Physical therapy is one of the highest rated professions in national job satisfaction surveys, and U.S. News and World Report listed it as of the 30 Best Careers of 2009, but how does one become a physical therapist exactly?
How do I know physical therapy is right for me?
Physical therapists deal with a wide range of patients for any number of issues. Every patient is unique, and every day offers new and exciting challenges. Physical therapy allows you to work hands-on with patients and to see the difference that you can make in a person’s life. You may choose to work with geriatric patients, amputees, children with birth abnormalities, athletes, or any other of a range of populations, but whatever group of people you choose to work with, you will be making a direct impact on their lives.
Physical therapists must have a strong interest in the human body and how it works, but a love of anatomy and physiology isn’t enough. They must also have a love of people, a desire to help others, and a strong set of communication skills. Physical therapists don’t just treat injuries; they educate their patients about their own bodies and how to make those bodies work best for them.
If you are a student interested in physical therapy, spend some time shadowing or volunteering at a local hospital or clinic to see if physical therapy really appeals to you. Talk to physical therapists and their assistants to get their perspectives and advice.
Physical Therapy career video
How do I become a physical therapist?
To become a physical therapist, you must have graduated from an accredited physical therapy program and passed a state licensure exam. Physical therapy programs are primarily post-baccalaureate doctor of physical therapy programs (DPT) that generally take 3 years to complete.
To be accepted into a physical therapy school, you must have earned a bachelor degree. Most schools do not have a specific required undergraduate major, but most physical therapists major in the biological sciences. No matter what your major, however, DPT programs do have a number of prerequisite undergraduate courses that you must have taken by the time you apply for admission.
These courses usually include biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy, among others, but each school’s requirements differ slightly. Admission into physical therapy doctoral programs is competitive, so be sure to work hard in your undergraduate classes. Find a volunteer position in a hospital or clinic to help show schools that you are serious about your career decision. While there is no specific physical therapy entrance exam, most schools do require that applicants take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), so start to prepare for that early to make it one more selling point on your application.
Choosing a school for your physical therapy doctoral degree is not unlike choosing an undergraduate college. The American Physical Therapy Association maintains a list of all DPT schools, with descriptions of curricula, course requirements, clinical opportunities, and admissions information. As you make your decision, think about what is important to you, including location, class size, tuition cost, clinical opportunities, and social activities.
Do your research and apply to a number of schools. Most programs will require interviews as part of the admissions process; prepare for those by making sure you can explain why it is that you want to be a physical therapist. What led you to that decision? What qualities do you have that will make a strong physical therapist? Also be sure to know why you are interested in each school and to prepare specific questions that you can ask about the school and the program. While you are on campus for your interview, try to talk to current students to get their take on the program.
Once you start a program, continue working hard to get the grades you deserve and to prepare for the state licensure exam. Take advantage of all of your clinical opportunities, and keep an open mind as you decide what aspect of physical therapy is right for you. Continue to talk to current physical therapists, asking questions and gathering advice for your future.
For more information about physical therapy jobs, visit the American Traveler Allied website.
