Physical therapist career
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Physical therapist career
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- 1. MMoovvee TToowwaarrdd aa PPhhyyssiiccaall TThheerraappiisstt CCaarreeeerr OVERVIEW FOR PRE-PT STUDENTS
- 2. OOVVEERRVVIIEEWW âȘ PT Careers âȘ PT Education âȘ PT Admissions Process âȘ Is a PT Career Right for You? âȘ Resources
- 3. PPHHYYSSIICCAA LL TTHHEERRAAPPII SSTT CCAARREEEERRSS
- 4. PHYSICAL TTHHEERRAAPPIISSTTSS AARREE MMOOVVEEMMEENNTT EEXXPPEERRTTSS Physical therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages with medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.
- 5. RROOLLEE OOFF PPHHYYSSIICCAALL TTHHEERRAAPPIISSTTSS IINN HHEEAALLTTHH CCAARREE âȘ Diagnose and manage movement dysfunction and enhance physical and functional abilities. âȘ Restore, maintain, and promote optimal âȘ physical function, âȘ wellness and fitness, and âȘ quality of life as it relates to movement and health. âȘ Prevent the onset, symptoms, and progression of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities that may result from diseases, disorders, conditions, or injuries.
- 6. WWHHEERREE DDOO PPHHYYSSIICCAALL TTHHEERRAAPPIISSTTSS WWOORRKK?? âȘ Acute Care âȘ Extended Care Facility (eg, Nursing Home) âȘ Home Health âȘ Hospice âȘ Industrial and Workplace Environments âȘ Local, State, and Federal Governments âȘ Outpatient Clinic âȘ Rehabilitation Hospital âȘ Research Center âȘ School âȘ Wellness, Prevention, Sports, and Fitness Centers
- 7. EEXXAAMMPPLLEESS OOFF CCOONNDDIITTIIOONNSS TTRREEAATTEEDD BBYY PPHHYYSSIICCAALL TTHHEERRAAPPIISSTTSS âȘ Arthritis âȘ Back Pain âȘ Balance âȘ Burns âȘ Carpal Tunnel Syndrome âȘ Developmental Delays âȘ Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease âȘ Dislocations âȘ Fractures âȘ Hand Injuries âȘ Headaches âȘ Incontinence âȘ Lymphedema âȘ Osteoporosis âȘ Pelvic Pain âȘ Sports Injuries âȘ Stroke âȘ Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- 8. CCOORREE VVAALLUUEESS OOFF PPHHYYSSIICCAALL TTHHEERRAAPPIISSTTSS Critical Elements of Professionalism for Physical Therapists
- 9. HHIIGGHH JJOOBB SSAATTIISSFFAACCTTIIOONN âȘ CNNMoney.com gave physical therapists a grade of âAâ for âPersonal Satisfactionâ as a quality of life indicator in 2012. âȘ Forbes ranked physical therapists as one of " The Ten Happiest Jobs," in 2011. âȘ Physical therapists have one of the highest job-satisfaction levels. âȘ 78% "very satisfied" with their chosen career. âȘ 2007 National Opinion Research Center report.
- 10. JJOOBB OOUUTTLLOOOOKK PT Employment Expected to Grow by 3399%% through 2020 âȘ US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013 âȘ 198,600 - Current Employment âȘ 276,000 - Projected Employment by 2020 Best Jobs in America âȘ U.S. News & World Report: 2013, 2012 and 2009 Fastest Growing Jobs âȘ CNNMoney.com: 2012, 2010 Highest Growth Expected in Rural Areas and Geriatrics
- 11. BBEENNEEFFIITTSS OOFF AA PPHHYYSSIICCAALL TTHHEERRAAPPIISSTT CCAARREEEERR âȘMake a Difference âȘ Be a Movement Expert âȘ Enjoy Job Security âȘ Love Your Job âȘ Choose Your Location âȘ Be an Entrepreneur
- 12. PPHHYYSSIICCAA LL TTHHEERRAAPPII SSTT EEDDUUCCAATTII OONN
- 13. PPHHYYSSIICCAALL TTHHEERRAAPPIISSTT DDEEGGRREEEE Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree To practice as a physical therapist in the US, you must âȘEarn a DPT degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and âȘPass a state licensure exam.
