Christine Said:

Information Re: Physical Therapy Education?

We Answered:

Probably, the best source of information is the APTA website at www.apta.org They have a list of demographics for both PTs and PTAs, and a list of schools that offer those programs as well as a link to each school's program.

Here's a basic breakdown of what it takes to be a PT:
The PT degree in the US is now either a master's or doctorate level degree (DPT). While master's level programs are still available, about 75% of programs in the US are now DPT programs. Most programs are broken down into a 4/3 format meaning you obtain a bachelor's degree in a field of your choice (typically taking 4 years), but during that time you must complete the "prerequisite courses" for the professional phase of the program. It varies from school to school but usually involves a year each of general chem, physics and bio but also 1-3 classes in psychology, a semester of statistics, trig and/or calc, anatomy and physiology, etc. Once he's completed those, and nears completion of his BS, he will usually need to complete some hours observing in a clinic, obtain letters of recommendation, take the GRE and apply for admission. Admission is generally competitive and typically requires a minimum of a 3.0 GPA to even be considered. Once in the program, he'll have to comit to a three year full-time program. Upon graduation, he will be elligible to sit for the licensure exam. In all, if he goes to school full time, he can complete the degree in 6-7 years...longer if it takes him longer than 4 years to obtain his BS.

Another option is a PTA degree which is an associates degree (2 year). Entrance requirements typically include a C average in high school and to have taken basic biology, physics and English in high school or in college within the past year. Earning potential as a PTA is signficantly less, but it is still a rewarding career.