Things You'll Need:
- Computer with Internet access
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Step 1
Find and enroll in a college or university that offers a medical degree program. Work to complete a master's degree in physical therapy or a doctor's degree in physical therapy.
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Step 2
Expect to take classes such as involve chemistry, biology, physiology, pharmacology and endocrinology. These classes are similar to most medical programs.
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Step 3
Register for a residency program after completing the appropriate educational requirements. A residency program for cardiovascular physical therapy is usually associated with a hospital-based program.
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Step 4
Plan on spending 6 to 8 years in college and residency programs to become a cardiovascular physical therapist. The amount will vary depending on the prestige and reputation of the school that offers the cardiovascular physical therapy program.
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Step 5
Research this career path in more depth at the "American Physical Therapy Association" Web site (see Resources below).
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Step 1
Apply for licensing in each state where you intend to practice cardiovascular physical therapy. In most regions, a cardiovascular practitioner can enjoy autonomy with medical doctors, surgeons and physicians.
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Step 2
Pursue national certification for increased career opportunities. The "American Physical Therapy Association" sets specific licensing requirements.
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Step 3
Attend continuing education courses to meet the requirements set forth by your local state association. Each state may have different licensing maintenance guidelines.
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Step 1
Join a private practice. Many orthopedic surgeons have cardiovascular physical therapy within their offices. This close relationship with the surgeon is helpful in setting goals for treatment programs.
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Step 2
Look into working in a hospital setting where physical therapy has become a popular alternative to traditional treatment programs.
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Step 3
Become familiar with a variety of uses for physical therapy. Consider setting up a practice in a sports facility. Many athletic trainers and physicians recognize the importance of adding a cardiovascular physical therapy practitioner to their treatment team.