- 14. PPTT EEDDUUCCAATTIIOONN âȘ Length of Program Typically 3 years following 3-4 years of undergraduate study or degree âȘ Time in Classroom and Lab Approximately 80% of program âȘ Time in Clinical Education Approximately 20% of program âȘ Final Clinical Experience 27.5 Weeks on average
- 15. PPRRIIMMAARRYY CCOONNTTEENNTT AARREEAASS IINN PPTT CCUURRRRIICCUULLUUMM âȘ biology/anatomy âȘ cellular histology âȘ physiology âȘ exercise physiology âȘ biomechanics âȘ kinesiology âȘ neuroscience âȘ pharmacology âȘ pathology âȘ behavioral sciences âȘ communication âȘ ethics/values âȘ management sciences âȘ finance âȘ sociology âȘ clinical reasoning âȘ evidence-based practice âȘ cardiovascular and pulmonary âȘ endocrine and metabolic âȘ musculoskeletal
- 16. RREESSIIDDEENNCCIIEESS AANNDD FFEELLLLOOWWSSHHIIPPSS Licensed physical therapists may choose to pursue a residency or fellowship program to enhance their knowledge and practice. âȘ Clinical Residency âȘ A planned program of postprofessional clinical and didactic education for PTs that is designed to significantly advance the PT resident's preparation as a provider of patient care services in a defined area of clinical practice. âȘ Clinical Fellowship âȘ A planned program of postprofessional clinical and didactic education for physical therapists who demonstrate clinical expertise in an area of clinical practice related to the practice focus of the fellowship. Fellows are frequently post-residency prepared or board-certified specialists.
- 17. SSPPEECCIIAALLTTYY CCEERRTTIIFFIICCAATTIIOONN Physical therapists can specialize in the following areas! âȘ Cardiovascular and Pulmonary âȘ Clinical Electrophysiology âȘ Geriatrics âȘ Neurology âȘ Orthopaedics âȘ Pediatrics âȘ Sports Physical Therapy âȘ Women's Health Physical therapists specialize to develop a greater depth of knowledge and skills related to a particular area of practice. Specialty certification is voluntary. Physical therapists are not required to be certified in order to practice in a specific area.
- 19. WWAAYYSS YYOOUU CCAANN PPRREEPPAARREE âȘ Research DPT programs and requirements 2 years before applying. âȘ Seek help from your college pre-PT or health professions advisor. âȘ Complete course prerequisites. âȘ Gain and track PT observation experiences 1-3 years in advance. âȘ Take the GRE at least 6+ weeks before the deadline, if required. âȘ Request references from the appropriate individuals, if required. âȘ Apply EARLY. Some use rolling admissions or fill class before deadline.
