What is required to become a physical therapist?

What education and training is required to become a physical therapist?

• Answer:

  During your undergrad years, you can major in anything you want (though degrees in such fields as biology, chemistry, physics, sports sciences, human development, physiology, and anatomy would be helpful), but when it comes to grad school you need to major in Physical Therapy in order to become a therapist later down the road. After school, you will need to take a liscensure test before you can practice. From the Occupational Handbook: "According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there were 209 accredited physical therapist education programs in 2007. Of the accredited programs, 43 offered master's degrees and 166 offered doctoral degrees. Only master's degree and doctoral degree programs are accredited, in accordance with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. In the future, a doctoral degree might be the required entry-level degree. Master's degree programs typically last 2 years, and doctoral degree programs last 3 years." Answer- Physical therapy is one of the fastest growing career options in health care field. To become a physical therapist you must have Master's or Doctorate Degree in physical therapy. Also passing of National Physical Therapy Examination and getting professional license are required to start career as a physical therapist.