How to Become a Physical Therapists

Physical therapists must have well-rounded backgrounds.

Becoming a physical therapist requires a lot of hard work and dedication. The minimum amount of education needed to enter the field is a master's degree. Graduate programs are selective, and applicants need to be well-rounded in addition to having good grades. However, this effort can lead to a very rewarding career. Physical therapists are able to help people in a practical and meaningful way. The average salary for the profession was $66,200 in 2006, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Instructions

1. Take as many science and math classes as you can while in high school. Help your school's athletic trainer. Graduate with good grades and choose a college that offers a pre-physical therapy major.

2. Work toward your bachelor's degree in pre-physical therapy or a related science. Focus on your studies, because you must have a high GPA to get into a graduate-level physical therapy program. Take the prerequisite courses you'll need, which vary by school but usually include statistics, anatomy and physiology, biology, psychology, physics, and chemistry. Develop strong skills in writing and interpersonal communication.

3. Get work experience in the field while you're an undergraduate student. Volunteer as a physical therapy aide at a local hospital or clinic if you're unable to get a paid position. Begin learning how to communicate with patients.

4. Develop relationships with mentors, especially physical therapists and science professors. Stay in contact and update them occasionally on your progress toward your career goals. Ask these people to write recommendations when you apply to graduate school.

5. Begin investigating options for graduate school by your sophomore year of college, because many of them accept students who have completed three years of a pre-physical therapy program. Decide whether you want to spend two years getting a master's degree or three years obtaining a doctorate.

6. Get a graduate degree in physical therapy. Try to limit outside commitments, because you'll need to dedicate a lot of time to rigorous coursework in the general sciences, therapeutic procedures, human development, examination techniques and medicine. Use clinical experiences to develop hands-on skills. Discover whether you prefer a certain patient population or work environment.

7. Pass the national licensing exam that's administered by The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Become licensed to work as a physical therapist by meeting any additional requirements in your state.

Tips & Warnings

• Graduate schools usually require applicants to have dozens of hours of related work or volunteer experience, so don't put it off until the last minute. Your college should be able to help you set something up. Becoming involved in extracurricular activities in school and your community can help you get into a physical therapy program. These programs prefer applicants with a track record of leadership.

References

• American Physical Therapy Association: Become a PT
• EduBook: How to Become a Physical Therapist
• Occupational Outlook Handbook: Physical Therapists

Resources

• The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy