Category Archives: Schools for Physical Therapy

Schools for Physical Therapy

The demand for physical therapists is constantly growing. Today, more and more people are aiming to become a physical therapist not just because it is in-demand, but also because it is their passion. There is a growing number of schools for physical therapy nowadays. To those who are aspiring to become a physical therapist, you won’t have any problems finding a school because there are a lot to choose from. However, the real challenge is finding the best among these numerous schools for physical therapy.

schools for physical therapy

Since there are a lot of schools for physical therapy, the first thing that you should look for is its accreditation. When you are looking for schools, you better go through a list of all the accredited institutions from the American Physical Therapy Association. This is an important factor because schools with accreditation are those that have passed the standards for top quality instruction. This simply means that if you enroll in one, you will get training and coursework that’s updated and highly relevant for practical application. Most importantly, good training will increase the likelihood of you passing the licensure exam.

The next thing that you should do to find the best school for physical therapy is to go for one that has a high licensure passing rate. You should know that no physical therapy graduate is allowed to practice without passing the National Physical Therapy examination. So, you would want to study in a school that will help you pass that licensure test. For you to find a school that offers the best training, you can take a look at the list of state exam passers and find out from which school they come from. The best schools for physical therapy will belong to the top 10 or 20 list. The higher the licensure passing rate, the better quality of physical therapy school.

Third, you must choose a school for physical therapy with great clinical education opportunities. It is very important that you know that the school that you wish to enroll in has work partnerships with certain medical institutions or hospitals. In order to know this, you can check out their website and check what their affiliations are as well as the internship programs they offer their students.

Doing all these three things can ensure you that you will be able to find the best school among the numerous list of schools for physical therapy out there. One must always be mindful when it comes to education because this will be the foundation of what you will be becoming in the future and this can also help answer all your dreams and help achieve all your goals.

The World Wide Web holds a lot of schools for physical therapy that you can check. Doing a bit of research before you enroll or filter down your options is very important. Look for the programs available in each school and make a comparison of the school’s coursework, entrance requirements and school fees. Confirm also the school’s APTA accreditations and their licensure passing rate. Invest on your education, you won’t regret it.

Remember, physical therapists are very important to the modern health care system. So, if you aspire to be one, make sure that you be the best one because this will be fulfilling on your part at the same time, you get to help a lot of people. So, look through the schools for physical therapy before you choose one. Research is very important and don’t forget to keep in mind the three things that you should look for in a physical therapy school.

Physical Therapy Schools in North Carolina

If you’re looking for physical therapy schools in North Carolina, then you should consider yourself lucky because in North Carolina, physical therapy schools are concentrated on training students to help reach their goals, in this case, to become a physical therapist or to obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree.

Physical therapy schools in North Carolina require students to do volunteer work at some physical therapy centers or hospitals. This will will prove that you have a clear view about the work environment that you will be facing once you graduated. Also, it is much better if you spend time at these places:

  • Private practices
  • Sports medicine clinics
  • Home health agencies
  • Pediatric facilities
  • Skilled nursing centers
  • Physical therapy schools

It is very important that you acquire a lot of experiences as much as possible working under physical therapists because you will be more valuable and employers will pay more attention to you, giving you bigger chances on being hired.

Here are some of the best physical therapy schools in North Carolina:

Duke University Physical Therapy School

Their physical therapy program is one of the oldest in the US. Their current physical therapy school curriculum includes:

  • Combination of a 3-year full-time class
  • Clinical experience

Their two-fold approach is designed to give students a comprehensive preparation to practice physical therapy. The University is among the top Physical therapy schools in North Carolina and the US.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

In this University, it is required that students possess an undergraduate degree in another field of medicine before applying to any of the physical therapy schools in North Carolina.

Those are some of the best physical therapy schools in North Carolina. There are more schools that you can find in the state but these two are among the top physical therapy schools in North Carolina.

Before you enroll to any physical therapy school in North Carolina, do your research first. This way, you will be able to get to know more about the school and at the same time, be familiar with your school choices. By doing this, you will be able to find the best school that will suit you perfectly.

Physical Therapy Schools in PA

physical therapy schools in PA

If you’re living in Pennsylvania and you want to become a physical therapist, then this won’t be a problem because there are a lot of physical therapy schools in PA that you can choose from. You can be assured that these schools will provide you with high quality education that can help you in your chosen career path.

