Accreditation In Physical Therapy Education

As a physical therapist, one is able to make a difference in the lives of the patients he or she encounters. Whether they have a minor injury, such as a broken

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Doctor of Physical Therapy program is a unique and prestigious program designed to challenge the future Physical Therapists of our society. The rigor and competitive reputation of the program, the focus on collaboration and evidence-based education, and the service to the La Crosse community are just a few of the many reasons I am applying to this program.

You can do two years of schooling and earn your associates’ degree. You will take courses like kinesiology, therapeutic massage, pathology, anatomy, physics, clinical education, speech, and college algebra (Carrington). You must also do an externship at a location to gain experience and knowledge of what you would be doing. This work includes a ton of observation time of what the job is like and a lot of odd jobs just to help the place out. While doing these hours the Physical Therapist Assistant in training will be folding towels and wiping down a lot of workout equipment (APTA)Once all of these classes are taken students need to sign up for the test that your state requires you to take

Many states require physical assistant therapists to obtain an associate's degree from a credited physical therapist program. Furthermore, most states require

(David Hayes ,1998). According to the Physical Therapist Assistants (2007), "There were, 238 accredited physical therapist assistant programs in the United States as of 2004. Accredited physical therapist assistant programs are designed to last 2 years, or 4 semesters, and culminate in an associate degree." Programs are divided into academic study and hands-on clinical experience. Academic course work includes algebra, anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, and psychology. Many programs require that students complete a semester of anatomy and physiology and have certifications in CPR and other first aid even before they begin their clinical field experience. (Physical Therapist Assistants ,2007) Both educators and employers view clinical experience to ensure that students understand the responsibilities of a physical therapist assistant. Employers typically require physical therapist aides to have a high school diploma, strong interpersonal skills, and a desire to assist people in need. Most employers provide clinical on-the-job training.

Physical therapists are required to complete at least six years or higher of education before work begins. This means that a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree must be achieved. Only a few colleges or universities offer master’s programs, therefore a student must enter a doctoral program to attain this profession. Acquiring a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree requires three years of education only after receiving a bachelor’s degree. Most students join residency programs that can last anywhere from nine months to three years to

Although physical therapists are regulated in all 50 states, certain states have there own requirements that you must fulfill in order to become certified. In order to work at a professional entry level job, you must be accredited by a CAPTE program in order to take the licensure exam to earn a DPT ( doctor of physical therapy ) degree. The reason for all the exams and programs you have to take is to ensure that you have all the knowledge and hands on experience to go into the professional level. While working as a Physical Therapist you will have a wide range of patients that you will see and treat. This may include athletes, children, physically disabled individuals and even the elderly.

As I have almost completed my sophomore year of college, I know what my career goals are at this point. I am currently on the physical therapy track planning to declare the major of exercise science: applied kinesiology. I became interested in PT after hearing many appealing things about it such as: the rapid growth and demand of physical therapists, the purpose it serves, and financial stability that comes along with the rewarding work. I am eager to learn about the functions, progress, and healing of the human body in the most natural manner, and through exercise science my knowledge in this study will certainly grow.

In 2008 physical therapy assistants and aides held about 109,000 jobs (U.S. Department of Labor). With the escalating demand for physical therapy services, job projection for physical therapy assistants are expected to be really nice in skilled nursing, orthopedic settings, and hospitals where the elderly are most often treated.

In order to be successful in the profession as a physical therapist there are several prerequisites a person has to accomplish. One of the first prerequisites to become a physical therapist is you must graduate from a physical therapist educational program and obtain a master or doctoral degree. The master's degree programs for physical therapy typically are two to two and a half years in length, while doctoral degree programs usually last 3 years. In addition to classroom and laboratory instruction, students will complete supervised clinical experience to get a feel of the work environment. The coursework will include physics, biology and chemistry. Other additional coursework included during the physical therapy program is therapeutic procedures, biomechanics, examination techniques, human development, manifestations of disease, and neuroanatomy. You can specialize in one of those certain topics, which will concentrate more on a certain area. Students must also obtain a license in order to practice physical therapy. A license can be obtained by

Physical Therapy is the treatment of disease, injury or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise rather then by drug or surgery. Physical therapist are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who help patients reduce the pain they have and help improve or restore their mobility. PTs work in many different setting including high schools, hospitals, outpatient Clinique, etc. To become a physical therapist I'll need a graduate degree- either a masters or clinical doctorate - from an accredited physical therapy program before taking the national licensure exam. There is currently 199 colleges and universities nationwide that support 212 accredited professions physical therapy programs.

As future physical therapists, PT students are motivated to get out into the world of health care in order to make a lasting impact on the profession. Physical therapists go through a rigorous education process to receive their Bachelor’s and now go onto graduate school to obtain a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. This adds up to about seven years of education post high school.

Every year doctorate of physical therapy programs grant admission to a limited number of competitive applicants. Universities believe those students will be able to complete their program and transition into an exceptional therapist. However, that is not always the case and inaccurate selections sometimes occur. Regardless of their decision the university is not the only place where a physical therapy student’s skills are tested. Clinicals are in place where students can become hands on with patients and put their knowledge in the classroom to work.

Colleges with a medical department often have a master’s program for physical therapy. (“Physical Therapists”) Physical therapy students have a required amount of field work in order to complete a program. Each candidate must work in an accredited workplace for the field work assignments. This part of the program is extremely valuable and helpful for a new therapist entering the field. Working one on one can be difficult even with all of the educational tools. (Curtis 37)

Being an aspiring student in a physical therapy program has driven me to embody the core values stated by the APTA and demonstrated by my coworkers. Working in the medical field means the well being of others is in your hands. The level of responsibility and accountability required is monumental, and you must be willing to step up to the task. Whereas many students only hold themselves accountable for their own benefit, as a DPT student, you must demonstrate initiative because your actions no longer affect just yourself. First and foremost, you must be responsible in the classroom. Prior to practice, a solid foundation of education and knowledge is critical. One should exercise due diligence in saturating themselves with the knowledge necessary to care for a patient in a safe, timely, and efficient