Accredited Physical Therapist Education Programs
In order to be a physical therapist, you must complete several stages of educational requirements. First, you must obtain a bachelor's degree at a four-year college or university, preferably in physical therapy or a related field. Second, you must decide if you want to receive a master's or doctoral degree. Third, you need to choose which accredited institute and physical therapy program you want to attend and complete. Fourth, after you have completed all required coursework and clinical experience, you must pass your state's license exam.
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CAPTE
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The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is the only accreditation agency in the United States that accredits institutions to provide entry-level Physical Therapy (PT) and Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) education programs. CAPTE has currently accredited more than 200 institutions for entry-level physical therapy master's and doctoral programs and more than 230 institutions providing programs at the associate degree level for physical therapy assistants. CAPTE's mission is to provide uniform guidelines and standards for all physical therapy programs and to see that they are continually updated and professionally sound.
Master's of Physical Therapy (MPT)
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After you have completed your bachelor's degree at the institution of your choice, you may apply to enter a graduate-level master's program that is accredited by CAPTE. Once you have graduated from your master's program, which can take two to three years, you may apply to take your state's physical therapy licensing exam. You may either obtain your MPT by direct entry or transitional format.
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Direct Entry MPT
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Direct entry master's of physical therapy programs, also known as "Graduate Entry" or "Master's Entry" programs, are for students who did not complete a bachelor's degree in a physical therapy field. Thus, students who have not studied physical therapy before should attend this two- to three-year year program for a thorough curriculum of coursework and clinical experience. The first year involves entry-level coursework and the last year is devoted to clinical experience.
Transitional MPT
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Transitional Master's of Physical Therapy programs are for students who have studied physical therapy before and have earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (BSPT). This program enables students to use previous courses and experience as credits toward their master's degree. A transitional MPT program usually takes two to three years to complete depending upon your individual program's requirements.
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
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A Doctor of Physical Therapy program involves at least three years of intensive full-time study and clinical rotations. As with MPT programs, one can receive a DPT degree in the direct entry or transitional format. One who graduates a doctoral program will receive higher pay and better job opportunities than one with a master's degree. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, a DPT degree may soon be required for all entry-level students who want to be a licensed physical therapist.
Physical Therapy Assistants (PTA)
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The CAPTE is also the only agency that accredits PTA entry-level education programs. You can become a PTA after earning an associate's degree at a university, community college or technical college. In this two-year program you will take basic medical science courses such as biology, physics and anatomy and general education courses such as English and mathematics, followed by hands-on clinical experience.
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