Physical Therapist Requirements

"I have always been intrigued by the physical therapy sciences. I got interested in this field when I was admitted in a hospital after I met with an accident injuring my right hand and left leg. I was influenced by my physical therapists who worked hard in improving my health and I was able to get back to my normal work relatively faster. During my recovery period, I studied a lot about physical therapy and was fascinated by this field. I was about to finish my college and it seemed to me, this was just my calling. I researched about the requirements and after taking a BA in physical education, worked for 4 years in sports rehab. Later, I studied 2 years at a reputed college of sports medicine and upgraded my skills. I'm satisfied with my job and it gives me flexibility to work. Sometimes, I have busy days and often I get plenty of time to spend with my family." ~ Michael Jonathan, California

Requirements for Physical Therapist Jobs
Today's entrants in the field of physical therapy may find increased competition and better degree requirements than what Michael experienced few years back but the fact remains the same, physical therapy profession is only for those, who love this job. Basically, finding beauty in life sciences and the ways in which these sciences are utilized in healing patients is in itself a wonderful experience. Having eagerness to quench that intellectual curiosity goes a long way in helping you gain more knowledge in this profession. These days the requirements to make in this field are restricted to obtaining a postgraduate degree from an accredited medical school and then passing some state and national exams, as per the specializations. Moreover, the essential criteria to be a physical therapist, often go beyond education and licensure. Aspirants must have excellent communication skills, a compassionate heart and jovial personality to make patients comfortable and carry out their duties fostering the healing process.

Points to Note
In the normal course to be a physical therapist, following are some of the most important questions whose answers you need to know.

1. Which is the leading authority in physical therapy in the US?
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), with moreover 70,000 members is the most important, recognized and established organization representing physical therapy profession. APTA's roots can be traced back to 1921, when it started as a small association of the therapist's groups.

2. Who accredits and decides various physical therapy requirements?
APTA's accrediting body, Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) grants credentials to entry-level educational programs in physical therapy. It is the only known body recognized by the United States Departments of Education (USDE) and Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) giving accredits to physical therapy jobs. Although, it works under APTA, it's an independent body in exercising its powers. In 2009, hundreds of physical therapy educational programs were accredited, both in master's and doctoral degrees. As per latest reports, currently, the requirements for the post are a post baccalaureate degree. Owing to extensive course of physical therapy, a master's degree is a must to gain adequate knowledge of this profession.

3. What is the duration of academic courses?
Master programs are of 2 to 2.5 years and doctoral programs last for 3 years.

4. Which subjects are taught in the education programs of physical therapists?
It is essential that undergraduate and graduate students to have knowledge about basics of this field by working in clinics and as volunteers in hospitals and health care units. Numerous subjects in science, human anatomy, biology, physiology, clinical reasoning, diagnostic measures, etc., are a part of education requirements in this field.

5. How crucial is obtaining licensure as a part of the requirements?
After a student has finished his studies, obtaining license from state is essential. All states in the US, issue licenses for professionally practicing physical therapy jobs. Requirements vary for every state however, you have to necessarily pass the National Physical Therapy Examination and jurisprudence exams of your respective state. After undergraduate years, one must volunteer for jobs related to the same field in hospitals so that they can be selected for graduate programs.

The salary is decent and can easily start from US$50,000 once training and studies are over. Mostly, they are paid hourly, depending on number of hours they take care of patients. Understand that the requirements for this profession are almost the same in every state and if you wish to join this profession, you must start taking steps to move further in this field.