How many years does it take to become physical therapist?

Introduction: 

If you are interested in healthcare sector and passionate about helping others and also want to do something big and interesting for your life, one of the best option is Physical Therapy. As a Physical Therapist you can help your patient's mobility and body function, prevent and recover from injuries, also pain reduction.

Physical Therapist are in high demand and often earn more than professionals in comparable roles, such as Occupational therapist, Speech therapist, audiologist and ENT specialist.

Read on this article to learn how to become a Physical therapist, including education, training, getting the license and total time period.

Who is Physical Therapist ?

Physical Therapist are highly trained professionals who work for people of all ages to outcome the physical challenge, body movement, correct posture, guided exercise and hands-on therapy, body function and mechanics to move better. Therapist make a tailored treatment plan according to the type of patient, there is a option for therapist to work in hospital or can do its private practice at clinic.

 Therapist must complete a Doctorate in Physical Therapy(DPT) and pass a national licensing exam to practice in United States.

 Process of Physical Therapy Step by Step:

Becoming a Physical Therapist can take up to six to seven years. first you have to complete a bachelor's degree which typically takes four years, before earning a DPT, which usually takes another three years. You can do your bachelor degree in health science, biomechanics, exercise or biology.

For DPT program it is compulsory for you to take all required courses before applying for doctorate. Many DPT programs require applicants to have taken courses in human anatomy, physics, biology, chemistry and kinesiology.

  All Physical therapist must complete a doctor of physical therapy from a program accredited by the commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. DPT students complete courses including Biomechanics, Neuroscience and pharmacology. They also spend time working in a clinic under the guidance of clinical instructor.

After earning a DPT, therapist must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination(NPTE) from the federation of state boards of physical therapy. The exam is offered four times per year, and candidates can retake the exam up to three times in a 12 month period.

Most DPT programs require applicants to complete the Graduate Record Examination. Programs may have minimum acceptable scores and last acceptable test dates. Some university require GRE score whereas some don't ,a GRE(graduate record exam) score above 310 (verbal reasoning scores of 155 – 170, quantitative reasoning scores of 155 – 170, and analytical writing scores of 4.0) is considered good for Physical Therapy School. Policies regarding the consideration of multiple sets of GRE scores vary by institution.

For a license to practice therapist licensure requirements vary state to state. Depending on where you plan to practice, you may have to complete background compliance training to earn your credential, and you might need ongoing education courses to maintain your license.

There is specialization in Physical therapy also, some of them are as follows:

→ Neurology

→ Cardiovascular and Pulmonary

→ Geriatrics 

→ Orthopedics 

→ Clinical Electrophysiology

→ Pediatrics 

→ Sports  

→ Women's health

→ Oncology

 

Conclusion:

There is a vast scope of earning in Physical Therapy, according to a report of year 2022 the annual salary is $97,710.so once you get into this field your quality of work will pay you throughout lifetime.

Just show your commitment to this field with pure heart and soul and you will be surprised with the amazing and remarkable result. I hope this article helps you to to get education and knowledge all about Physical Therapy.