Search for Schools and/or
 

Physical Therapy Training

Read about physical therapy education and learn what to do to succeed in a physical therapy career.

Physical Therapy Home   |   Physical Therapy Schools

Physical Therapy Degree Completion

physical therapy training graduate with patient

While there are a handful of accredited master's degree programs for aspiring physical therapists, most people entering the field choose to earn a doctorate instead. All physical therapy training programs require a bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-year college or university. For students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and have taken the appropriate prerequisites in chemistry, biology, and physics, a doctoral-level physical therapy training program can take as few as 2 1/2 years.

 
find physical therapy schools

Physical Therapist School Admission

Admission to physical therapy programs is competitive; to get into your school of choice, you'll need to accomplish the following:

  • Earn a high overall grade point average in college (above a 3.3 GPA)
  • Volunteer or work as a physical therapy assistant
  • Some schools require up to 150-hours of clinical experience prior to admission
  • Have letters of recommendation from physical therapists or science teachers
  • Have earned a satisfactory score on Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

What You'll Study in a Physical Therapy Training Program

Curriculum varies from program to program, but in addition to the theory and practice of physical therapy, your physical therapy training will likely cover:

  • Basic medical sciences
  • Biomechanics
  • Neuroanatomy
  • Pathology
  • Rehabilitative procedures

You'll also gain plenty of hands-on experience in a clinical internship.

Physical Therapist Licensure

After graduating from an accredited physical therapy training program you must then pass the National Physical Therapist Examination (NPTE). Upon passing the exam you will need to meet any additional requirements your state licensing board may have before they will allow you to practice. You may also seek advanced certification in a clinical specialty, while others become certified in electrophysiological testing and measurement.

 
find physical therapy schools

Education Guide
 

Training & Education
Time to completion, what you'll study and more...

 

Physical Therapy Assistant
How to become a PTA...

 

Guide to Degrees
From DPTs to Transitional MPTs, we’ve sorted it all out for you.

 

Financial Aid
Questions? We've got answers.

 

Student Interview
Find out what physical therapy school is really like.
 

Career Guide
 

All About Physical Therapy Jobs
What is a physical therapy job like?

 

Salary Information
How much can you earn as a physical therapist?

 

Licensing
Guide to physical therapy licensing requirements & exams.

 

Physical Therapy Assistant Profile
An inside look at physical therapy assistant careers.

 

Accreditation & Organizations
Physical therapy resources.