- 20. WWHHAATT IISS PPTTCCAASS?? ïš It is the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service. ïš PTCAS allows applicants to use one application and set of materials to apply to multiple DPT programs. ïš PTCAS is a service of APTA and managed by Liaison International. ïš 80% of DPT programs participate in PTCAS. PTCAS Website: http://www.ptcas.org PTCAS Checklist and Overview Slides: http://www.ptcas.org/Checklist/
- 21. MMOOSSTT CCOOMMMMOONN CCOOLLLLEEGGEE CCOOUURRSSEE PPRREERREEQQUUIISSIITTEESS âȘ Anatomy and Physiology I or Anatomy âȘ Anatomy and Physiology II or Physiology âȘ Biology I and II âȘ Advanced Biology âȘ Chemistry I and II âȘ Physics I and II âȘ Psychology âȘ Advanced Psychology âȘ Statistics âȘ English Composition Course prerequisites for admission vary significantly across DPT programs For more information, go to www.ptcas.org/ProgramPrereqs/
- 22. MMOOSSTT CCOOMMMMOONN CCOOLLLLEEGGEE MMAAJJOORRSS FFOORR PPTT SSTTUUDDEENNTTSS You are not required to select a particular major in order to be eligible for admission to a PT education program. Source: 2012-13 PTCAS Applicant Data Report
- 23. GGRRAADDEE PPOOIINNTT AAVVEERRAAGGEE ((GGPPAA)) âȘMinimum GPA âȘ DPT programs often have minimum GPA requirements. âȘ Applicants who only meet the minimum GPA may not be competitive. âȘ Average GPA for Accepted PTCAS Applicants in 2013 âȘ Average GPAs of accepted applicants are often much higher. âȘ Overall Undergraduate GPA = 3.54 âȘ Combined Science and Math GPA = 3.40 âȘ Core PT Prerequisite GPA = 3.50 âȘ See also the PTCAS Applicant Data Report âȘ http://www.ptcas.org/About/ Source: 2012-13 PTCAS Applicant Data Report
- 24. PPTT OOBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEE âȘ PT observation requirements vary by program. âȘ Most require 50+ hours (range from 0 to 200). âȘ More than one setting may be required. âȘ Determine if hours must be verified by a licensed physical therapist. âȘ Keep track of hours and contact information for the physical therapist. âȘ Begin search for PT experiences 1 to 3 years before you apply. âȘ Explore opportunities at clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and other settings. âȘ APTA cannot assist you in your search efforts. âȘ See also www.ptcas.org/PTHours/
- 25. GGRRAADDUUAATTEE RREECCOORRDD EEXXAAMMIINNAATTIIOONN Âź âȘ Most PT programs require applicants to take the GRE Âź. âȘ Programs may set minimum scores and last acceptable test dates. âȘ Use the correct GRE Âź code for EEVVEERRYY PT program you select. âȘ PTCAS GRE code for DPT program may differ from university code. âȘ See also http://www.ptcas.org/Tests/.
- 26. RREEFFEERREENNCCEESS âȘ Also known as letters of recommendation and evaluations. âȘ Reference requirements vary by institution. âȘ Most programs require 2-3 references. âȘ References are often required from a âȘ Physical therapist âȘ Professor in major or a science professor âȘ See also http://www.ptcas.org/References/
- 27. OOTTHHEERR FFAACCTTOORRSS IINN TTHHEE AADDMMIISSSSIIOONNSS PPRROOCCEESSSS âȘ Interviews âȘ State residency âȘ Extracurricular activities âȘWork experience âȘDiversity
- 28. TTEECCHHNNIICCAALL SSTTAANNDDAARRDDSS AANNDD EESSSSEENNTTIIAALL FFUUNNCCTTIIOONNSS A DPT program may have technical standards or an essential skills document that describes the physical, behavioral, and/or cognitive abilities needed to complete the physical therapist curriculum at that particular institution and to competently perform as a physical therapist upon graduation. Policies vary. Visit the each programâs website for details.
