To become a physical therapist or assistant, one must meet application criteria, select a school, complete courses, and pay tuition. Training is available at universities and colleges, with internships being important for gaining experience. Scholarships and grants can help with costs, and ongoing training is necessary for career advancement.
There are four requirements to obtain physical therapy training: meet the application criteria, select the school, complete the courses and pay the tuition. Physical therapy training is widely available at a wide variety of universities, community and career colleges. This type of training is required to become a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.
To apply for physical therapy training, you must have obtained a high school diploma, with courses in biology, math, and English. There are two possible levels of training in physiotherapy: university or college. At the university level, the program lasts four to five years. Courses cover both practical and theoretical components and often include a co-op work or placement opportunity. This training is required to become a licensed physical therapist.
At the university level, training is more hands-on and takes two to three years to complete. Upon graduation, candidates can apply for positions as a physical therapist assistant. This training is also available on a part-time basis, allowing students to work during the day and study at night.
When selecting a school for physical therapy training, it is important to review three main items: reputation, range of program offerings, and internship opportunities. A school with an excellent reputation has devoted significant money, time and resources to the program over a period of years. Look for specialized courses in an area of interest to you. Think about the courses that will allow you to work in the widest variety of clients and environments. For example, physiotherapy courses for the elderly may also be applicable to patients with long-term muscle weakness.
Internship programs are very important as this is the only way to gain relevant experience in the workplace. Invest the time necessary to meet or exceed the employer’s requirements when filling an internship position. The employer can provide you with a reference or job offer to start your career.
The cost of physical therapy training programs can be reduced by applying for scholarships, grants and student awards. Talk to your financial aid adviser about the options and programs available to you. Career advancement opportunities in physical therapy tend to require additional education or training. As physical therapy becomes accepted as the first line of treatment for any skeletal muscle injury, the skill set required in this career will change. Ongoing training is required to stay current with the latest technologies and theories.
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