Physical Therapy Degree Programs

What a Physical Therapy College Degree Teaches You?

Physical therapy degree programs include coursework in fundamental science courses including biology, anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, and behavior science courses.Due to these course requirements, those who are earning a master’s degree in physical therapy tend to earn undergraduate degrees in some form of science before entering physical therapy degree programs, as previous experience in these subjects is helpful.Students are also trained in medical screening, examinations and measures, diagnostic process, and therapeutic interventions, as well as practical issues such as financial and practice management.

Aspiring physical therapy workers can earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in the field. Associate’s degree programs prepare students to enter the job market as physical therapist assistants, while pre-physical therapy bachelor’s programs prepare students to enter graduate study, which is required for licensure as a physical therapist.Both options – which are open to high school graduates – include classroom learning, along with significant laboratory training. Some of the study areas include pathology, kinesiology, physics and genetics.

How to Select a Pre-Physical Therapy or Physical Therapy School

Bachelor’s degree programs in physical therapy are not available, students may instead major in pre-physical therapy, athletic training or exercise science through the health, natural sciences and physical education divisions of various 4-year colleges and universities. Those who want to study physical therapy can only do so through a master’s or doctoral degree program in the field. These are offered at universities and colleges through the schools rehabilitation medicine, allied science and health sciences departments.

Summary of Important Considerations

1-Undergraduate coursework and focuses
2-Undergraduate internship opportunities
3-Preparation for graduate study
4-Graduate research and concentration options
5-Graduate clinical requirements

1-Undergraduate Coursework and Focuses

Pre-physical therapy majors, though not common, provide a focused academic schedule covering such topics as human anatomy and medical terminology even within the first semester. Students may be interested in schools that offer double major opportunities, including athletic training and exercise science programs

2-Undergraduate Internship Opportunities

Internships specific to physical therapy may also be included in pre-physical therapy degree programs. Hands-on experience at an early stage could help students develop necessary skills and refine their career options and specializations.

3-Preparation for Graduate Study

Graduate programs that lead to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) have a unique set of prerequisites for admission, but common required courses include biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, mathematics, psychology and statistics. Bachelor’s degree programs in pre-physical therapy can usually fulfill these requirements.

4-Graduate Research and Concentration Options

Research laboratories offering facilities in such fields as neuromuscular studies, orthopedic analysis and musculoskeletal biomechanics are available at select schools. Research opportunities could help students add depth and variety to their program.

5-Graduate Clinical Requirements

Clinical internships and clinical practicums are a mandatory part of physical therapy education, but vary in extensiveness. In some cases, students may be required to participate in internships for nearly the entire duration of the graduate program, and in certain locations internship opportunities may be scarcer than others.

Pre-Physical Therapy Bachelor’s Degree

Students may choose to enroll in a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Pre-Physical Therapy. Other available programs may include a bachelor’s degree in health sciences or biology. Prerequisite work typically includes courses in biology, anatomy, physics and statistics. Pre-physical therapy programs typically include an internship. Students also explore classes in:

1-Psychology

2-Anatomy

3-Biomechanics

4-Medical terminology

5-Microbiology

Physical Therapy Graduate Degree Programs

Physical therapy graduate programs leading to a DPT or an MPT take approximately three years to complete. Students will be required to complete supervised clinical practicums and engage in research. Accredited programs qualify students to sit for state and national licensure examinations. Students are expected to take courses in:

1-Neurophysiology

2-Neuroanatomy

3-Orthopedic principles

4-Pharmacology

5-Diagnosis

Salary

Salary Outlook. The median annual wage for physical therapists was $81,030 in 2013, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The best-paid 10 percent made $113,340, while the bottom 10 percent made $56,280. The highest wages go to physical therapists working in schools, home health care or nursing care facilities.