- 29. CCRRIIMMIINNAALL BBAACCKKGGRROOUUNNDD CCHHEECCKKSS âȘ Be prepared to disclose any felonies or misdemeanors to DPT programs. âȘ PTCAS application requires applicants to disclose felony convictions. âȘ Programs may require criminal background checks or drug tests to⊠âȘ verify your suitability to participate in experiential education rotations, âȘ confirm your eligibility for licensure, and âȘ ensure patient safety. âȘ Failure to disclose criminal history may result in dismissal from program. âȘ Contact programs directly for specific policies. âȘ Additional resources âȘ APTA Criminal Background Check Report & www.ptcas.org/BackgroundCheck/
- 30. PPIITTFFAALLLLSS TTOO AAVVOOIIDD âȘ Errors of any kind on your application âȘ Typos or grammatical mistakes in your application âȘ Late applications or materials âȘ Unprofessional behavior in pre-PT observation experiences âȘ Unprofessional dress or behavior during interview âȘ Applying without researching programâs admission requirements âȘ Applying without most course prerequisites completed âȘ Failing to check email regularly during admissions process
- 31. RREEFFLLEECCTTIIOO NNSS AANNDD RREESSOOUURRCCEE SS
- 32. IS A PPHHYYSSIICCAALL TTHHEERRAAPPIISSTT CCAARREEEERR RRIIGGHHTT FFOORR YYOOUU?? âȘ Are you interested in how the human body works and moves? âȘ Do you want to interact directly with patients? âȘ Are you interested in a hands-on career? âȘ Are you an effective communicator? âȘ Do you have good interpersonal skills? âȘ Can you motivate people? âȘ Do you excel in science?
- 33. WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A PHYSICAL THERAPIST âȘ With each positive outcome we achieve, we share aâŠ.love for the profession of physical therapy and the patients and clients PTs serve.â Will Humphreys, PT owns Affinity Physical Therapy in Arizona âȘ âI've never second-guessed my career path. Every time I see an 8 year old playing freely and happily in the parkâknowing that particular boy couldn't hold his head up when I started treating him at age 6 months âmy reason for becoming a PT is affirmed. We are therapists. We are teachers. We are advocates. We are researchers. We are professionals.â Hadiya Guerrero, PT, DPT, CKTP, operates Pediatric Physical Therapy of Harlem in New York City
- 34. WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A PHYSICAL THERAPIST âȘ âThe healing potential of human touch has been celebrated since antiquity. But the sensitivity of a PT's hands lends that touch great power. It's a humbling and deeply gratifying aspect of why I love what I do.â Carrie A. Ciaverelli, PT, MPT, CYT Senior PT at Lakeway Aquatic Therapy & Wellness Center in Austin, Texas âȘ âI am becoming a PT for my love, fascination, and curiosity of the human body and wanting to make a positive difference in the lives of many people.â Chukwuemeka Nwigwe Student PT (SPT) at UMDNJ-SHRP and Graduate School at Rutgers Camden
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- 39. AADDDDIITTIIOONNAALL RREESSOOUURRCCEESS âȘ American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) âȘ www.apta.org âȘ www.moveforwardpt.com â Information for the Public âȘ www.apta.org/PTCareers/AskaStudent/ â Frequently Asked Questions âȘ Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) âȘ www.ptcas.org âȘ Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) âȘ www.capteonline.org âȘ Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) âȘ www.fsbpt.org âȘ Academic Council of the American Physical Therapy Association âȘ www.acaptaonline.org
- 40. APTA 1111 NORTH FAIRFAX STREET ALEXANDRIA, VA 22315 WWW.APTA.ORG ACADEMICSERVICES@APTA.ORG
Editor's Notes
- As essential participants in the health care delivery system, PTs assume leadership roles in rehabilitation prevention, health maintenance, and programs that promote health, wellness, and fitness Physical therapists also play important roles both in developing standards for physical therapist practice and in developing health care policy to ensure availability, accessibility, and optimal delivery of health care services. As clinicians, physical therapists engage in an examination process that includes: taking the patient/client history, conducting a systems review, and performing tests and measures to identify potential and existing problems. To establish diagnoses, prognoses, and plans of care, physical therapists perform evaluations, synthesizing the examination data and determining whether the problems to be addressed are within the scope of PT practice. Based on their judgments about diagnoses and prognoses and based on patient/client goals, physical therapists: provide interventions (the interactions and procedures used in managing and instructing patients/clients), conduct re-examinations, modify interventions as necessary to achieve goals and expected outcomes, and develop and implement discharge plans.