Here is a list of physical therapy schools in PA:

Arcadia University

  • 450 South Easton Road Glenside, PA 19038-3215
  • (215) 572-2900
  • [email protected]
  • DPT/tDPT

Chatham University

  • 114 Dilworth Hall Woodland Road Pittsburgh, PA 15232-2826
  • (412) 365-1409
  • admissions@chatham.edu/[email protected]
  • DPT/tDPT

Drexel University

  • 502 245 North 15th Street Philadelphia, PA 19102-2119
  • (215) 762-8852
  • [email protected]
  • DPT/ PP-DPT

Duquesne University

  • Department of Physical Therapy Duquesne University John G. Rangor Sr. School of Health Sciences Pittsburgh, PA 15282-0001
  • (412) 396-5541
  • [email protected]
  • DPT

Gannon University

Lebanon Valley College

Misericordia University

  • 301 Lake Street Dallas, PA 18612-1008
  • (570) 674-6465
  • admiss@ misericordia.edu
  • DPT/tDPT

Neumann University

Saint Francis University

  • Department of Physical Therapy Saint Francis University P.O Box 600 Loretto, PA 15940-0600
  • (814) 472-3123
  • [email protected]
  • DPT

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

  • School of Physical Therapy Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania PT Building Slippery Rock, PA 16057
  • (724) 738-2080
  • [email protected]
  • DPT

Temple University

  • 3307 North Broad Street Jones Hall – 6th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19140
  • (215) 707-4815
  • [email protected]
  • DPT

This is the list of physical therapy schools in PA that can help you find the best PT school. It is important that you find the best school to guarantee a good future.

Physical Therapy Schools in Florida

Physical therapy schools in Florida

Aspiring physical therapists in Florida need not worry when it comes to finding a good school. This is because there are a lot of physical therapy schools in Florida that they can choose from. Since there are a lot of schools, they have the chance to find the best one because they are presented with a lot of options. However, the number one rule in picking a school for physical therapy is to find one that is accredited. So, here’s a list of physical therapy schools in Florida that are accredited:

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

  • 334 Palmer Ave, Lewis-Beck Building Suite 306 Tallahassee, Florida 32307
  • (850) 599-3818
  • arnold.bell@famu.edu/[email protected]
  • DPT

Florida Gulf Coast University

  • 10501 FGCU Blvd, S., Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565
  • (239) 590-7530
  • DPT

Florida International University

  • 11200 SW 8th Street HLS 348, Miami, FL 33199
  • (305) 348-6640 / (305) 358-3647
  • [email protected]
  • DPT

Nova Southeastern University

  • 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Florida 33314-7796
  • (800) 541-6682, ext. 21101
  • [email protected]
  • DPT, tDPT, HE-DPT, Ph.D., PT

University of Central Florida

University of Florida

University of Miami

  • 5915 Ponce de Leon Blvd., 5th Floor, Coral Gables, FL 33146-2435
  • (305) 284-453
  • [email protected]
  • DPT, PhD PT

University of North Florida

University of South Florida

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

  • 1 University Boulevard, St. Augustine, FL 32086-5783
  • (904) 826-0084
  • [email protected]
  • DPT

Hopefully, this list of physical therapy schools in Florida will help you find the best school for you. These schools are accredited which is a great thing.

Physical Therapy Schools in Georgia

Physical therapy schools in Georgia

Do you want to be a physical therapist and you currently reside in Georgia? No worries! There are physical therapy schools in Georgia that can give you the highest quality of education you need to excel in your chosen career path. The long list of schools might overwhelm you but there is a list below to help you filter your search and make things much easier for you.

Accredited physical therapy schools in Georgia:

Armstrong Atlantic State University

Emory University

Georgia State University

Medical College of Georgia

  • 987 St. Sebastian Way, EC-1304, Augusta, Georgia 30912-0800
  • (706) 721-2141
  • [email protected]
  • DPT

North Georgia College and State University

  • 469 Health and Sciences Building, Dahlonega GA 30597
  • (706) 864-1422
  • [email protected]
  • DPT

These are some of the best and accredited physical therapy schools in Georgia. Georgia, the Empire State of the South has the best physical therapy schools. Two of the largest schools in this South Eastern State that offer physical therapy programs are the Georgia State University and Armstrong Atlantic State University.

The state of Gerogia is considered to be one of the fastest growing states in the US. Experts have predicted that the computer and healthcare sector will be the most high-paying in the future. People holding degrees in physical therapy are expected to benefit the most. This has become an inspiration to a lot of students in Georgia and this change has urged more and more students to aspire to become a physical therapist in their state. This gives them the security and guarantee that they will be able to get a nice job that has a high-paying salary in the near future.

