Physical_Therapy|Qualifications

All States require physical therapists to pass a licensure

exam after graduating from an accredited physical therapist

educational program before they can practice.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association,

there were 189 accredited physical therapist programs in

1999. Of the accredited programs, 24 offered bachelor’s

degrees, 157 offered master’s degrees, and 8 offered

doctoral degrees. By 2002, all physical therapist programs

seeking accreditation will be required to offer degrees at

the master’s degree level and above, in accordance with the

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy

Education.

Physical therapist programs start with basic science courses

such as biology, chemistry, and physics, and then introduce

specialized courses such as biomechanics, neuroanatomy,

human growth and development, manifestations of disease,

examination techniques, and therapeutic procedures.

Besides classroom and laboratory instruction, students

receive supervised clinical experience. Individuals who

have a 4-year degree in another field and want to be a

physical therapist, should enroll in a master’s or a doctoral

level physical therapist educational program.

Competition for entrance into physical therapist educational

programs is very intense, so interested students should

attain superior grades in high school and college, especially

in science courses. Courses useful when applying to

physical therapist educational programs include anatomy,

biology, chemistry, social science, mathematics, and

physics. Before granting admission, many professional

education programs require experience as a volunteer in a

physical therapy department of a hospital or clinic.

Physical therapists should have strong interpersonal skills

to successfully educate patients about their physical therapy

treatments. They should also be compassionate and posses

a desire to help patients. Similar traits are also needed to

interact with the patient’s family.

Physical therapists are expected to continue professional

development by participating in continuing education

courses and workshops. A number of States require

continuing education to maintain licensure.