- Acute Care - In this setting, physical therapy is provided to individuals who are admitted to a hospital for short-term patient care for reasons such as illness, surgery, accident, or recovery from a trauma. The goal in this setting is to discharge the person as soon as he or she is medically stable and has a safe place to go. Rehab/Sub Acute Rehab Rehabilitation Hospital - In this setting, physical therapy is provided to individuals who are admitted to a facility or rehabilitation unit. The goal is this setting is to provide intense therapy to improve the person's ability to care for himself or herself (typically 3 hours or more per day). Sub-Acute Rehabilitation - In this setting, physical therapy is provided to individuals who are admitted to a special hospital that provides medical and/or rehabilitation care. The rehabilitation is less intense (typically less than 3 hours per day). Extended Care Facility /Nursing Home/Skilled Nursing Facility - In this setting, physical therapy is provided to individuals who are admitted to a facility that typically cares for elderly patients and provides long-term nursing care, rehabilitation, and other services. Outpatient Clinic (also known as a Private Practice) - In this common physical therapy setting, individuals visit a physical therapist in a clinic, office, or other health care facility primarily to address musculoskeletal (orthopedic) and neuromuscular injuries or impairments. School/Pre-school - In this setting, physical therapy is provided within an educational environment, including pre-school, elementary, or secondary education (high school and vocational) facilities. Wellness/Prevention/Sports/Fitness - In this setting, physical therapy is provided to individuals with a focus on wellness. This approach to health care emphasizes preventing illness and injury and promoting a healthy lifestyle, as opposed to emphasizing treatment of diseases. Settings may include but aren't limited to fitness centers and sports training facilities. Home Health - In this setting, physical therapy is provided in the patient's place of residence. While the majority of patients are senior citizens, there also are pediatric patients with developmental disabilities and other conditions, and individuals of all ages who need rehabilitation because of injury or other causes. Home care may actually be provided in the patient's residence, the caregiver's home, a hospital emergency room, skilled nursing facility, residential facility, group home, hospice, or elsewhere in the community. Hospice - In this setting, physical therapy is provided to patients in the last phases of incurable disease so that they may maintain functional abilities for as long as possible and manage pain. Industrial, Workplace, or Other Occupational Environments - In these settings, physical therapy is provided to individuals primarily to help them return to work or for the purpose of enhancing employee health, improving safety, and increasing productivity in the workplace. Local, State, and Federal Government - In these settings, physical therapy is provided to civilians and military personnel. PTs are employed by federal agencies, including the Veteran's Health Administration (VHA), Department of Defense, and Indian Health Service (IHS). Research Center - In this setting, physical therapists and other professionals conduct research to improve patient/client care outcomes and support the body of knowledge in the field physical therapy.
- ACCOUNTABILITY is active acceptance of the responsibility for the diverse roles, obligations, and actions of the physical therapist including self-regulation and other behaviors that positively influence patient/client outcomes, the profession and the health needs of society. ALTRUISM is the primary regard for or devotion to the interest of patients/clients, thus assuming the fiduciary responsibility of placing the needs of the patient/client ahead of the physical therapist's self interest. COMPASSION is the desire to identify with or sense something of another's experience; a precursor of caring. CARING is the concern, empathy, and consideration for the needs and values of others. EXCELLENCE is physical therapy practice that consistently uses current knowledge and theory while understanding personal limits, integrates judgment and the patient/client perspective, embraces advancement, challenges mediocrity, and works toward development of new knowledge. INTEGRITY is the steadfast adherence to high ethical principles or professional standards; truthfulness, fairness, doing what you say you will do, and "speaking forth" about why you do what you do. PROFESSIONAL DUTY is the commitment to meeting one's obligations to provide effective physical therapy services to individual patients/clients, to serve the profession, and to positively influence the health of society. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY is the promotion of a mutual trust between the profession and the larger public that necessitates responding to societal needs for health and wellness.
