Are you searching for a profession that has the potential to make a real change in people’s lives? Do you want to be part of a growing field and make an impact in the healthcare industry? If so, becoming a physical therapist could be the perfect career choice.
Physical therapists provide care to patients who have been injured or are recovering from surgery, helping them regain their strength and mobility. They also work with athletes to help improve performance and reduce injury risk.
Becoming a physical therapist is certainly not an easy path, but it is incredibly rewarding. With the right knowledge and dedication, you can become a qualified physical therapist in no time. So how exactly do you become a physical therapist?
In this post, we will provide an overview of how to become a physical therapist: the educational requirements, how to choose the right program for you, how long it takes to complete training, what kind of salary potential there is in the field, as well as other important considerations.
We hope that by reading this article, you’ll have all the information you need to get started on your path toward becoming a successful physical therapist.
What are physical therapists?
Physical therapists (PTs) are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages with medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and achieve functional activities in their everyday lives. PTs evaluate a patient’s physical condition, develop a treatment plan, and help improve the patient’s mobility and function by using exercise, stretching, and other therapeutic techniques.
PTs often work closely with other health care professionals, such as physicians and nurses, to provide comprehensive care for patients. They also help prevent injuries and disabilities by recommending corrective exercises and advising on lifestyle changes that promote overall health.
Bachelor’s degree
The first step in becoming a physical therapist is to obtain your bachelor’s degree. Many physical therapists opt to major in a related field, such as exercise science, kinesiology, or biology. However, any degree can provide the foundation necessary to become a physical therapist, as long as it includes relevant coursework such as anatomy and physiology.
In addition to your bachelor’s degree, you may also need to complete additional prerequisites, including mathematics, physics, and chemistry courses. Check with your prospective school for more information about their specific requirements for admission. Bachelor’s degree programs take four years to complete.
Physical therapy programs
Once you have completed your bachelor’s degree, applying for a physical therapy program is next. Physical therapy programs are typically two years in length and provide students with the essential knowledge and skills need to become physical therapists. During these two years, you will take anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, and pathology courses. You will also gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in various settings.
The program you choose should be accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). This ensures that the program meets the highest standards of quality and is recognized by employers throughout the U.S.
You will also gain hands-on experience in various patient care settings through field experiences or clinical rotations. This is an important part of the program as it allows you to gain real-world experience treating patients. During this time, you will be monitored closely by your instructors and evaluated on how well you perform in different areas. Upon graduation from the program, you will have the skills necessary to become a physical therapist.
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Licensure and Certification
Once you have completed your physical therapy program, the next step is to become licensed. To practice as a physical therapist in the United States, you must pass a national licensure exam administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). Some states may also require additional exams before they will grant you a license. Once you have passed this exam and obtained your license, you will be ready to begin practicing as a bodily therapist.
In addition to becoming licensed, many physical therapists pursue professional certification through an organization such as the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). Professional certification provides recognition that demonstrates that the individual has achieved specific standards of excellence in the field and can help advance your career.
Salary and Other Benefits of Becoming a Physical Therapist
The reasonable salary for physical therapists in the U.S. is $86,850 annually. However, salaries can vary depending on your specialty and where you work. In addition to a competitive salary, physical therapists also enjoy excellent benefits such as paid time off, health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible hours.
Working as a physical therapist can also provide job security, as the demand for these professionals is expected to grow over 21% by 2029. Furthermore, depending on your specialty and where you are employed, you may be eligible for bonuses or other financial incentives.
How many years does it take to become a professional physical therapist?
Becoming a professional physical therapist requires completing an approved educational program and passing a licensing exam. Generally, most physical therapists complete post-baccalaureate degree programs that can take three years to complete. In total, the process of becoming a professional physical therapist typically takes between five and seven years.
At what age do most people become physical therapists?
Most people who pursue a career in physical therapy are between the ages of 25 and 45. Physical therapists must be licensed professionals, usually holding either a master’s or doctorate degree in physical therapy.
While the requirements for licensure will vary by state. Most states require a minimum of two years of post-secondary education from an accredited college or university. In addition, many states require that physical therapists pass a board examination administered by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
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Benefits of becoming a physical therapist
Becoming a physical therapist offers numerous benefits, both professionally and personally. As a career, physical therapy is rewarding and offers opportunities for financial and career advancement. Physically, you will be able to help your patients improve their health and mobility while making a real difference in people’s lives.
Physical therapy provides excellent job security with a competitive salary and good benefits package. Additionally, the demand for physical therapists is expected to increase significantly over the next decade due to an aging population that requires more medical care. This could mean greater opportunities for biological therapists who are willing to specialize in certain areas of practice or start their own businesses.
Finally, physical therapy offers an amazing opportunity to become part of a supportive community. The profession is built around compassion and caring for others, which translates into strong relationships with colleagues and patients. From this sense of community comes mentorship opportunities and the chance to be part of something much bigger than yourself. Together, these benefits make becoming a (PTs) a very attractive career choice.
Some Useful tips that should be kept in mind when pursuing a career in physical therapy
1. Get educated: A professional physical therapist must have at least a post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Understand your state’s licensing requirements: Every state has different requirements for becoming a physical therapist. So make sure you understand what is needed to be licensed in your jurisdiction.
3. Take advantage of continuing education opportunities: As medical advances and treatments evolve, physical therapists must stay up-to-date on the latest research and techniques. Taking advantage of available continuing education courses can help keep your practice current.
4. Network with other professionals: Building relationships with peers is important for any profession, and physical therapy is no exception. By networking with other experts in the field, you can stay informed about changes in the industry and even open up new career opportunities.
5. Reach out to local hospitals and clinics: Another great way to get your name out there is by reaching out to local hospitals and clinics. Most medical facilities hire physical therapists. Please get in touch with them precisely for any job openings or internships that you may be curious about pursuing.
6. Have a positive attitude: Working as a physical therapist can sometimes be challenging and demanding. It’s important to manage a positive outlook on life. An upbeat attitude will help you stay motivated and make connecting with patients, colleagues, and other professionals in the field easier.
How much does cost to become a physical therapist?
The cost to become a physical therapist varies depending on the school, program, and state you choose. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000 for tuition, books, and fees. After completing the program, physical therapists must also obtain a license to practice, for which there is an additional cost. Depending on the state, this fee can range from $50 to $400. Additionally, physical therapists need to obtain professional liability insurance, which usually costs around $50-100 per year.
Final Words:
In conclusion, becoming a physical therapist requires dedication and hard work. With the right education, you can become a licensed professional in this field with the skills to help people improve their quality of life. The salary is competitive, and many benefits come with being a physical therapist, such as job security and financial incentives. If you’re looking for an exciting career path that will provide job satisfaction while making an impact on others’ lives. So, then consider pursuing a career in physical therapy today.