| Physical therapy education is offered in many colleges | | | | that is, they can diagnose and treat patients who are |
| across the United States especially now, with its | | | | afflicted with disability, mobility, and motor function |
| increasing popularity continuing to rise. There are | | | | problems and do not need referrals from other |
| different types of programs offered catered to | | | | doctors first to treat patients. |
| meet the differing needs of students all over the | | | | School rankings are a good way to help you choose |
| world. For example, there are colleges that are | | | | where you want to go for your PT education. In |
| mindful of the needs of working students and so | | | | 2008 the University of Southern Carolina (USC) |
| these institutions decide to offer online or distance | | | | topped the list. The following schools were listed |
| education. Other colleges decide to implement a | | | | among the top 10 schools for Physical Therapy |
| six-year doctorate program for students straight out | | | | Program: Washington University in St. Louis, |
| of high school. | | | | Northwestern University in Chicago, MGH Institute of |
| So what college you go to really depends on your | | | | Health Professions in Boston, University of Pittsburg, |
| needs and the circumstances surrounding you. The | | | | University of Delaware, US-Army-Baylor University, |
| factors you need to look at which may affect your | | | | University Of Iowa, Arcadia University Pennsylvania |
| needs include location, tuition fees, school reputation | | | | and University of Miami. |
| and affiliates (if any), size of the PT department, | | | | USC offers a three-year Doctorate for Physical |
| college ranking, professors, and the overall quality of | | | | Therapy Program, which requires completion of 115 |
| education offered in that institution. The more | | | | units in six semesters and two summer courses. The |
| meticulous you are with this decision early on in your | | | | curriculum also requires participation in clinical exposure |
| career, the better off you can start your career | | | | and experience throughout the three-year program. |
| when it's time to do so. | | | | Finally, the dPT designation is awarded to students |
| Currently, the American Association Of Physical | | | | who finish with a GPA of 2.75 and who complete all |
| Therapist requires a minimum of a master's degree in | | | | coursework, requirements, and clinical clerkship in the |
| physical therapy before you can start a career as a | | | | three-year allotted time. |
| therapist, in agreement with the rules of the | | | | At the time of writing, the estimated tuition fee for |
| Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy | | | | this doctorate program in USC is around $120,000. |
| Education. In the coming years, these rules may | | | | However, this amount is subject to future increases. |
| change to require a doctorate degree in physical | | | | There are other options available as other mid-sized |
| therapy instead, as an entry-level requirement for | | | | schools' tuition per year is pegged at around $20,000. |
| practice. Despite this, the popularity of physical | | | | This fee does exclude books, allowances and other |
| therapy as a career continues to soar among | | | | course supplies though, but an education from a |
| students and even those looking for a career change. | | | | reputable institution does pay off in the long run. |
| One thing of note is that physical therapists are only | | | | So start your career in physical therapy off on the |
| allowed to see patients who are referred by other | | | | right foot by choosing among the best colleges |
| medical practitioners.However, with a doctorate | | | | around. It may take a bit of sacrifice, but the |
| degree, therapists can be independent practitioners, | | | | rewards are more than worth the early sacrifices. |