December 27, 2008
What degree do I need in order to go on to a Physical Therapy degree?
Can you answer Gwae's question about degrees?:
I am interested in becoming a Physical Therapist and there are so many choices out there as far as Bachelor's degrees that I am a little lost.
I want to know what degree I need or would be best for this and to some extent where would be a good place to get started on getting this degree.
Thanks in advance.
Degrees Tips
I am interested in becoming a Physical Therapist and there are so many choices out there as far as Bachelor's degrees that I am a little lost.
I want to know what degree I need or would be best for this and to some extent where would be a good place to get started on getting this degree.
Thanks in advance.
Degrees Tips
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Comments on What degree do I need in order to go on to a Physical Therapy degree? »
In the US, to become a physical therapist, you now need to obtain either a masters of doctorate level degree. Your bachelor's degree should encompass many of the classes that are prerequisite courses for entrance into the professional phase of the program including at least
1. A year and a half of biology
2. Anatomy and physiology
3. Statistics and trigonometry or calculus
4. Basic, lifespan, and abnormal psychology
5. A year of chemistry
6. A year of physics
This may vary from school to school…
You will also want to have all your general education requirements completed by the time you apply for admission to the professional phase.
The structure of programs vaires…some are direct admittance…admitting you as a freshman and garauntee a spot in the professional phase of the program as long as you maintain a certain GPA. Others require you to complete your bachelor's degree and admit you as a grad student to the DPT…some admit you as a senior, you complete your BS degree after the first year and then finish the the master's degree by the end of the third year…it all depends on the school.
One place to get started is to visit the APTA website at and view what schools are accredited PT schools. Then, review which ones you may potentially wish to attend and investigate that program's requiements and structure.
Good luck!