Archive for category Careers in PT
What is the shortest amount of time it takes to become a physical therapist?
Posted by admin in Careers in PT on May 22, 2013
Question by Lisa Smith: What is the shortest amount of time it takes to become a physical therapist?
My cousin is in school right now to become an occupational therapist and she will get her doctorate after 5 years but I know physical therapy is different than occupational. So, I was wondering what is the shortest amount of time is takes to become a physical therapist and where? (what schools)
Thank you!!
Best answer:
Answer by DaniBajeStep 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree Program (4 years)
first complete a bachelor’s degree program that includes the prerequisite classes to apply to physical therapy school. Undergraduate coursework should include topics in biology, mathematics, statistics, chemistry, human anatomy and physics.
Step 2: Earn a Post-Baccalaureate Degree in Physical Therapy
A master’s degree program in physical therapy typically lasts two years, while a doctoral program takes 3-4 years to complete.
Step 3: Complete a Residency as a Physical Therapist
Following completion of the academic segment of a master’s or doctoral degree program, students complete a supervised residency to prepare to practice physical therapy. Students may choose from different areas of interest, such as sports medicine, acute care and rehabilitation. Residencies generally last about one year and allow students to learn which specialty they wish to focus on in the future.
Step 4: Pass State and National Licensing Examinations
National and state licensing exams must be passed by all practicing physical therapists. To be allowed to sit for the examinations, students must have graduated from an accredited physical therapy program. All states regulate the practice of physical therapy, which requires passing national and state examinations. In most states, continuing education is a requirement to maintain licensure as a physical therapist.
Step 5: Earn Board Certification
Not every physical therapist goes on to earn certification as a clinical specialist. Those who choose to become board certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) must be licensed and have completed at least 2,000 hours of practice in the chosen specialty, with 25% of that time occurring in the last three years. Other requirements necessary to sit for the certification exam are determined by a council for the area of specialty chosen.
Once board certified, specialists must maintain their education through continuing education and professional development. All specialists must be recertified every 10 years. Those who are board certified have opportunities for careers in research
and academia. Others may choose to work as consultants or in a private practice.
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How soon did you decide what you wanted your career to be?
Posted by admin in Careers in PT on May 19, 2013
Question by Sarah: How soon did you decide what you wanted your career to be?
NOTE – I have already posted this once, but knowing that different people tend to hang around different categories, I figured I’d try my luck my posting in more than one.
Being homeschooled, I’ll be graduating from high school a year earlier than all of my friends. With that, I realize that I need to be thinking about colleges and what career path I want to follow. I go back and forth between a lot of different areas of study, but the two that I’ve been the most interested in (lately) are physical therapy and / or athletic training. However, the one career that has always been in the back of my mind is elementary education, which is the one that my family has told me is the one they can see me in.
What I’m curious to know is, have you always known what you wanted to do in life? Did you figure it out while you were already enrolled in college? I’ve been looking at universities, but I know that where I go will also depend on what I want to major in.
Do you have any tips for me on deciding? Anything will help! Thank you so much in advance!
Best answer:
Answer by picaroon
I’ve always had in interest in the weather. I used to ride my bike around after storms to do “investigative work” when I was around 10 or so. I became more interested in aviation while I was in college. That’s when I combined the two fields into my current career path. I love going to work. I dispatch domestic and international flights.
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What is required to become a physical therapist?
Posted by admin in Careers in PT on May 17, 2013
Question by jacob b: What is required to become a physical therapist?
I’m a sophomore in highschool and i’m just wondering what is required to become a physical therapist? Do you go to a 4-year college before you go to a physical therapy accredited school? What classes are required? How long do you go to school for? What should i take in high school? What are good schools to go to? I just need advice on this career option
Best answer:
Answer by mistify
In the US, all PTs now earn either a master’s or doctorate level degree. There are different structures for programs…some require you to obtain you BS prior to admission, but most admit you as a junior and you complete your BS and eventually your MS or DPT by the third year in the professional phase. It is usually a limited entry program, meaning not all that apply will be accepted. Generally speaking, GPA is highly considered of your prerequisite courses. You may also be asked to submit a writing sample as well as an interview. All programs also require some hours of observation or work in a PT clinic…so start thinking about that by the time to get to college.
Admission to the program usually requires a minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA in prerequisite clasess. This usually includes a year of chem and physics, a year of bio, a semester of anatomy and physiololgy, a year and a half of psych, trig or calc, as well as completion of all your general education requirements.
Total time in school usually ranges from 6-7 years…depending on the structure of the program. Generally speaking, any school that holds accreditation for the past 5 years is a good school.
You can visit a list of accredited schools in your area, as well as their program requirements and history of accreditation and first-pass test results at www.apta.org.
There are no specific classes you need to take in high school, just be prepared to enter chem, physics and bio in college. Your high school accomplishments are not considered for admission to the PT program…just for general admission as a freshman. Therefore, I would focus your efforts on the classes you need for general admission. Good luck.
