How to Become a Physical Therapist: Step by Step

Introduction:

Becoming a physical therapist is a rewarding and fulfilling endeavor. As healthcare professionals, physical therapists play a crucial role in helping individuals recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and optimize their physical well-being. However, the path to becoming a physical therapist requires dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to lifelong learning. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the steps, challenges, and rewards of pursuing a career in physical therapy.

Step 1: Understanding the Role of a Physical Therapist

Before exploring the details of becoming a physical therapist, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the profession’s role and responsibilities. Physical therapists are licensed healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals with medical conditions or injuries that affect their ability to move and perform daily activities. They utilize a variety of techniques, including therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and modalities such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation, to help patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve overall function.

Step 2: Academic Preparation

The journey to becoming a physical therapist typically begins with obtaining a bachelor’s degree. While there is no specific undergraduate major required for admission to physical therapy graduate programs, most aspiring physical therapists choose to major in fields such as allied health professions, exercise science, kinesiology, or biology. It’s important to maintain a strong academic record during undergraduate studies, as admission to physical therapy programs is highly competitive.

Step 3: Prerequisite Courses

In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree, students must complete specific prerequisite courses to gain admission to physical therapy graduate programs. These courses often include biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, psychology, and statistics. It’s crucial to research the requirements of the physical therapy programs you’re interested in and ensure that you meet all prerequisites before applying. I would recommend speaking to an academic counselor in your school or a school you would like to attend to strategize with a road map for you to follow as you complete your courses. An academic road map is a guide with the courses you will need to complete to earn your degree with your specific time frame.

Bonus: If you are confident with attending a specific physical therapy school, contact the admissions coordinator/academic advisor for an in-person or Zoom meeting for additional information. You can begin this step as early as 1-2 years before graduation or completion of your prerequisites to stay on track and avoid unexpected issues in the future. Stay in contact with the coordinator as you progress with your undergrad journey, as they will see you as a strong candidate. Simple step to make you stand out.  

Step 4: Graduate Education

The next step on the path to becoming a physical therapist is to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited physical therapy program. Explore your options with schools within and out of state (consider cost, locations and ratings for all programs). DPT programs typically span three years and include a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical internships. During the program, students learn about anatomy, biomechanics, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, neurology, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and other core areas of physical therapy practice. Easier said than done, but time flies. Stay focus and it will be worth it in the end.

Step 5: Clinical Experience

Clinical experience is a vital component of physical therapy education, as it provides students with hands-on training under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. Most DPT programs include multiple clinical rotations in various settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and skilled nursing facilities. These clinical experiences allow students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings, develop clinical skills, and gain exposure to diverse patient populations and conditions.

Step 6: Licensure

After completing a DPT program, graduates must obtain licensure to practice as physical therapists in their respective states. Licensure requirements vary by state but typically include passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). Some states may also have additional requirements, such as a jurisprudence exam or a criminal background check.

Step 7: Continuing Education and Specialization

Once licensed, physical therapists are required to engage in continuing education to maintain their licensure and stay current with advances in the field. Many physical therapists also choose to pursue specialization in a particular area of practice, such as orthopedics, sports, neurology, pediatrics, geriatrics, or women’s health. Specialization often involves additional training, certification, or advanced education beyond the DPT degree and allows physical therapists to enhance their skills, expand their career opportunities, and provide specialized care to patients.

Challenges and Rewards:

Becoming a physical therapist comes with its’s challenges, just like any other post-professional degree. The rigorous academic coursework, demanding clinical internships, and licensure requirements require dedication, perseverance, and hard work. Additionally, the field of physical therapy is constantly evolving, with new research, techniques, and technologies emerging regularly. As such, physical therapists must commit to lifelong learning and professional development to stay up-to-date of the latest advancements in the field.

However, despite the challenges, pursuing a career in physical therapy offers numerous rewards. Physical therapists have the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives by helping them recover from injuries, regain mobility, and improve their quality of life. Whether working with athletes recovering from sports injuries, elderly individuals coping with chronic conditions, or children with developmental delays, physical therapists play a critical role in restoring function, promoting health/wellness, and improving quality of life.

Conclusion:

Becoming a physical therapist is a challenging yet immensely rewarding journey. By following the steps outlined in this guide, aspiring students can prepare themselves for a successful career in this dynamic and fulfilling profession. From academic preparation to clinical experience to licensure and specialization, each step along the way contributes to the development of skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals who are dedicated to improving the lives of others through the knowledge of physical therapy.