- Physical therapists are consistently reported in the media as being happy in their chosen profession. In 2012, CNNMoney.com not only selected physical therapy as one of the âBestâ jobs in America. It also gave PTs a grade of âAâ in its Personal Satisfactionâ as well as it âBenefit to Societyâ categories. Forbes ranked physical therapists as having one of "The Ten Happiest Jobs," according to an article published in 2011. Physical therapists also report one of the highest job-satisfaction levels in the country according to a National Opinion Research Center survey, chronicled in an April 17, 2007 article of the Chicago Tribune in which more than three-quarters of physical therapists polled reporting to be "very satisfied" with their occupations. PTs were second only to clergy, and were the only health care professionals in the top 5. CNNMoney.com http://money.cnn.com/pf/best-jobs/2012/snapshots/8.html Forbes http://www.forbes.com/sites/stevedenning/2011/09/12/the-ten-happiest-jobs/ National Opinion Research Center â Chicago Tribune http://www-news.uchicago.edu/releases/07/pdf/070417.jobs.pdf
- There is a high demand for physical therapists in the workforce. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of physical therapists is expected to grow by 39 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. According to APTA, with just a 0.2 percent unemployment rate, physical therapists are now experiencing the best employment conditions since enactment of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. The need for PTs is expected to increase into the foreseeable future as the U.S. population ages and the demand for physical therapy services grows. Citing two national job satisfaction surveys, U.S. News & World Report added physical therapists to its list of best jobs in 2009 and again in 2012. CNNMoney.com included physical therapists among its list of the top 10 "Fastest Growing Jobs" in November 2012 and ranked the profession 4th out of 100 "Best Jobs in America" in 2010. More than 198,000 physical therapists are in the U.S. today. According to the BLS, employment is expected to grow to 276,000 PTs by the year 2020. The median salary for a physical therapist is $80,000 depending on position, years of experience, degree of education, geographic location, and practice setting. (Source: APTA 2010 Median Income of Physical Therapists Summary Report.)
- Make a Difference. "Being a physical therapist is very rewarding. You will work with patients one-on-one, see them progress through treatment, and know that you are really making a difference in their lives," said APTA spokesperson Meredith Harris, PT, DPT, EdD. Whether the patient's problem is a result of injury or disease, the physical therapist is a rehabilitation specialist who fosters the patient's return to maximal function. Physical therapists also will work with individuals to prevent loss of mobility by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. Be a Movement Expert. Physical therapists are highly educated experts in the movement and function of the human body. The goal of a physical therapist is to promote the patient's ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapy is an essential element of patient care. Therapeutic exercise and functional training are the cornerstones of physical therapist treatment. Depending on the particular needs of a patient, physical therapists may "mobilize" a joint or massage a muscle to promote proper movement and function. Physical therapists may use other techniques such as electrotherapy, ultrasound (high-frequency waves that produce heat), hot packs, and ice in addition to other treatments when appropriate. Enjoy Job Security. For Americans looking for a rewarding career in a struggling job market and down economy, a career in physical therapy could be the perfect answer. The soaring demand for physical therapists can be attributed to the aging American population, particularly baby boomers who are more vulnerable to chronic and debilitating conditions that require physical therapist services. Love Your Job. Helping people to attain or regain the ability to walk and carry out daily life can lead to a great feeling of personal satisfaction. Physical therapists report one of the highest job-satisfaction levels in the country! Choose Your Location. Physical therapists work with patients of all ages all across the country. Choose from a wide range of locations and work settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, employer settings, and nursing homes. Be an Entrepreneur. Do you want to be your own boss? More than twenty-one percent (21.6%) of physical therapists are owners of, or partners in, a physical therapy practice.
- All PT education programs have transitioned to the DPT degree. The DPT degree prepares students to be eligible for the PT license examination in all 50 states. Programs will be required to award the DPT degree by 2015 and will have until 2017 to come into compliance with this decision. To practice as a physical therapist in the US, you must earn a PT degree from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapist education program and pass a state licensure exam.