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What Are some good places to go to study dance and dance therapy?
Posted by admin in Careers in PT on May 12, 2013
Question by epic cupcake!: What Are some good places to go to study dance and dance therapy?
I would really like a career in performing dance (mostly lyrical/modern) however I needed a fallback. So i decided that i’d like to study dance physical therapy. Does anyone know some good places to study both?
thanks(:
Best answer:
Answer by mintchip49
You should know that there is no such thing as professional lyrical dance. That is only in small studios and competition dance. To study dance at a university you will have to audition and would need strong ballet technique as well as modern. That would be real modern such as Grarham, Horton or Limon techniques.
There are a number of great schools for dance P.T. Such as the Harkness Program which is housed at NYU.
http://www.med.nyu.edu/hjd/harkness/edu_programs/edu_2010.html
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Should I become a lawyer or a physical therapist?
Posted by admin in Careers in PT on May 8, 2013
Question by B: Should I become a lawyer or a physical therapist?
I’m finish up my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and planning on applying to professional school next year, which career is better, law or physical therapy?
Best answer:
Answer by Claire
lawyer, PT is lame!!
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I have a question about physical therapy and college?
Posted by admin in Careers in PT on May 5, 2013
Question by Kylie: I have a question about physical therapy and college?
I want to become a physical therapist. What classes should I take in high school? And what is the best college to go to? I live in Michigan and I don’t want to go too far away. But do I need to do 4 years of regular college before I can go and do a PT program? Could someone just explain the process for me? I really need some answers to all of this. I was looking at MGH Institute of Health Professions and they had the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and that’s what I would love to do but it said it helped people with a bachelors degree become a physical therapist. What should I get my bachelors degree in? Thank you for your time.
Best answer:
Answer by mistify
In high school, I would simply take the courses that are required for you to be accepted into college. Other than that, nothing special needs to be taken at this time. Once in college, you’ll need to take the “prerequisite courses” that are required by the graduate program you wish to attend after your first four years in college. Since this generally involves a lot of science and math, students usually choose a major related to that. This can vary widely between schools. Many schools offer “feeder” majors for PT programs such as “rehabilitation sciences, etc.” These are typically majors that allow students wishing to go to grad school for rehab related careers without having to take a lot of courses outside your major. However, you can technically major in anything you wish. Just realize that the further away from those classes is your major, the more time it will take you to finish both your major courses and your PT prerequisites. There are a few exceptions to this process, but this is generally how most programs run.
If you want to stay in Michigan, the following schools offer PT programs: Andrews, Center Michigan U, Grand Valley State, Oakland, U of M (Flint) and Wayne State.
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What is the most rewarding part of being a physical therapist?
Posted by admin in Careers in PT on May 3, 2013
Question by xwoahxbabyx: What is the most rewarding part of being a physical therapist?
I am thinking of pursuing physical therapy myself after having an ACL injury. PT, which at first I was reluctant to try, became something I looked forward to.
As a PT, what is the best part of your job? Why did you want to pursue this career path?
Best answer:
Answer by Mary
I volunteered with special needs kids in high school and that is when I decieded to be a PT. The most rewarding part of the job is teaching someone something new or teaching a kid to walk.
www.apta.org
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How to major in physical therapy?
Posted by admin in Careers in PT on May 1, 2013
Question by snooowiie: How to major in physical therapy?
I live in California and I’m looking to go to college for physical therapy but there are like no schools that offer a degree is physical therapy so what should Major in to help me achieve my career goal?
Best answer:
Answer by Rose
Better visit relevant site x
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What careers go well with massage therapy?
Posted by admin in Careers in PT on April 28, 2013
Question by Luna: What careers go well with massage therapy?
For example, would it be helpful to get a degree in kinesiology and do personal training? Or perhaps study nutrition, physical therapy, chiropractic, other forms of natural healing? I know massage is hard physical labor and you can’t work many hours per week without burning out, and it is hard to make a decent living doing massage alone. What are some complimentary careers that you can pursue, also in the healing arts?
Best answer:
Answer by Touchpoint
All of the suggestion you make are good.
Now for you to decide in which direction to go to first.
Manual medicines such as Kinesiology, Reflexology, or more intensive Physical Therapy and Chiropractor or Osteopath.
Natural Medicine such as Nutrition, Vitamins and Minerals, or Herbology.
Iridology fits in here.
Energy medicine such as Reiki, Therapeutic touch, Emotional Freedom Technique, (Homeopathy falls under energy, but requires several years of study.)
Lots of massage therapist also do rain drop therapy, hot stone massage, Tellington touch (for people), or Cranial Sacral.
Colour therapy, aromatherapy and gemstone/crystal therapy are often incorporated as well.
Perhaps it may be an option for you to take a Wholistic practitioners course to get a taste of the majority.
Good luck to you.
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