How are Physical Therapists Trained?

Physical Therapy treatment has a reputation for alleviating pain in the lower back and in the neck. Though Physical Therapists are not medical doctors (MD) they will almost always have a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DC). Their training is extensive and teaches the Physical Therapists how to treat musculoskeletal issues generally by manipulating soft tissue and joints. Most Physical Therapists will spend between seven and nine years after high school in education and training.

It is clear that Physical Therapists are well trained. Treatment is especially popular among victims of car accidents. If you are the victim of a car accident, contact an Fort Collins personal injury attorney as soon as possible. If the accident was the result of the other driver’s negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation for Physical Therapy treatment from an experienced professional such as the Physical Therapist Rockville, MD locals turn to.

Steps to Becoming a Licensed Physical Therapist

Undergraduate college.

The beginning step for becoming a Physical Therapist involves completing a minimum of 90 credit hours at an accredited undergraduate college. Though, a bachelor’s degree isn’t required, it is highly recommended by many states. In general, the primary coursework will involve:  

• Genetics, kinesiology, and human anatomy are required.
• Sociology, interpersonal relation, and communication are recommended.
• Physics, chemistry and biology.

Physical Therapy school.

After undergraduate school, Physical Therapy students will attend a specialized Physical Therapy college; of which, there are a mere 18 in the U.S. A number of guidelines are administered by the Councils on Physical Therapy Education International (CCEI) regarding Physical Therapy school education:

• A minimum of 24 hours must be earned in life and physical science courses.
• Applicants must have at least a 3.0 grade point average on the 4.0 scale having completed at least 90 credit hours, in order be accepted into the classes.

Clinical training.

A student will be required to complete a minimum of 4,200 hours within the four years of Physical Therapy school. The hours are spent between class, laboratory, and clinical sessions.. At the very least, a student must have 1,000 hours in clinical training. Nearly all the training involves the supervision of teacher. Common classes during Physical Therapy school:

• Microbiology and public health
• Biochemistry
• Elective courses are usually required
• Anatomy
• Business Management classes are usually recommended
• Physiopathology
• Ancillary therapeutic procedures
• Diagnostic imaging and diagnosis
• Physical Therapy philosophy and technique
• Clinical laboratory
• Clinical experience

Obtaining the license.

Physical Therapists wishing to work in the U.S. need to acquire a license in the same state they wish to practice. 

• A license may be obtained after passing the local or state boards as well as the national board examinations.
• The license will only be valid within the state that it was obtained. If a Physical Therapist desires to practice in another state, they will need to pass the boards for said state.
• Malpractice insurance is a requirement and must be obtained before practicing in any state.