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The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the education and training required for a physical therapist.

Individuals pursuing a career as a physical therapist usually need a master's degree from an accredited physical therapy program and a State license, requiring passing scores on national and State examinations. Education and training. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there were 209 accredited physical therapist education programs in 2007. Of the accredited programs, 43 offered master's degrees and 166 offered doctoral degrees. Only master's degree and doctoral degree programs are accredited, in accordance with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. In the future, a doctoral degree might be the required entry-level degree. Master's degree programs typically last 2 years, and doctoral degree programs last 3 years. Physical therapist education programs start with basic science courses such as Biology, chemistry, and physics and then introduce specialized courses, including biomechanics, neuroanatomy, human growth and development, manifestations of disease, examination techniques, and therapeutic procedures. Besides getting classroom and laboratory instruction, students receive supervised clinical experience. Among the undergraduate courses that are useful when one applies to a physical therapist education program are anatomy, biology, chemistry, social science, mathematics, and physics. Before granting admission, many programs require volunteer experience in the physical therapy department of a hospital or clinic. For high school students, volunteering with the school athletic trainer is a good way to gain experience. Licensure. All States regulate the practice of physical therapy. Typical licensure requirements are graduation from an accredited physical therapist education program and passing scores on national and State licensure exams. Specific eligibility requirements for licensure vary by State. Other qualifications. Physical therapists should have strong interpersonal skills so that they can educate patients about their physical therapy treatments and communicate with patients' families. Physical therapists also should be compassionate and possess a desire to help patients. Advancement.Physical therapists are expected to continue their professional development by participating in continuing education courses and workshops. In fact, a number of States require continuing education as a condition of maintaining licensure. For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated below this answer box.

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14y ago

There appears to be no required or recommended undergraduate degree. However, among the undergraduate courses that are useful when one applies to a physical therapist education program are anatomy, biology, chemistry, physics, social science, mathematics, and statistics. Before granting admission, many programs require volunteer experience in the physical therapy department of a hospital or clinic.

For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated directly below this answer section.

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Q: What undergraduate degree do you need to become a physical therapist?
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Can you become a occupational therapist with an associate degree?

A physical therapy assistant is typically at the associate degree level. At present the minimum degree requirement for a physical therapist is a master's degree, and soon to become a doctorate.


What happens if a physical therapist doesnt do there job?

you can get fired and not be able to become a physical therapist again or have to restart again with your degree.


How do I train as a physical therapist assistant?

To become a physical therapist assistant, you are required to have an associate degree in physical therapist assisting. Licencing requirements vary from state to state.


Where can I become educated to get my degree as a physical therapist?

There are indeed specialty schools for becoming a physical therapist. There is a lot of school that is involved with this line of work.


Where can one find a tutorial on how to become a physical therapist?

A tutorial on how to become a physical therapist can be found from sites offering career advice, including Careers Advice. Becoming a physical therapist requires at least a two-year associate's degree.


What physical therapy certificate programs are available in Tennessee?

There are 10 accredited schools in the state of Tennessee that offer degrees in Physical Therapy. To become a physical therapist you must receive a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree as well as pass the state licensing test. This is usually a three year program after you complete the undergraduate degree.


What can you become with a degree in athletic training?

An athletic trainer, physical therapist, and sports medicine.


Do you have to enroll in a PTA program to become a PTA or could you go to a regular college to get your degree?

Most physical therapist assistants earn an associate degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program. Some States require licensing for physical therapist assistants. There are a number of community colleges that offer the associate of applied science degree (AAS) as a physical therapy assistant. Remember, the AAS degree in this field is basically a terminal degree.


What schooling do you need to become a physical therapist in CA?

Presently, the minimum educational requirement for a physical therapist is a master's degree in physical therapy. However, this may change in the near future to a doctorate for entry into the field.


How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist?

It takes 7 years to become a Physical Therapist. Typically 4 years to obtain an undergraduate degree and 3 years of physical therapy school. With this you get a DPT (Doctorate in Physical Therapy) in most programs. In Canada, to become a physical therapist a student must complete a 4 year undergraduate degree, followed by a 2 year physical therapy post graduate degree. After passing board certification exams a student with this training is referred to as a licensed physical therapist. As far as I am aware, there is no doctorate program available in Canada that enables physiotherapists to become a doctor of physical therapy. However, there is at present a lobby group pushing the government to allow/recognize extension of the physical therapy program to a 4 year doctoral degree. If/when this occurs, physiotherapy will become similar to other health care doctoral programs like medicine, chiropractic, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, etc., requiring 8 years of schooling and conferring the title doctor of physiotherapy.


What is the required ACT score for a physical therapist?

The ACT is typically used for undergraduate admissions. However, it is rarely required. If submitting the ACT, most institutions require you to submit the writing portion with it. However, ACT is not used for graduate admissions which is what a degree in physical therapy is. Today, the minimum requirement for a physical therapist is a master's degree in physical therapy, which may change to a doctorate in the near future.


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