What Does It Take to Be a Physical Therapist?
A physical therapist assists patients who have suffered from an injury or illness restore physical functions, improve mobility, relieve pain and adapt to disability. A physical therapist also promotes physical conditioning and fitness, as well as seeking to prevent permanent loss of function where possible. Working in conjunction with other health care practitioners such as physicians, occupational therapists and psychologists, the therapist devises exercise plans for patients, teaches them how to use specialized equipment, helps disabled patients perform everyday tasks, and may use treatments such as infrared lamps and whirlpool baths to manage pain. A candidate need to fulfill at least six years of post-high school training to practice as a physical therapist.
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High School
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Because a potential physical therapist must study at the undergraduate and postgraduate level, a good grade point average in high school is necessary to secure access to colleges and universities. While academic performance across all subjects is required, particular aptitude in the science subjects, mathematics and English will be useful for later study. Taking a course in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or first aid in her spare time will demonstrate to colleges a desire to pursue a medical career.
Undergraduate
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A candidate will need to study for a bachelor's degree at college. The better an individual's high school record, the better his chances of securing a place at the college of his choice. A candidate can major in any subject at the undergraduate level, but many students choose biology, physics or chemistry. If available, a candidate should also take courses in mathematics, statistics, anatomy, English and the social sciences. During vacation times, he may seek to secure volunteering experience in a clinical facility that offers physical therapy services.
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Postgraduate
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To practice as a physical therapist in the United States a candidate must undertake postgraduate study in physical therapy. He can pursue a master's degree, which takes two years, or a doctoral degree, which usually lasts for three years. Ideally, the postgraduate program he chooses should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), part of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). This body is considered throughout the industry to have the highest training standards.
License
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Having secured a master's or doctoral degree in physical therapy, a candidate can apply for a state license to practice as a certified physical therapist. To secure a license she must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), along with any additional exams required by individual state boards, such as jurisprudence. If a candidate wishes to specialize in a particular area of physical therapy at some point in her career, such as pediatric or neurological, she must undertake further training and sit for specific certification examinations set by the APTA.
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