ALEXIS WILLIAMS

Becoming a Physical Therapist:

A Guide for College Students

Help people

!

So you want to be a Physical Therapist?

2.5-3 years of graduate schoolGraduate with a Doctorate of Physical

Therapy (DPT) Gain certifications to further offer services to

patientsHave opportunities to work with different

patients Athletes Post-surgery Special populations

More about being a Physical Therapist

Need for physical therapists higher than ever!

Average salary for PT ~$80,000

Many opportunities in the field Join military for loan relief/scholarships In-home sessions Hospital settings Out-patient private practice

What does a Physical Therapist do?

Evaluate movements including Range of Motion Posture Muscle Coordination

Prescribe exercisesElectric Stimulation TherapyDiscuss exercise options with physician

Keep patients healthy!

Some options for schooling

University of Delaware Newark, Delaware

UMDNJ/Rutgers University Stratford or Newark, New Jersey

Drexel University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Official Physical Therapist

accredited by the National

Association of Physical Therapists

Newark, Delaware

University of Delaware

Ranked #2 in the country for physical therapy graduate programs

Offers a DPT and a DPT/PHD program

DPT program is 2.5 years$100k out-of-state tuition

(for entire program)Go here for more info!

DPT Program DPT/PHD Program

2.5 years of schoolEvery program

session begins in July

Choose concentration of Geriatrics, Sports Medicine, and Orthopedics

5 years of schoolDPT program is

shortenedPHD programs

offered in Biomechanics and Movement Sciences

TA positions available

University of Delaware

Newark, New JerseyOr

Stratford, New Jersey

Rutgers University

Choose from campus in Stratford or Newark, New Jersey

Offers community service project to screen migrant workers and their families for musculoskeletal dysfunction

Offers entry level DPT programs in both locations, offers additional PHD in Health Sciences at Newark campus

Rutgers University

DPT program is 3 years long begins in May each year

Year round program only open to full time students

Program is intense and “difficult to maintain employment” while involved

Tuition is $21k per year in-stateGo here for info about Stratford campusGo here for info about Newark campus

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Drexel University

2.5 year DPT program

38 week clinical sessions

100% pass rate on licensure

Offers scholarships from $25k-$65k

Drexel University

Uses technology including iPhones, tablets, and labs

Has early admission agreement with RowanTuition roughly $63k in-state or out-of-state

Prerequisites of Physical Therapy School

Most PT schools require these courses before entry:

PsychologyPhysics (2 classes w/ lab)Chemistry (2 classes w/ lab)Biology (2 classes w/ lab)Anatomy and Physiology (2 classes w/ lab)

Prerequisites of Physical Therapy School

Volunteer hours approved by a licensed physical therapist Usually 100-150 hours of service

Getting a C or better in prerequisitesA Bachelors degree or higherTypically a GRE or GMAT exam required

Typical Classes of Physical Therapy School

Geriatrics

Neuroscience

Anatomy

Typical Classes of Physical Therapy School

Biomechanics

Physiology

Pediatrics

Become a physical therapist TODAY

Click icon to add picturePhysical therapy is one of the fastest growing careers

Help people get back on their feet in a great profession

Love what you do!

References

http://www.udel.edu/PT/Study%20With%20Us/entrancerequirements.html

http://www.drexel.edu/physicalTherapy/http://shrp.rutgers.edu/dept/PT/south/http://shrp.rutgers.edu/dept/PT/north/http://

money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/physical-therapist/salary