How to Become a Physical Therapist

Do you enjoy hands on patient care? Are you a teacher and motivator at heart? Do you enjoy science and the study of the human body? If so, physical therapy might be a great career path for you! This page will show you how to become a physical therapist.
Tips on Becoming a Physical Therapist
1. Begin in high school by focusing on science and math
2. Volunteer in physical therapy while still in high school
3. Ask questions while job shadowing
4. Consider a combined BS/DPT program
5. Stay in good physical shape

Introduction
- A physical therapist (PT) provides treatment that restores the ability to perform daily tasks, and helps people move without pain.American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): APTA Background Sheet 2009 The occupation has been selected as one of the best jobs for 2009 by U.S. News and World Report. The number of job opportunities for physical therapists is expected to increase as baby boomers age.US News and World Report: Best Careers 2009 (December 8, 2008)
Step 1: Decide if Its Right for You
- As a physical therapist, you'll help patients maintain or regain the use of their bodies by alleviating pain, improving flexibility, and increasing range of motion. A large part of the job is teaching patients how to use their bodies. American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): APTA Background Sheet 2009
- Physical therapists enjoy job stability, financial security and a flexible work schedule. The profession has a .2 percent unemployment rate, and the median salary for a PT is $75,000 a year.American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): APTA Background Sheet 2009 20% of physical therapists work part-time.The Princeton Review: Physical Therapist
- Personal characteristics and skills that are needed by physical therapist include:
1. Patience
  1. Progress can be slow, and improvements seen only in small increments.The Princeton Review: Physical Therapist
  2. Patients may not always comply with your instructionsThe Princeton Review: Physical Therapist
2. Good interpersonal skills
  - You need to be able to motivate patients to work hard, both at and between appointments.The Princeton Review: Physical Therapist
3. Physical stamina
  - A large part of a physical therapists day is spent using his or her muscles while standing, bending, and crouching, demonstrating exercises, and providing hands on care to patients.The Princeton Review: Physical Therapist
Step 2: Prepare in High School
- While a physical therapist's license requires both a bachelor's degree and graduate degree you can begin laying a foundation for your future career while still in high school.
1. A physical therapy education requires a good foundation in math and science. While in high school, take biology, chemistry, algebra, trigonometry and geometry.Health Careers Center: Physical Therapy
2. Courses in computer skills will also be helpful, as PTs spend 10% of their time completing forms and reports online.Health Careers Center: Physical Therapy The Princeton Review: Physical Therapist
3. If offered, take electives related to the health or medical professions, such as anatomy or physiologyHealth Careers Center: Physical Therapy
4. Work in a physical therapist's office, or take advantage of a job shadowing program. Make sure to ask questions!
5. Volunteer with your school's athletic trainerBureau of Labor Statistics: Physical Therapists
Step 3: Obtain Your Bachelor's Degree
- There are two paths a student can take when considering an undergraduate program.
1. A student can pursue a traditional bachelor's degree, and follow it with a post graduate program granting a master's or doctoral degree in physical therapy.
2. Students who are certain that they would like to be physical therapists can enroll as freshman in a combined undergraduate/graduate program which will grant them a doctoral degree at the end of six to seven years.
Undergraduate Education Required to be a Physical Therapist
- If you choose to attend a traditional four-year undergraduate program, you need to make sure that you are prepared to apply and be accepted to graduate school.
1. Each graduate program has their own requirements, but most require undergraduate course work in anatomy, biology, chemistry, social science, mathematics, and physics.Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physical Therapists
2. Many programs also require volunteer or work experience in a physical therapy department.Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physical Therapists
Step 4: Get a Graduate Degree in Physical Therapy
- There are 209 accredited graduate programs in physical therapy in the United States. Of these, 166 offer doctoral degrees in physical therapy (DPT), and 43 offer master's degrees.Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physical Therapists Although currently either degree is acceptable in most states, the profession is moving towards requiring the DPT rather than just a master's degree.American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): APTA Background Sheet 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physical Therapists
1. The physical therapy program includes classroom and laboratory work in courses such as biology, biomechanics, calculus, statistics, chemistry, nutrition, human growth and development, physics, and psychology.The Princeton Review: Physical Therapist Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physical Therapists
2. Programs also include clinical experience that is supervised by licensed physical therapists.The Princeton Review: Physical Therapist Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physical Therapists
Step 5: Become Licensed to Practice Physical Therapy
- After completing the educational requirements, a graduate must pass national and state exams in order to be licensed. Individual states may also impose additional requirements, which can be found by contacting a specific state's licensing board.Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physical Therapists
Step 6: Consider Specialization
- Some physical therapists go on to earn additional certifications, focusing in one of several subspecialties.Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physical Therapists The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties grants certification in eight areas. Speciality certifications must be renewed every 10 years.APTA: American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
1. Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy
2. Clinical electrophysiologic physical therapy
3. Women's health
4. Pediatric physical therapy
5. Geriatric physical therapy
6. Orthopedic physical therapy
7. Sports medicine
8. Neurologic physical therapy
Step 7: Get a Job
- Most (60%) physical therapists work in either a hospital or a private physical therapist's office. Opportunities to practice also exist in nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, home health practices, and schools. Some physical therapists work in research or education.Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physical Therapists
Conclusion
- Physical therapists require a graduate degree before they can become licensed to practice. Once licensed, they have excellent job prospects, and opportunities to work in a in a variety of settings.Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physical Therapists