How to Attain a Degree in Physical Therapy

• Step 1

  Obtain a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. There are two paths a student can take. Once matriculated, those interested in attaining a bachelor's degree in the health and science field may end up completing all prerequisite courses needed to directly enter a master's or doctorate physical therapy program. This is the easiest way to transition into a graduate program. Students who choose to graduate in other fields such as education, communications, and finance, will need more coursework after receiving a bachelor's degree. This may seem challenging, but students can return to the same school to obtain the prerequisites.

• Step 2

  Find an accredited physical therapy school in the city and state you wish to complete your training. The American Physical Therapist Association's (APTA), provides extensive information on educational requirements. APTA's Education Programs section provides a link to CAPTE, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. CAPTE provides resources on accredited schools, professionals, and a fact sheet on all aspects of entry-level physical therapy professionals.

• Step 3

  Find the schools you wish to attend. Research and print out a list of requirements for admittance into each physical therapy program. Make sure you meet all the requirements by reviewing your college transcripts and highlighting all course and credits that are prerequisites for admittance. Science courses like biology, chemistry, calculus, and anatomy and physiology may be required. Make sure you also have the proper amount of credits needed. If you are missing any classes, be sure to follow the school's guidelines for course and application deadlines.

• Step 4

  Take the GRE, Graduate Records Examination Test. The GRE measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. The GRE subject tests gauge undergraduate achievement in eight specific fields of study. Students should take at least three months to prepare for the test.

• Step 5

  Pair up with licensed therapists and work an average of 50 to 100 hours under observation, according to the physical therapy school's requirements. You may need to volunteer in a private practice and a hospital, or a hospital setting only. Call or visit physical therapy offices to query about the volunteering process. At least one recommendation from the therapist will be needed to complete the application process.

• Step 6

  Expect two to three years of rigorous educational training and clinical studies upon acceptance into the physical therapy program. Course work may include neuroscience, kinesiology, bioscience, medical ethics and client management.

• 3

References & Resources

• American Physical Therapy Association
• GRE