How To Become A Physical Therapist?

How to become a physical therapist – are you asking this question at this time? You are on track, because this is certainly a good question to ask. Yes, it is true that the job of a physical therapist can be a demanding one. But on the other hand, both the career path and the salary are good too. So, you can certainly consider joining this profession. But of course, you need to know the basics before this.

How to become a physical therapist – here are the steps you should know of

Step 1 – Complete your Bachelor’s Degree

Before you can join a program, it is essential that you complete a Bachelor’s Degree. It could be any course. But do make sure that you have science and math subjects included. It is always preferred if your subjects are anatomy, physics, biology and chemistry. You will also have an advantage if you can spend some hours volunteering at a hospital or clinic. Most PT or physical therapy schools require their candidates to have at least some level of first-hand knowledge.

Step 2 – Get your Graduate Degree

Those who want to become physical therapists all need to complete a doctoral or a program that offers a master’s degree. But do ensure that the program is accredited by the APTA or the American Physical Therapy Association. It can take you anything between two to two and a half years to complete your master’s degree. For the doctoral degree, it might take about three years.

Step 3 – Complete your Residency Program

If you want to find out how to become a physical therapist, you should realize that a residency program is very important here. In fact, this is a must according to the APTA. The residency program will need to be for a minimum of 1500 hours. It should include the practice of physiotherapy between nine and thirty six months. Of course, you will have the privilege of working with a licensed and practicing physiotherapist in this. You can gain first-hand knowledge from the person, and learn from live situations.

Step 4 – Take the Licensure Exam

You are allowed to practice as a physical therapist only once you have your license. The licensing regulation will usually differ from one state to another. But in general, candidates are all required to have a graduate degree from an accredited school. To get this license, you will of course have to clear an exam. In the US, the exam you will have to clear is the NPTA, or the National Physical Therapy Examination.

Step 5 – Go for a specialization

If you want to learn how to become a physical therapist, you should realize that this is not really mandatory. However having said this, you need to realize that specialization will always help you stand out in your profession. You can get your specialization certificate from the ABPTS or the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. It is sure to help you. You may become a specialist in sports, orthopedics, neurology or geriatrics.

This information will help you surely. Now that you understand how to become a physical therapist, you are all set to start off.

Posted in Physical Therapist