Physical Therapy Schools in California

California is a big state and if you are looking for schools for physical therapy in California, then you might be overwhelmed with the long list of schools for physical therapy that you can choose from. To help you with your search, here are some schools for physical therapy in California that can serve as guide and to help filter down your search:

physical therapy schools in California

Azure Pacific University

  • 701 E. Foothill Blvd., Azusa, CA 91702
  • (626) 815-5020

California State University, Fresno

  • 2345 E. San Ramon, M/S MH29 Fresno, CA 93749-8031
  • (559) 278-2625
  • csufresnopt@yahoo.com/[email protected]
  • They offer DPT and MPT

Chapman University

Loma Linda University

  • 24951 North Circle Drive, Loma Linda, CA 92350-0001
  • 1 (800) 422-4558-1-4 / (909) 558-1500
  • [email protected]
  • DPT

Mount St. Mary’s College

Samuel Merritt University

University of California, San Francisco/ San Francisco State University

  • BOX 0736, San Francisco, CA 94143-0736
  • (415) 476-3147
  • Entry Level Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Doctorate in Physical Theraoy (Post Professional DPT), Doctorate in Physical Therapy Science (DPTSc)

These are some of the best physical therapy schools in California. This list will help you get in touch with potential schools that you wish to go to. You can just give them a call, e-mail them or visit the campus personally so you get to feel the surroundings and you can picture yourself studying there. It is always better to visit schools personally because this way, you will be able to see the campus personally and you get to see the students and facilities which is very important.

It is also important that you have your physical therapist education requirements ready. As much as possible, it will be great if you can bring them with you when you are about to inquire. Most of these schools have similar requirements.

Now, we all know how huge California is but don’t worry, you will be able to pick one among the long list of physical therapy schools in California. The list above will be your perfect starting point!

Physical Therapy Schools in Texas

physical therapy schools in Texas

If you are living in Texas and you’re looking for physical therapy schools in Texas, then you don’t have to worry because there is a long list of schools for physical therapy that you can find in the state. First of all, you should know that in the state of Texas, physical therapists must obtain Licenses from the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners. For you to be able to get your license, you have to complete a bachelor’s level accredited program and have at least 60 hours of credits in general education from an accredited institution.

Here is a list of physical therapy schools in Texas:

Angelo State University

  • 2601 West Avenue N ASU Station #10923 San Angelo, Texas 76909
  • [email protected]
  • Dr. Scott M. Hasson, PT, EdD, Director
  • (325) 942-2545

Hardin-Simmons University

  • Department of Physical Therapy Box 16065 Abilene, TX 79698-6065
  • [email protected]
  • Janelle O’ Connell, PT, PhD, Program Director
  • (325) 670-5860

Texas State University – San Marcos

  • Department of Physical Therapy College of Health Professions
  • 601 University Drive San Marcos, TX 78666
  • [email protected]
  • Barbara Sanders, PhD, PT, SCS, Director
  • (512) 245-8351

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

  • Department Rehabilitation Sciences School of Allied Health Sciences
  • 3601 4th Street Lubbock, TX 79430
  • [email protected]
  • Kerry K. Gilber, PT, ScD
  • 806-743-4525

Texas Woman’s University at Dallas Presbyterian Campus

  • School of Physical Therapy
  • 8194 Walnut Hill Lane Dallas, TX 75231-4365
  • [email protected]
  • Dr. Venita Lovelace-Chandler, PT, PhD, PCS
  • (214) 706-2300

University of North Texas Health Science Center (Developing Program)

  • School of Health Professions Admissions
  • 1000 Montgomery, Room 554 Fort Worth, TX 76107
  • [email protected]
  • Clayton Holmes, PT, EdD, MS, ATC
  • (817) 737-2510 / (817) 737-2003

University of Texas Medical Branct at Galveston

  • School of Allied Health Sciences Department of Physical Therapy (J28)
  • 301 University Blvd. Galveston, TX 77555-1028
  • Carolyn Utsey, PT, PhD, Chair and Associate Professor
  • (409) 772-3068

This is a list of physical therapy schools in Texas and this will serve as your guide as you look for schools in physical therapy. Before applying, it is also important that you have your requirements ready so you won’t have to waste so much time on completing it. If you can do it the fastest and easiest way as possible, then do it.