- The length of professional DPT programs is typically 3 years. Eighty percent (80%) of the DPT curriculum comprises classroom (didactic) and lab study and the remaining 20 percent (20%)Â is dedicated to clinical education. PT students spend on average 27.5 weeks in their final clinical experience. Bachelor's Degree Required? Most physical therapist education programs require applicants to earn a bachelor's degree prior to admission into the professional degree program. Other PT education programs offer a 3+3 curricular format in which 3 years of specific pre-professional (undergraduate/pre-PT) courses must be taken before the student can advance into a 3-year professional PT program. Freshmen Entry - A few programs recruit all or a portion of students directly from high school into a guaranteed admissions program. High school students accepted into these programs are can automatically advance into the professional phase of the PT program pending the completion of specific undergraduate courses and any other stated contingencies (eg, minimum GPA). Bachelor's degree requirements (key code A4) and freshmen entry (key code A2) programs are identified on the Accredited PT & PTA Programs Directory at http://www.apta.org/apta/directories/accreditedschools.aspx?navID=10737423273
- Primary content areas in the curriculum may include, but are not limited to, biology/anatomy, cellular histology, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, pathology, behavioral sciences, communication, ethics/values, management sciences, finance, sociology, clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, cardiovascular and pulmonary, endocrine and metabolic, and musculoskeletal.
- Specialty CertificationPhysical therapists have the opportunity to become board-certified clinical specialists through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialities (ABPTS). Specialization is the process by which a physical therapist builds on a broad base of professional education and practice to develop a greater depth of knowledge and skills related to a particular area of practice. Specialty certification is voluntary. PTs are not required to be certified in order to practice in a specific area. Physical therapists can become board-certified specialists in the following areas: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Electrophysiology Geriatrics Neurology Orthopaedics Pediatrics Sports Physical Therapy Women's Health
- Research PT programs to determine the ones that may best meet your educational needs. Determine if you are first required to have a bachelor's degree by filtering the CAPTE directory (use key code A4). Talk to your pre-PT or health professions advisor on campus! They can help you every step of the way and improve your chances for admission! Complete course prerequisites for your designated programs. Obtain physical therapy experience and have your hours verified by a PT, if required by your designated programs. Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) at least 6 weeks before the application deadline. Earlier is better. (Freshmen-entry students may be required to submit SAT or ACT scores). Request references from appropriate individuals, if required by your designated programs. Arrange for official transcripts from every college/university attended to be sent to PTCAS or the institution, as required by the programs. Submit the completed application EARLY and before the program's deadline date. Some programs use a rolling admissions process. PTCAS applicants should also review the PTCAS checklist. MORE INFO ABOUT ADMISSIONS TO COME ON THE NEXT FEW SLIDES
- The course prerequisites for admission vary significantly across PT education programs. Visit the institutional website or the PTCAS directory to determine what courses are required by each institution. PT programs may require preprofessional (pre-PT/undergraduate) science courses to be completed in a 4-year university/college within the 7-10 years prior to enrollment. Be prepared to identify what classes you have taken (or will take) to fulfill the program's course requirements. The most commonly required course prerequisites are below: Anatomy and Physiology I / Anatomy * Anatomy and Physiology II / Physiology * Biology I and II Advanced Biology (eg, cell, embryology, genetics, histology, immunology, microbiology, molecular) Chemistry I and II Physics I and II Psychology Advanced Psychology (eg, abnormal, developmental, rehabilitation, sports) Statistics English Composition * Some PT programs only accept anatomy and/or physiology courses completed in a biology, neuroscience, anatomy, or integrated physiology department. PT programs may not accept a combined anatomy and physiology (A&P) course or those completed in other departments, such as kinesiology. Visit the PTCAS directory to determine what type of anatomy and physiology courses are required for admission.
