answersLogoWhite

0

Physical therapists are always in high demand, whether in hospital settings, private practices, nursing or assisted living homes, or as an independent contractor. The first step is evaluating and choosing the right school.

What To Look For

When choosing the right physical therapy school, many factors mirror evaluation points for other careers:

Location: Is the school close if in-person attendance is required? Will moving be required? If public transportation will suffice, is the school on or near transportation routes? Are at least a portion if not all the courses available online for telecommute assignments and classes?

Schedule: Are classes convenient around work or other obligations? If online, are they self-paced or are they simply tailored around benchmarks? Are they reasonable?

Cost: Is total cost affordable? What other costs are associated with the school—rent, food, books, transportation, utilities, and other factors? What financial assistance might be available to help defray immediate and long-term costs or defer repayment while enrolled?

Accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited and of good standing.

Accreditations and Associations

One of the most important benchmarks to look for in a physical therapy school is its accreditation. Not only should it be a recognized institution, but it should also award valid and sufficient weight to its degree programs.

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is arguably the leading organization within the physical therapy field. APTA appoints the independent accreditation authority called the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation allow only CAPTE to investigate and award education organization accreditation.

Ensure the physical therapy school has earned CAPTE accreditation, meeting standards on admission policies, curriculum, and education requirements. Graduating with a degree from a CAPTE accredited school lifts the graduate above the crowd of applicants and lends credibility and validity to a graduate’s credentials.

Summary

Accredited physical therapy schools prepare students for a rewarding career in the health care field. Assisting, motivating, and watching the progression of a patient’s recovery can be extremely satisfying, and the physical therapist often feels tremendous pride in the patient’s accomplishments. Finding the right physical therapy school is the first step in reaching those goals.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Are there any physical therapy training programs in Florida?

There are many physical therapy schools in the United States. ... When deciding on a physical therapy school, it is important to choose a program that is accredited by ... Degree: Doctorate. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University ...


Where can I go to physical therapy school?

Selecting the proper school will also be instrumental in helping you prepare for and pass the physical therapy national licensing examination, required in almost all states. Student loans and financial aid are available for physical therapy school students.


What jobs can you do with a degree from a physical therapy school?

If you are lucky enough to have a degree from a physical therapy school, there are many jobs open to you.You could work as a physical therapists or occupational Therapists.


Where is the best physical therapy school in Louisiana?

At ULM


Do you have to take your basics in collage to start the physical therapy course or can you go straight into the physical therapy course?

You must obtain a bachelors degree and take prerequisite coursework prior to applying for physical therapy school, which is now generally a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Physical Therapist Assistants are a 2 year associates degree which may be commenced after high school.


Where online can I find physical therapy schools?

http://www.collegeanduniversity.net/?event=l.lp&CID=2398&SID=810&csrc=online-physical-therapy This is the link where you can find online physical therapy school.


What is the cheapest Physical Therapy school?

Arkansas State University


Where can one find a physical therapy school in Indiana?

One school in Indiana specializing in physical therapy is the Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, which offers financial aid and a number of possible specializations.


Which is more successful in school systems occupational therapy or physical therapy?

As they address two different areas (occupational therapy- the tasks of living, physical therapy- functioning as it relates to mobility)- there is no quantifiable answer to that question.


What kind of schooling is needed to be a therapy dog trainer?

Therapy is a kind of doctor thing so go to medical school, choose the category : therapy then choose the pets area.. (i'm guessin')


When do you know if you need to see a physical therapist for an ailment?

Physical therapy is something you do only if your doctor recommends it, physical therapy is the first step in treating common musculoskeletal ailments, and you can choose what provider depending on choise.


What is the difference in physical therapy assistant school and physical therapy aid school?

There is a lot of difference between not only schools but the profession as well. When you want to become a Physical therapy assistant you need to go for 2 year associate degree program in Physical therapy assistant school. To become a PT aide you might not need to go for school as some times on the job training is enough. But when there is sough competition to get a job you need to attend some of the courses which you can do it online as well. Hope it helps.