Sunday, May 22, 2022
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Health
    • Home Improvement
    • Living
  • News
    • Politics
    • Science
    • Science
    • Streaming
    • Sports
  • Digital Marketing
    • SEO
    • White Hat SEO
    • Blogging
    • Link Building
    • SEO
    • Social Media Marketing
  • Travel Guides
  • Web Hosting
CONTACT US
No Result
View All Result
Home News

Your Guide to Physical Therapist Education Requirements

Allen Brown by Allen Brown
November 23, 2021
in News
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
person massaging other person's foot

Photo by Toralf Thomassen on Unsplash

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The demand for physical therapy in the US is on the rise, with the industry expected to reach $45 billion by 2023, up from 33 billion in 2019. The typical physical therapy clinic now sees up to 200 patients per week.

As more people seek physical therapy, practitioners in the industry will continue to be in high demand. Between 2020 and 2030, there’ll be an average of 25,600 new job openings for physical therapists (PTs) per year.

People who meet physical therapist education requirements are well-positioned for a highly satisfying career. In 2020, the median pay for physical therapists reached an impressive $91,010 per year, well above the national average.

If a career in the physical therapy field interests you but you’re not sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about how to become a physical therapist.

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

Before you enroll in a PT education program, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what physical therapists do. A physical therapist is an expert in body movements who helps enhance patients’ quality of life through prescribed physical exercise, hands-on care, and patient education.

Physical therapists can diagnose and treat patients of all ages, from newborns to individuals at the end of life. Most people who need physical therapy have disabilities, injuries, or other health conditions that require treatment. Some people may also seek physical therapy to become healthier and avert future problems.

A PT first examines the patient before developing a treatment plan meant to:

  • Manage or reduce pain
  • Boost movement ability
  • Restore function
  • Prevent disability

When you choose a career in physical therapy, you can specialize in any one of many different fields, including pediatrics, women’s health, sports, geriatrics, clinical electrophysiology, and so on.

As a PT, you can work in various settings, including clinics, hospitals, care facilities, and private residences. A significant percentage of PTs work in the offices of physical, occupational, and speech therapists. Other working environments include athletic training centers, schools, oncology wards, and cardiac rehabilitation facilities.

What Are the Physical Therapist Education Requirements?

Now that you’ve seen what a therapist does and where they work, it’s time to review the requirements of becoming a physical therapist in the US. Let’s get started.

  • Get a Bachelor’s Degree

The first step in becoming a physical therapist bachelor’s degree in health science, sports or exercise science, or some other closely related field.

Some graduate programs will require particular prerequisites, such as biology, physics, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and kinesiology. Thus, if you intend to enroll in a doctoral program at some point, it helps to know these prerequisites as early as possible.

  • Enrol in a DPT Program

The second step in becoming a physical therapist is to complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. This program prepares you to work in the physical therapy field and includes biomechanics, anatomy, pathology, and imaging courses.

In the US, a DPT degree typically takes two years. The second year is usually meant for providing you with a more hands-on experience, where students learn in a clinic under guided supervision.

  • Pass the NPTE

The next step is to take and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). The exam is usually computer-administered and comprises five sections. Candidates are expected to answer 250 multiple-choice questions in total.

NPTE scores range from 200 to 800, with the passing grade being 600 and above. The exam is offered four times per year, with candidates allowed to take the exam up to three times a year. Consider taking an NPTE course from a leading online provider to improve your chances of success.

  • Get Licensed

Once you’ve passed your NPTE, it’s time to apply for a PT license. You’ll need to complete compliance training and go through background checks to meet PT licensing requirements.

In many states, PTs are required to meet ongoing education requirements on a two-year basis. The goal is to keep PTs up-to-date on their profession and chosen specialty.

  • Complete Your Residency

While this step is optional, it’s valuable in your quest to become a competent physical therapist. A residency involves some training, coursework, and time in a clinic.

Choosing to complete a residency helps enrich your hands-on experience as a PT. It’s also an excellent opportunity to help you know for sure what PT specialization works best for you.

Those who opt to skip this step can seek a PT job in their area or even start their own practices.

  • Get Certified by the Board

This step is also optional but can prove helpful in propelling your career as a PT. Physical therapists in America are certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).

If you want to become certified by the board, you need to pass an exam in one of the specialties offered by the ABPTS. You’ll also need to have at least 2,000 hours of clinical work or complete an accredited residency program. There may also be other requirements, depending on your specialty.

Kickstart Your Career as a PT by Meeting the Educational Requirements

From getting a bachelor’s degree to residency and board certification, the physical therapist education requirements can seem many. It requires a considerable amount of patience and undying willingness to put everything in order. However, the rewards are well worth the work.

Are you interested in reading more great content like this? Keep visiting our blog.

READ NEXT

people standing inside city building

How to Start a Plus Size lingerie Wholesale Business

by Allen Brown
May 21, 2022
0

If you've got an interest in working in sales or love the planet of fashion, starting a Plus Size lingerie...

green and white tissue box on white table

Why Corporate Gifts Are Pieces Of Entertainment These Days

by Allen Brown
May 13, 2022
0

All companies have realized the importance of gifting these days as these gifts strengthen relationships, improve dedication, etc. Gifting is...

man using MacBook Air

How to Increase Small Business Productivity With Digital Tools 

by Allen Brown
May 13, 2022
0

Productivity is essential for any business, large or small. The more productive a specific business is, the more it can...

person holding ballpoint pen writing on notebook

Business Tips: How a Great Event Can Boost Your Sales

by Allen Brown
April 20, 2022
0

The right London event company offer so much more than just brand awareness. Event marketing has become a mainstream marketing...

person in blue jacket sitting on brown wooden chair near brown wooden table during daytime

How To Efficiently Run A Small Business From Your Home

by Allen Brown
April 12, 2022
0

Running a business from home takes a lot of hard work and patience. It can take a while before you...

two women using laptops

6 Benefits Of A Family Office And Key Ways You Can Use Them

by Allen Brown
April 12, 2022
0

A family office can be a real help when it comes to managing your complex life. In this article, we'll...

Recent Posts

people standing inside city building

How to Start a Plus Size lingerie Wholesale Business

May 21, 2022
avocado, tomatoes, eggs, mushrooms, spring onions, and leaves

How Not To Hate Diet

May 20, 2022
man holding yellow surfboard while walking on seashore during daytime

7 THINGS – YOU MUST HAVE FOR SURFING

May 20, 2022
source code illustration

How to Successfully Integrate Unstructured Data Sources into Your Knowledge Base

May 20, 2022
two flat screen monitor turned on near organizer rack inside the room

How do you divide a desk

May 20, 2022
black car gps turned on in car

Ignition System: Everything you need to know

May 20, 2022
turned-on MacBook

Why Should You Be Outsourcing Medical Billing Services? 09 Benefits That Answer Your Concern!

May 20, 2022
view of two persons hands

Understanding Commonly Used Modifiers And Their Impact On Reimbursements

May 20, 2022

Copyright © 2019-2021 Zone Desire.

Navigate Site

  • About
  • Advertise

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Politics
    • Business
    • World
    • Science
  • Entertainment
    • Gaming
    • Music
    • Movie
    • Sports
  • Tech
    • Apps
    • Gear
    • Mobile
    • Startup
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Fashion
    • Health
    • Travel
  • About Us
  • Advertise with us

Copyright © 2019-2021 Zone Desire.