- College Major You are not required to select a particular major in order to be eligible for admission to a PT education program. The most common undergraduate majors among PT students include exercise science, biology, kinesiology, and psychology. In selecting a college major, consider how you will you satisfactorily complete the prerequisite courses for your designated physical therapist programs in addition to the college/university's degree and major requirements. Work with your academic and/or pre-PT advisor to plan your course schedule. For additional information about college majors for the most recent applicant pool, review the PTCAS Applicant Data Report.
- Minimum GPA - Most PT programs have minimum grade point average (GPA) requirements. These minimum scores vary by institution and may be low as compared with the average GPA of applicants offered admission. The average overall undergraduate GPA for accepted PTCAS applicants in 2011-12 was 3.52. See also the 2011-12 PTCAS Applicant Data Report http://www.ptcas.org/uploadedFiles/PTCASorg/About_PTCAS/2011_12_PTCASApplicantDataRpt.pdf
- Physical Therapy Volunteer Experience - Many programs require applicants to have a certain number of volunteer or paid PT experiences working with patients under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The program may specify the settings and types of experiences required. Applicants may also be required to have a licensed physical therapist verify the hours. This experience may be an important factor in the admissions process. Respectfully contact physical therapy clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities (eg, nursing homes), and other healthcare settings in your area to find observation opportunities. APTA cannot assist you in these efforts.
- USE GREÂź CODES FOR PT PROGRAMS: You MUST send your official GREÂź scores to the correct code for EVERY PT program you will apply to . If you don't send your scores to the right code, the program cannot receive your scores and will consider your file incomplete There is no GRE code for PTCAS. Instead, you must arrange for the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to send your official GRE scores to the correct college code for each designated PT program. The GRE college code for a PT program often differs from the main university code. Failure to send official GRE scores correctly may jeopardize your chances of admission to a PT program. Visit the PTCAS Directory for a list of GRE codes.Â
- References - Many physical therapist programs require 1-4 letters of reference (also known as "letters of evaluation" or "recommendations") as part of the admissions process. You may need to submit references from a particular individual, such as a physical therapist, science professor, or academic advisor. If references are required, select individuals who meet the program's requirements; know you well; and can speak to your maturity, dependability, dedication, compassion, communication skills, leadership, and any hands-on experience in the field.
- Interviews â PT education programs may require competitive applicants to visit the campus for an interview. The interview format varies by institution. Applicants may be required to speak with a single faculty member, a student, a physical therapist, or a panel of interviewers; or participate in an orientation program. If invited, dress in professional business attire. Applicants should be prepared to discuss why they have chosen to pursue a career in physical therapy and how they perceive the role of physical therapists in health care. During the interview, applicants may be rated on their oral communication skills, professional behaviors and attitudes, ability to interact in a group, knowledge of the profession, ability to solve problems, and motivation to pursue a career in physical therapy. The applicants' written communication skills may also be measured with an on-site essay. State Residency Requirements - Some PT education programs give preference to in-state (resident) students. Out-of-state (non-resident) and foreign applicants may vie for a limited number of positions or may be ineligible for admission, depending on institutional and state policies. Private institutions may offer out-of-state and foreign applicants a greater number of positions. Extracurricular Activities â PT education programs may consider extracurricular activities in the admissions process, particularly those with a leadership, community service, or healthcare component. Keep track of your activities and honors Work Experience â PT education programs may take into consideration your work experience and family obligations in the admissions process. This information may be particularly important for individuals who balance work and home responsibilities in addition to an academic course load. Diversity â PT education programs generally seek to have diverse student populations. Factors may include race, ethnicity, economic status, gender, age, geographic location, academic background, sexual orientation, or other.
- Criminal Background Checks â PT education programs may ask applicants to disclose any previous felony or misdemeanor convictions as part of the application process. A criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from enrolling in a PT program; however, failure to disclose any past or pending charges may be grounds for dismissal. PT programs may require criminal background checks and/or drug tests in order to verify an individual's suitability to participate in experiential education rotations, to confirm a student's eligibility for licensure, and to ensure patient safety. Contact your designated PT programs directly for specific policies.