Physical Therapist Education Requirements

Aspiring physical therapists who are planning to enroll themselves in a physical therapy school must first know the physical therapist education requirements. This will make everything easier once you’re there and about to take the course or program.

physical therapist education requirements

Post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited physical therapy program is included in your physical therapist education requirements. For master’s degree programs, these are between two and a half years in length while most doctoral degree programs take 3 years to complete. What are the courses that you must take?

Basic Science Courses:

  • Anatomy
  • Biology
  • Physiology
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Biomechanics
  • Pathology
  • Pharmacology
  • Radiology/Imaging

Behavioral Science Course Requirements:

  • Evidence Based Practice
  • Clinical Reasoning

Clinically-Based Courses:

  • Medican Screening
  • Examination Tests and Measures
  • Diagnostic Process
  • Therapeutic Interventions
  • Outcomes Assessment
  • Practice Management

You will also be required to participate in supervised clinical training.

Today, there is a trend in the Physical Therapist education requirements that has been in motion for the past 11 years. Students who are choosing this career path need to graduate with nothing less than a Doctor of Physical Therapy if they wish to compete for a job in the physical therapist arena.

Now, before you enter a physical therapy doctorate program, there are some physical therapist education requirements that you should know. Usually, you are required to have completed undergraduate courses in anatomy, chemistry, biology, math, social science statistics, and physics. A lot of programs require applicants to have previous work experience in field of physical therapy. This can be in the form of volunteer work or internships in more than one type of work environment.

There are some practical physical therapist education requirements as well. You need to be able to communicate well and you possess a good interpersonal skills. This will be very beneficial when you are educating patients and their families about conditions and physical therapy routines that will need to be explained. You should also have the compassion and a general interest in helping your patients.

Lastly, it is also expected that physical therapists should continue their education and professional development by taking courses, attending workshops, or becoming board certified. While this isn’t mandated, currently employed PT’s who do not have a Doctorate should consider working towards a goal of earning their DPT since it will be more and more common for newcomers to the field to graduate as DPT.

There are a lot of schools for physical therapy that one can choose from. The requirements discussed here are mandatory and will be presented when you are applying for a job.

Physical Therapist Education

A physical therapist education is much needed by those who wish to become a physical therapist. A good education is a foundation to a good future. For those who are about to apply to a school for physical therapy, you should know the required education for you to fully become a physical therapist.

In order to become a physical therapist, you should obtain a graduate degree. In most cases, a person will be required to hold a doctorate degree in physical therapy. College programs in physical therapy are typically a combination of coursework and clinical rotations. Also, states require individuals to be licensed to legally work in this field.

physical therapist education

For physical therapist education, one must undergo an undergraduate education. Aspiring physical therapists have their options in areas of study at the undergraduate level. You can choose to enroll in a major that includes significant science coursework, like biology, anatomy and physiology. However, there are some schools that offer a pre-physical therapy major in health and physical education departments. Such curriculum may require courses in science and health-related topics like exercise physiology, physical education methods and personal wellness.

Since physical therapist education requires students to have a graduate education, doctoral programs are in greater supply but some master’s programs are available. These programs have varying requirements for admittance, which may include minimum standards for grade point average, standardized test scores or volunteer hours. There are also a lot of programs that have prerequisite course requirements.

A DPT or Doctor of Physical Therapy programs train students in the procedures of diagnosis and treatment. This is an optional physical therapist education. The coursework in this program covers topics in anatomy and procedures in physical therapy such as therapeutic applications and exercise. There are also some DPT programs that have integration and assessment courses that allow students to apply the techniques they have learned though simulations.

Clinical clerkships in DPT programs place students in healthcare facilities under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. The students may undergo an introductory practicum where they observe a workplace. There are some clerkships may be part-time and integrated with coursework, while more advanced clerkships are full-time. These experiences cover different methods of physical therapy which includes rehabilitation and acute care.

If you are planning to take this particular physical therapist education, you may also consider some programs that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education or CAPTE. This organization is recognized by the U.S Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation as the only accrediting agency for physical therapy programs.

Once you have completed your physical therapist education, you must need to get your license in order for you to finally work legally in your chosen field. You have to go through an exam. States typically require a passing score on the National Physical Therapy Examination as part of the licensing requirements. There are many states that require a jurisprudence exam that tests individuals on the laws of the state. In order for one to remain licensed, continuing education standards may need to be met.  Finding schools for physical therapy won’t be hard, there are plenty to choose from!