Qualifications to become a physical therapist?

Answer 1

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 assistant. Most physical therapist aides are trained on the job, but most physical therapist assistants earn an associate degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program. Some States require licensing for physical therapist assistants. Education and training. Employers typically require physical therapist aides to have a high school diploma. They are trained on the job, and most employers provide clinical on-the-job training. In many States, physical therapist assistants are required by law to hold at least an associate degree. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there were 233 accredited physical therapist assistant programs in the United States as of 2006. Accredited programs usually last 2 years, or 4 semesters, and culminate in an associate degree. Programs are divided into academic study and hands-on clinical experience. Academic course work includes algebra, anatomy and physiology, Biology, chemistry, and psychology. Clinical work includes certifications in CPR and other first aid and field experience in treatment centers. Both educators and prospective employers view clinical experience as essential to ensuring that students understand the responsibilities of a physical therapist assistant. Licensure. Licensing is not required to practice as a physical therapist aide. However, some States require licensure or registration in order to work as a physical therapist assistant. States that require licensure stipulate specific educational and examination criteria. Additional requirements may include certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other first aid and a minimum number of hours of clinical experience. Complete information on regulations can be obtained from State licensing boards. Other qualifications.Physical therapist assistants and aides should be well-organized, detail oriented, and caring. They usually have strong interpersonal skills and a desire to help people in need. Advancement. Some physical therapist aides advance to become therapist assistants after gaining experience and, often, additional education. Sometimes, this education is required by law. Some physical therapist assistants advance by specializing in a clinical area. They gain expertise in treating a certain type of patient, such as geriatric or pediatric, or a type of ailment, such as sports injuries. Many physical therapist assistants advance to administration positions. These positions might include organizing all the assistants in a large physical therapy organization or acting as the director for a specific department such as sports medicine. Other assistants go on to teach in an accredited physical therapist assistant academic program, lead health risk reduction classes for the elderly, or organize community activities related to fitness and risk reduction. 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.

Answer 2

Take the most challenging high school courses such as biology, chemistry, medical assisting, algebra, trigonometry, health occupations /medical professions education, computer skills, humanities, and geometry. Then graduate from an accredited school of physical therapy and pass an examination. MOST HAVE COMPLETED FOUR YEAR DEGREE.!

Answer 3

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

The American Physical Therapy Association's accrediting body, called the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), accredits entry-level academic programs in physical therapy. In 2009, there were 212 physical therapist education programs. Of these accredited programs, 12 awarded master's degrees; and 200 awarded doctoral degrees. Currently, only graduate degree physical therapist programs are accredited. Master's degree programs typically are 2 to 2.5 years in length, while doctoral degree programs last 3 years.

Physical therapist education programs include foundational science courses, such as biology, anatomy, physiology, cellular histology, exercise physiology, neuroscience, biomechanics, pharmacology, pathology, and radiology/imaging, as well as behavioral science courses, such as evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning. Some of the clinically-based courses include medical screening, examination tests and measures, diagnostic process, therapeutic interventions, outcomes assessment, and practice management. In addition to 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, 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 under the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated directly below this answer section.

Answer 4

There are a number of degrees that will afford you the opportunity to work in the field. There is a Physical Therapy Assistant program, as well as graduate and doctoral programs for PT licensing. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) site is a good one to learn about the different educational programs as well as licensing: www.apta.org

Answer 5

A physical therapist must either have a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree or a Master of Physical Therapy Degree. These are the degrees required for an entry level position in the field.

Answer 6

Majors vary by the Physical Therapy school you apply to, but the most common major require for PT school is Exercise Science.

Answer 7

A lot of school, love of helping others, and hard work. I'm currently in college majoring in Exercise Science. I'll need a Master's/ Doctoral Degree to become a Physical Therapist.