty areas, including orthopedics and geriatric physical therapy. Board specialist certification requires passing an exam and at least 2,000 hours of clinical work or completion of an APTA-accredited residency program in the specialty area.

Important Qualities

Compassion. Physical therapists are often drawn to the profession in part by a desire to help people. They work with people who are in pain and must have empathy for their patients.

Detail oriented. Like other healthcare providers, physical therapists should have strong analytic and observational skills to diagnose a patient’s problem, evaluate treatments, and provide safe, effective care.

Dexterity. Physical therapists must use their hands to provide manual therapy and therapeutic exercises. They should feel comfortable massaging and otherwise physically assisting patients.

Interpersonal skills. Because physical therapists spend a lot of time interacting with patients, they should enjoy working with people. They must be able to explain treatment programs, motivate patients, and listen to patients’ concerns to provide effective therapy.

Physical stamina. Physical therapists spend much of their time on their feet, moving as they work with patients. They should enjoy physical activity.

Resourcefulness. Physical therapists customize treatment plans for patients. They must be flexible and able to adapt plans of care to meet the needs of each patient.