How To Become a Physical Therapist Complete Guide

Becoming a physical therapist is a process that takes time, dedication, and effort. But it’s also a rewarding career that can make a difference in people’s lives. If you’re thinking about becoming a physical therapist, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from what education and training is required to how to find a job once you’re qualified. We’ll also dispel some common myths about the profession and give you some insider tips on what it’s really like to work as a PT.

Table of Contents

Steps For How To Become a Physical Therapist

There are many steps that one must take in order to become a physical therapist. The first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from an accredited college or university.

Once the individual has earned their degree, they must then pass the state-specific licensing exam. After the physical therapist has passed the licensing exam, they must complete a supervised clinical fellowship for a minimum of 9 months. Some states also require the physical therapist to pass a jurisprudence exam.

After the physical therapist has completed all of the necessary steps, they can then begin to work in their chosen field. It is important to note that most states require continuing education credits in order to maintain licensure.

Educational Requirements To Become a Physical Therapist

There are many educational requirements to become a physical therapist. A person must first obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The type of bachelor’s degree required varies by state, but most states require a degree in physical therapy or a related field such as exercise science or kinesiology.

After completing a bachelor’s degree, the next step is to complete an accredited physical therapy program. These programs typically last three years and include both classroom and clinical instruction. Upon completion of a physical therapy program, individuals must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to earn their license to practice physical therapy.

Some states also require physical therapists to complete continuing education credits on a regular basis in order to maintain their license. There may also be additional requirements, such as passing a state-specific exam, for physical therapists who wish to work in certain settings or with certain populations of patients.

Job Description of Physical Therapist

Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest adults. PTs examine patients, review their medical history, and observe how they move. They also talk to patients and families to learn about their concerns. Based on this information, PTs develop a plan of care that promotes the best possible health outcomes.

In addition to examining and treating patients, PTs also may:

Teach patients and families how to manage their condition
Work with other health care professionals to develop treatment plans
Conduct research to improve patient care
Serve as consultants to businesses and community organizations

Physical Therapist Career and Salary

In order to become a physical therapist, you must complete a post-secondary education program in physical therapy and obtain a license. The average salary for a physical therapist is $85,390 per year.

The first step to becoming a physical therapist is completing a post-secondary education program. Physical therapy programs are typically three years in length and lead to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. During your time in school, you will take classes such as human anatomy, kinesiology, and pathology. You will also complete clinical rotations, which will give you the opportunity to work with patients and learn firsthand what it takes to be a successful physical therapist.

Once you have completed your DPT, the next step is to obtain your state license. In order to do this, you will need to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). Once you have obtained your license, you will be able to begin practicing as a physical therapist.

The average salary for a physical therapist is $85,390 per year. However, salaries can vary based on experience, location, and type of facility. For example, those who work in hospitals tend to earn more than those who work in private clinics. Those who have several years of experience tend to earn more than those who are just starting out in their careers.

If you are interested in helping people improve their quality of life by providing them with rehabilitative care, then becoming a physical therapist may be the

Benefits of Successful Physical Therapist

The field of physical therapy is one that offers a great deal of potential for those looking to help others recover from injuries and improve their quality of life. Individuals who enter this career can expect to enjoy numerous advantages, both professional and personal.

Some of the most significant benefits of working as a successful physical therapist include:

1. Helping Others Recover and Improve Their Quality of Life

One of the most gratifying aspects of working as a physical therapist is being able to help patients recover from injuries and improve their quality of life. Seeing patients regain mobility and return to activities they love is extremely rewarding.

2. Enjoying a Rewarding Career

In addition to the satisfaction that comes from helping others, working as a physical therapist can also be financially rewarding. Physical therapists are in high demand, and those with experience and specialized skills can command high salaries.

3. Having a Flexible Schedule

Another great benefit of working as a physical therapist is the ability to enjoy a flexible schedule. Many therapists choose to work part-time or set their own hours, which can provide a good work/life balance. Additionally, physical therapists often have the option to telecommute, which further increases flexibility.

What Skills Are Physical Therapist Needed ?

There are several key skills that physical therapists (PTs) need in order to be successful in their roles.

First, PTs must have excellent communication skills. They need to be able to effectively communicate with patients, families, and other members of the healthcare team.
Second, PTs must be able to motivate patients and help them set and achieve realistic goals.
Third, PTs must have strong clinical reasoning skills. They need to be able to quickly assess a patient’s condition and develop an appropriate plan of care.
Fourth, PTs must have good manual therapy skills. They need to be able to effectively use their hands to manipulate the soft tissues and joints of the body.
Finally, PTs must be proficient in the use of modalities such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and laser therapy.

Reasons of Why becoming a Physical Therapist

There are many reasons why someone may want to become a physical therapist. The most common reason is that physical therapists help people improve their quality of life. They work with patients to relieve pain, increase mobility, and improve function.

Physical therapists also play an important role in preventative care. They can help people avoid injuries and keep their bodies healthy as they age. Physical therapists can also help people recover from surgery or other medical procedures.

Another reason to become a physical therapist is that it is a growing field. The demand for physical therapists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2026.* This means that there will be good job prospects for those who choose to enter this career.

*Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 28 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Conclusion

With the right education and training, becoming a physical therapist can be a rewarding career choice. If you have a passion for helping others improve their quality of life, then this may be the perfect profession for you. We hope that our complete guide has given you all the information you need to get started on your journey to becoming a physical therapist.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Question)

What does a Physical Therapist do ?

A physical therapist is someone who helps people with physical injuries or illnesses recover. They work with patients to help them regain movement and function. Physical therapists also work to prevent further injury by developing exercise and stretching programs for their patients.

How much do Physical Therapist make ?

Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. PTs examine patients and develop treatment plans to improve their quality of life and prevent or heal injuries.

In 2018, the median annual wage for physical therapists was $87,930. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $60,520, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $122,320.

How much does it cost to be a Physical Therapist ?

The cost of becoming a physical therapist varies depending on the path you take. If you decide to go to graduate school, you can expect to spend around $120,000 on tuition and fees. However, if you choose to attend a physical therapy program at a community college, you can expect to pay much less.

The average cost of attending a community college is around $30,000. There are also many scholarships and financial aid opportunities available to help offset the cost of becoming a physical therapist.

How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist ?

It takes approximately two to three years to complete a physical therapy program and become a licensed physical therapist. However, the length of time it takes to become a physical therapist can vary depending on the path you take.

For example, if you choose to attend a physical therapy program that is four years long, you will need to complete an additional year of coursework. Alternatively, if you decide to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which is a terminal degree in the field of physical therapy, it will take you three to four years to complete the program and become a licensed physical therapist.

In addition to completing an accredited physical therapy program, all states require licensure in order to practice. The process of becoming licensed as a physical therapist generally includes passing both written and clinical exams. Once you have passed these exams and met all other requirements set forth by your state’s licensing board, you will be able to obtain your license and begin practicing as a physical therapist.

How many hours of Physical Therapist Work ?

There is no universal answer to the question of how many hours physical therapists work, as it can vary depending on factors such as employer, setting, specialty, and geographical location. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for physical therapists was $87,930 in May 2016, which equates to approximately $42 per hour.

This means that half of all PTs earned more than this amount and half earned less. The BLS also reports that the lowest 10 percent of earners made less than $56,390 annually, while the highest 10 percent earned over $121,090. It is worth noting that these figures are based on full-time employment; those who work part-time or on a contract basis may earn less per hour.