The path to a degree in physical therapy is competitive, but having a good understanding of the acceptance process and knowing a few tricks-of-the-trade can set your apart from the other candidates. Here are a few tips to help you be well-prepared and stand out from the crowd.
How do I prepare for a degree in physical therapy?
- Request physical therapy program information. There are hundreds of physical therapy programs across the United States. Though many programs share some of the same requirements for admission each program will offer different learning options. Some programs are gears more for traditional students, where as others will involve more online course work. Requesting information from the PT program you want to explore helps you to make a wise, informed decision about your education.
- Hands-on experiences is highly recommended. To truly understand what a physical therapist does, it is really helpful to spend time with a PT. One way this can be achieved is observing a physical therapist as they provide patient care. Often, you can contact a local physical therapist to see if they will allow you observe them. Another way this can be achieved is to volunteer with a physical therapy department in a hospital, clinic, or school. Be sure to record all your hours as many PT programs require observation hours for acceptance. A good number to aim for is about 250 hours of job shadowing in a variety of PT settings.
- Work as a physical therapy aide. Another way to gain valuable experience is to become a PT aide. Physical therapy clinics often utilize aides to help with checking patients in for therapy, escort patients to and from the therapy gym, and maintain the cleanliness of the clinic. Not only will you gain hours towards acceptance to PT school, but also earn on average $14.00/hour doing something you love.
- Interview a physical therapist. Most PT’s would be more than happy to spend a few minutes talk to you about what they do. This is a great way to open doors for future job shadow or PT aide opportunities and become connected with healthcare professionals.
- Maintain relationships with professors and physical therapists you shadow. Most PT schools require you to have 2-3 letters of recommendation from professors you’ve had and physical therapists you’ve shadowed. Frequently checking in with them helps them remember you and write a stronger letter of recommendation for you.
- Begin completing prerequisite courses. Coursework can vary from program to program but generally includes classes like: anatomy, exercise physiology, kinesiology, psychology, physics, chemistry, calculus, statistics, and medical terminology. Typically, PT schools like to see that you’ve taken these courses in the last 5 years and gotten a “C” grade or better.
- Choose a major that lines up with necessary prerequisites. Whether the schools you are interested in require a completed bachelor’s degree or not, choosing a major that aligns with the prerequisite coursework is a time-saver. Some options that line up well with those prerequisites include: exercise science, pre-med, and health science.
- Take the GRE (Graduate Record Exam). Many PT programs require passing the GRE. For this step, be sure to check program requirements where you hope to apply.
What degrees for physical therapy?
Pursuing a career in physical therapy requires dedication and the right educational background. While many complete doctoral degrees, specifically in physical therapy, the undergraduate years are also vital.
The major chosen as an undergrad helps set students up for success when they eventually enter PT graduate programs.
From anatomy to psychology, here is an overview of some of the best majors to consider when aiming for a future as a physical therapist.
- Biology:
- Focus: Life and living organisms
- Benefits: Essential knowledge of human anatomy and physiology
- Psychology:
- Focus: Mind and emotions in therapy
- Benefits: Motivate patients and address emotional aspects
- Exercise Physiology:
- Focus: Physical activity’s impact on the body
- Benefits: Insights on exercise, exertion, health and recovery
- Anatomy:
- Focus: Human body structure
- Benefits: Enables effective diagnosis, treatment, and guidance
- Kinesiology:
- Focus: Mechanics and functions of movement
- Benefits: Biomechanics, anatomy and neuroscience foundations
- Healthcare Scientists:
- Focus: Patient care, ethics, technologies
- Benefits: Holistic healthcare perspective and teamwork
- Athletic Training:
- Focus: Medical condition prevention and treatment
- Benefits: Aligns with therapy’s practical aspects
- Biomechanics:
- Focus: Body movement and forces
- Benefits: Injury and rehab understanding
- Physics:
- Focus: Forces and principles in the body
- Benefits: Concepts to enhance therapeutic approach
- Human Physiology:
- Focus: Body functions and mechanisms
- Benefits: Deep understanding from cellular to systemic
- Physical Therapy:
- Focus: Introduction to the therapy field
- Benefits: Foundation for career commitment
What are my physical therapy degree options?
In the 1990’s and early 2000’s many physical therapy programs offered master’s degrees that allowed you to practice as a PT. Over the course of several years in the early and mid-2000’s these programs transitioned to a clinical doctorate degree.
- Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT): This degree is the gold standard to practice physical therapy in the United States. Most accredited programs require you to have a bachelors degree before applying to PT school. However, there are some programs that offer a 3+3 curriculum that allows you to apply to your program a year before earning your bachelors degree if all prerequisite requirements are met. This ends up saving you one year of schooling. From start to finish a DPT takes 3 years to complete.
- PTA to DPT bridging programs: Through years of hands-on experience many physical therapy assistants develop the skills to work as physical therapists. In order to advance your PTA career further there are several PTA to DPT bridging programs available. Many of these programs can be completed online with some in-person lecture and lab coursework.
Wherever you choose to go, be sure it is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
After completing my PT degree, what’s next?
The final step to becoming a physical therapist is passing the National Physical Therapy Exam. Typically, the NPTE occurs 4 times a year and is part of licensure. Most states require licensure as a physical therapist. Contact the Department of Professional Licensing in your state to determine the requirements.
Finally, you are ready to put your skills to work and join the ranks of physical therapists across the country! The next step is to find one of the many PT jobs that’s perfect for you. The job opportunities will be plentiful as physical therapist jobs are expecting to grow by 18% over the next 10 years.
Where will a physical therapy degree take me?
A degree in physical therapy will open your world to a meaningful career helping people overcome illness, injury, or disability. You’ll become an amazing problem-solver as you analyze your patients movement and pave the way for them to restore function. You’ll enjoy meeting your career goals as you see your patients have success meet their goals. Finally, you will find a stable work environment with a comfortable annual salary of $90,000 or more.