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If you’re interested in becoming a physical therapist, you may be wondering what the education requirements are. Read on to learn more about the schooling you’ll need to pursue this career.
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The Basics of Physical Therapy
Becoming a physical therapist (PT) requires completing a professional doctoral degree in physical therapy and passing a state licensure exam. A professional doctoral degree in physical therapy can be completed in 3 years, and all 50 states require PTs to be licensed. Once licensed, PTs can begin their careers.
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy, also called physiotherapy, is a branch of medicine that uses physical exercises and devices to assist patients with movement disorders. The goal of physiotherapy is to improve or preserve the quality of life for patients who are suffering from injuries, disabilities, or chronic health conditions.
In order to become a physical therapist, you must first complete a 4-year undergraduate degree program. After that, you must complete a 3-year doctoral program in physical therapy. There are many different types of doctoral programs available, so it is important to choose one that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Once you have graduated from an accredited program, you will need to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) in order to become licensed in your state.
What does a physical therapist do?
A physical therapist (PT) is a health care professional who helps patients regain movement and function after an injury or illness. PTs work with patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly.
PTs examine patients, review their medical history, and develop treatment plans using techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manipulation, and mobilization. PTs also use electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and hot or cold packs to relieve pain and promote healing.
In order to become a PT, one must earn a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from an accredited college or university. After completing their undergraduate degree, PTs must then pass a national licensing exam before they can begin practicing.
The Education Required to be a Physical Therapist
A physical therapist is a healthcare professional who helps patients regain movement and function after an injury or illness. To become a physical therapist, you will need to complete a 4-year undergraduate degree, followed by a 3-year doctoral program.
What are the prerequisites for physical therapy school?
Most physical therapy programs are at the doctoral level, although a few master’s degree programs are available. A doctoral degree usually takes about three years to complete, while a master’s degree program generally requires two years of study.
In order to be eligible for admission into a physical therapy program, you will need to have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. While there is no specific major required, most schools recommend that students complete coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Many programs also require that applicants have some experience working with patients, such as through volunteer work or an internship.
Once you have been accepted into a physical therapy program, you can expect to take classes in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pharmacology. You will also participate in clinical rotations in order to gain hands-on experience treating patients. After completing your studies, you will need to pass a licensure exam in order to practice as a physical therapist.
How long is physical therapy school?
Most physical therapy programs lead to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which typically takes 3 years of full-time study to complete.
What is the curriculum of physical therapy school?
In order to become a licensed physical therapist, you must earn a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapy program. There are three types of accredited programs:
-Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
-Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)
-Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy (DScPT)
Most programs take 3 years to complete, but some DPT and DScPT programs can be completed in as little as 2.5 years. All accredited programs require completion of clinical education experiences, which typically take place during the final year(s) of study.
The Physical Therapy Licensing Exam
Most jurisdictions in the United States require physical therapists to be licensed, and the process to become licensed generally consists of taking and passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). The NPTE is a computer-based exam that is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). To be eligible to sit for the examination, candidates must have completed a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy education program.
What is the physical therapy licensing exam?
The physical therapy licensing exam is a standardized test that is required in order to become a licensed physical therapist. The test is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
How long is the physical therapy licensing exam?
The physical therapy licensing exam is a computer-based, multiple-choice exam that is four hours long. There are 200 questions on the exam, which is divided into two sections:
Section 1: Foundations of Physical Therapy (100 questions, two hours)
This section covers the basic knowledge and skills that physical therapists need to know. It includes questions on anatomy, kinesiology, exercise physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology.
Section 2: Clinical Sciences (100 questions, two hours)
This section covers the clinical sciences that physical therapists need to know. It includes questions on examination and diagnosis, intervention, and outcomes.
What is the passing score for the physical therapy licensing exam?
The Physical Therapy Licensing Exam (PTLE) is an exam administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). The PTLE is required for licensure as a physical therapist in the United States. The passing score for the PTLE is 600 on a scale of 200-800.
