Physical Therapy Schools - The Best Schools In The U.S.
Many prospective students seek information about physical therapy schools, realistic salary ranges, and other pertinent details. "How long does training take?" and "How much does it cost?" are certainly valid queries. The following FAQs address many of the most common questions about this noblest of professions.
What does a physical therapist do?
Physical therapist jobs and description involve helping restore maximum bodily strength and function to those with physical impairments and disabilities . They accomplish such vital objectives through individualized routines of physical conditioning and rehabilitation.
How long does physical therapist training take?
Programs for a Masters degree in physical therapy typically require between 2 and 2 ½ years of study. Doctoral degree programs entail an additional three years, excluding dissertation completion. A four-year bachelor's or master's degree is mandatory for admission into master's and doctorate degree programs, respectively.
After graduation, you must obtain a license to practice if you wish to pursue your career in physical therapy. The licensing process entails passing state and national tests for professional competency and skills assessment. Moreover, many jurisdictions require annual completion of a minimum number of continuing education credits to maintain licensure.
What kind of courses do the schools teach?
The standard curriculum include instruction in scientific fundamentals like anatomy, biology, biomechanics, cellular structure, exercise physiology, neurology, pharmacology, and disease pathology. In addition, behavioral and clinical studies are common requirements.
A sound undergraduate academic background in these areas is thus useful. Studies in math, statistics, and the social sciences are also valuable.
What type of physical therapy schools exist?
According to the US Department of Labor ("DOL"), a total of 212 physical therapy schools were operating within the nation as of 2009. Of this number, 12 offered master's-level degrees and 200 conferred PhD-level diplomas.
The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education ("CAPTE") is the accreditation authority for physical therapy educational programs.
CAPTE - accredited physical therapy schools must meet minimal quality control standards that are designed to protect the public. In order to obtain professional licensure, you must have graduated from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapist training program, see http://apps.apta.org/custom for a searchable database of physical therapy schools.
What are the top physical therapy schools?
When evaluating the best physical therapy schools, you should consider several factors. Among these are faculty academic credentials, physical facilities, and relative quality of clinical and research facilities. Of course, institutional reputation is imperative.
Here are some specific recommendations of the top US physical therapy programs:
University of Southern California in Los Angeles ("USCLA")
The program has been named in both the Princeton Review and US News & World Reports as a Best Western College in 2010 and the nation's Number One physical therapy program in 2008, respectively. USCLA's Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy awards both master's and doctoral level degrees. Special emphases on orthopedic physical therapy, sports, and neurological practice areas are also offered.
Contact Information:
University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089 (213) 740-2311
University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences ("SHRS") offers full-time three-year professional studies designed to culminate in a Doctor of Physical Therapy ("DPT") degree.
A widely renowned accredited physical therapy training program, SHRS incorporates theory and practice in all aspects of its Geriatric, Pediatric, and Cardiopulmonary sub-specializations.
Moreover, the SHRS clinical program is part of highly respected University of Pittsburgh Medical Center ("UPMC"). During clinical study, all UPMC doctoral candidates receive a monthly subsistence stipend for an entire academic year.
Contact Information:
SHRS Student Admissions and Recruitment
4019 Forbes Tower
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
412-383-6558
admissions@shrs.pitt.edu
Washington University in St. Louis in Missouri ("WU")
This private university was named in last year's Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College. WU-St. Louis tied for the Number 2 Spot in the whole nation in a recent US News & World Report ranking of accredited physical therapy schools.
WU offers students the option of either a DST or dual DPT/PhD. degrees in their chosen subspecialties. Special fellowships and resident studies in Women's Health and Orthopedics are also offered.
Contact Information:
One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130
(314) 935-5000
Online physical therapy programs
As of this writing, CAPTE does not accredit any online physical therapist training programs. This is due to extensive clinical and practical laboratory exercise requirements. There are, however, many accredited physical therapy schools that offer partial online studies. In addition, several all-online accredited physical therapy assistant programs exist.
Cost Considerations
Primary price determinants include program length, geographical location, and public vs. private institutional status. For instance, tuition for Alabama State University's three-year physical therapy program costs non-Alabama residents over $40,000 per academic year.
Conversely, California State imposes a mere $13,000 per year for in-state students. Other costs like books, lab fees, and professional liability insurance required for internship studies can add several thousand dollars per year to these totals. You can always apply for physical therapy scholarships if needed.
Conclusion
Ultimate rewards and satisfactions make the considerable costs of accredited physical therapy schools well worthwhile. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapists were among the top ten percent of the highest paid professionals in the nation. In 2006, the average salary of a physical therapist exceeded $94,000. It's definitely worth applying for physical therapy schools.
Best Training At Top Physical Therapy Schools
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