Interested in how the body works and how our different limbs function? Like helping people? Physical therapy may be an option that peaks your interest. Physical therapists are experts of movement who help their patients in a variety of different ways. They treat people of all ages, with a plethora of different injuries and disabilities. Patients can expect to improve their overall ability of movement, reduce pain, or even receive some preventative treatment that may help improve overall health and other issues that could arise one day.
Most common reasons of why someone may visit a physical therapist:
- Relieve pain throughout the body.
- Improve movement or ability.
- Prevent or recover from a sports related injury.
- Prevent disability or surgery that may be needed
- Rehabilitation after a stroke, accident, injury, or surgery.
- Work on balance to prevent a potentially dangerous fall.
- Manage a chronic illness like diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis.
- Help with the recovery after you give birth.
- Control your bowel or bladder movements.
- Adapt to an artificial limb.
- Learn to use a walker, cane, or other assistive device.
- Get a splint or brace.
Education of a Physical Therapist
The pursuit of becoming a physical therapist requires a bit more years of school than some other careers, but well worth it if it’s truly your passion. Here are the steps in the education route of a physical therapist.
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in any health-related field
During your first four years of college, you will take a relatively heavy course load in a few different subjects. These subjects include:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree Program
In order to work as a physical therapist, you are required to complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program. As of 2020, there were over 200 physical therapy programs that were accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). It is usually necessary to apply for DPT programs through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Students in these DPT programs must complete a clinical internship in an area of acute orthopedic care. It should also be noted that these internships must be completely supervised.
Meet the State’s Licensing Requirements
Every State requires physical therapists to have a license. The different licensing requirements are set by individual states, which include passing the National Physical Therapy Examination that is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). The National Physical Therapy Examination, or NPTE, is a multiple-choice exam that could potentially punch your ticket into getting your license.
Applicants have the ability to take the exam three times in an entire year period. The Practice Exam and Assessment Tool (PEAT), which is also developed by the FSBPT, allows applicants to practice taking the test using an exam that is similar to the NPTE. Other licensing requirements may include a law exam and a criminal background check. Most renewal programs require the completion of continuing education credits, so it’s important to make sure that you are checking with your state board for specific licensing requirements.
Complete Residency/Obtain a Board Certification
After you earn your DPT degree you can apply to a clinical residency program for some added training and to attain some more experience in specialty areas of care. These programs typically only last for one year, and you can even complete a fellowship in an advanced clinical area for some added measures.
After working in the field for a brief period of time, physical therapists may decide to apply to become a board-certified specialist in one of the eight clinical specialty areas offered by the American Board of Physical Therapy. In order to become board-certified, physical therapists must complete at least 2,000 hours of clinical work or an APTA-accredited residency program in the speciality area.
Best Colleges for Physical Therapy
After learning more about the educational background it takes to become a licensed physical therapist, take a look at some of the best colleges to earn your degree.
University of Pittsburgh
Ranked #1 in Physical Therapy programs according to U.S. news (tied with 3 other schools for #1)
The Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh is one of the oldest physical therapy educational programs in the United States! The University of Pittsburgh Department of Physical Therapy is a very respected physical therapy program that educates practitioners who will help lead the way in helping people of all ages overcome pain, and learn to move and function better overall. The mission of the University of Pittsburgh’s physical therapy school is to advance the profession of physical therapy through education, scholarly activity and professional service.
Pitt’s physical therapist program is also home to 8 Catherine Worthingham Scholars that are actively teaching. This award is the highest honor that can be given by the American Physical Therapy Association, aside from the Mary McMillan Award. The award is given to those who have achieved the highest level within the physical therapy community in education, practice, or research.
University of Delaware
Ranked #1 in Physical Therapy programs according to U.S. news (tied with 3 other schools for #1)
The University of Delaware’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program offers a 2.5-year DPT degree and postgraduate education, which includes six residency and fellowship programs along with an interdisciplinary PhD in Biomechanics and Movement Science. Renowned faculty at the University help to prepare students to become entry level practitioners capable of taking on a speciality area or transitioning right into graduate studies. UD prepares top level therapists with the most capabilities among many other therapists out there.
The mission of UD’s Department of Physical Therapy according to their website is “To advance physical therapist practice by providing outstanding entry-level and post-graduate education, translating science to deliver quality clinical services, leading federally funded rehabilitation research, and training the next generation of rehabilitation researchers and leaders of our profession”.
UD is known for its valiant research efforts within the physical therapy program. Here are the main areas where the research takes place:
- Orthopedic/Musculoskeletal
- Pediatric
- Neurologic
- Sports
Washington University in St. Louis
Ranked #1 in Physical Therapy programs according to U.S. news (tied with 3 other schools for #1)
Washington University prides itself on being a leader in education, patient care, and research. Here are the main desired outcomes from the physical therapy program:
- Transform the professional identity by promoting the human movement system as the foundation of physical therapy.
- Align creative education, elaborate team science, and innovative evidence-based practice within the set up of the human movement system.
- Foster a culture of common interests that support diversity, inclusion, critical thinking and creativity.
- Embrace various consumer values and goals.
Similarly to the American Physical Therapy Association, Washington University aims to ultimately transform society by optimizing movements that will help to improve the overall human experience.
University of Iowa
Ranked #4 in Physical Therapy programs according to U.S. news
The Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science at the University of Iowa is a professional clinical entry-level program that offers a unique learning opportunity for all of its students. The program provides excellent resources to the students that hone in on the mission of excellence in research, clinical service, and teaching.
The department is located in the Carver College of Medicine. The Department of Rehabilitation Therapies is a quite unique department in the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. The Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences offers every kind of physical therapy degree, including the DPT, MA, and Ph.D.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program (DPT) admits about 40 students during the summer every year. The program is about a 2½ year curriculum that includes almost 40 weeks of clinical education experience full time.
Start Looking Today
Becoming a physical therapist is not necessarily the easiest journey, but worth it if it’s something you’re truly passionate about. Physical therapists work to improve the lives of many each and every day!
