Physical therapy has grown significantly since the 1500s due to events like wars and epidemics increasing demand for rehabilitation. Today, physical therapists play an important role in healthcare and their services will continue to be in high demand due to the aging population and rise of chronic conditions. Becoming a physical therapist requires earning a doctorate degree from an accredited program with prerequisites including anatomy, biology and chemistry. Programs discussed in the document include Georgia State University, MUSC and Emory University. The career offers a median salary of $82,390 annually according to statistics, and is expected to grow much faster than average with over 120,000 new job openings projected.

1. A Career in Physical Therapy
Natalie Kramer

2. History of Physical Therapy
 In Europe during the 1500s-1700s, the use of exercise to
treat muscle and bone disorders and disabilities started
to progress
 Over time, widespread events such as polio and WWI
occurred, increasing the demand for rehabilitation
 The use of Physical Therapy continued to gradually grow
larger through the years as the technology and science
grew
 Today, PTs play an important role in the healthcare
system

3. Physical Therapy
 Demand for physical therapy services will come from the
aging baby boomers
 Older people are more likely to experience heart attacks,
strokes, and mobility-related injuries that require physical
therapy for rehabilitation
 More PTs are needed to help people manage the effects of
rising chronic conditions
 Advances in medical technology increase surgery and
permit a greater percentage of newborns with birth
defects to survive, creating additional demand for
rehabilitative care.
 A doctorate is required to be licensed in this profession.

4. Georgia State University - DPT
 Top choice for doctorate
 In-state tuition: $5,348 per
semester
 Out of state tuition: $15,716
per semester
 Priority deadline: October 1st
 Hard application deadline:
November 2nd
 Volunteer hours: 80 required
hours
 Prerequisites:
 Human Anatomy and
Physiology
 Physics
 Chemistry
 Biology
 Psychology
 Statistics
 GRE: Minimum 150 Verbal;
140 Quantitative; 4.0
Analytical Writing

5. MUSC - DPT
 Application available: July 1
 Application deadlines: July 15
 In-state tuition per semester:
$8,061
 Volunteer experience:
Minimum of 40 hours
 GRE: 60th percentile
 3.6 GPA average
 1-2 page resume
 Prerequisites:
 Chemistry with labs
 Physics with labs
 Biology
 Human Anatomy with lab
 Human Physiology
 General Psychology
 Abnormal Psychology
 Statistics
 1 reference required

6. Emory University - DPT
 Application deadline:
November 2nd
 Interviews in January 2016
 Tuition: $62,565 (12
months)
 Volunteer hours: minimum
of 30 hours of experience
 Three essays
 Prerequisites:
 Anatomy and Physiology with
lab
 Statistics
 Physics with labs
 Biology
 GRE: Minimum of 297 points
 3.0 minimum on writing
 3 letters of recommendation

7. Statistics
 O*Net Profile states that:
 Median wages: $39.61 hourly, $82,390 annual
 Employment: 204,000 employees
 Projected growth: Much faster than average (22%
of higher)
 Total projected job openings: 123,700
 New job opportunities are very likely in the
future

8. Statistics
 Occupational Outlook Handbook:
 2012 Median Pay: $79,860 per year; $38.39 per hour
 The lowest 10 percent earned less than $55,620, and
the top 10 percent earned more than $112,020
 Entry-Level Education: Doctoral or professional degree
 Number of jobs in 2012: 204,200
 Job Outlook, 2012-22: 36% (Much faster than average)
 Employment Change, 2012-22: 73,500

9. Statistics
 Projected annual job openings due to growth and net
replacement
For South Carolina:

10. Statistics
 Projected annual job openings due to growth and net
replacement
For Georgia:

11. Personality Profile
 I am most interested in a career in Physical Therapy
 The O*Net interest profiler scored my personality as
“Social”
 I have completed two internships in neurological Pediatric
Physical Therapy and highly enjoy it
 These internships solidified my desire to become a physical
therapist
 I like communicating, working, helping, and taking care of
others
 I am a very hands on person and I want to help people
have the greatest quality of life possible

12. Relevant Academics
 Human Anatomy and Physiology:
 11 body systems; Understanding of processes of the body
 Lab dissections provide extensive knowledge of muscle and
bone
 Epidemiology:
 The origin, distribution, and control of disease
 Better understanding of the sick and diseased
 Human Health and Disease:
 Study of good health practices emphasizing lifestyles and
measures of health
 Can provide knowledge on healthy techniques

13. Skills
 During my time working for two separate PT firms, I
renewed my commitment to the profession.
 These internships gave me the opportunity to learn
techniques and master skills that will ultimately further
my career.
 I learned medical terminology, repositioning techniques,
physical training regimens, and effective engagement of
patients.
 I have both the determination and the commitment to
persevere and to earn a doctorate in physical Therapy.