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Advising by Major             PHYSICAL THERAPY
 
The educational pathway for the profession of physical therapy is changing from a 4-year Bachelor’s degree to a Master’s or a combined Master's/Doctoral degree.  To become a Physical Therapist, students generally need a bachelor's degree in some subject, and an additional master's degree in physical therapy, followed by passing a state licensing exam.    Most physical therapy programs are very selective, so students must  demonstrate a high level of achievement, as well as actual work or volunteer experience in the field.

Description

Physical Therapists (PT) provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health. The main goal of a PT is to return the patient to their full functioning independence.

Educational Requirements

Student complete all prerequisite courses at an accredited college or university and then apply for admission to a professional school to complete the 2 year Masters or 3 year Doctoral professional coursework, which includes classroom laboratory, and clinical education. Admission to professional schools is very competitive. Contact professional programs for most current requirements. Nearby schools offering PT listed below.  NOTE:  Most schools do not have a "Pre-Physical Therapy" major.  Students usually select a major that will allow them to take recommended courses below.

The following are some prerequisite courses usually required by most professional phase Physical Therapy programs, but are not limited to:

  • General Biology  BI 107 & 108

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology     BI 204 & 204

  • Inorganic and Organic Chemistry  CH 101 & 102

  • General Physics I and II     PH 203 & 204

  • Introduction to Psychology   PY 102

  • English Composition   EN 101 & 102

  • Statistics   MA 116

Professional School Programs for a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy

Check each school for a list of courses required for admission:

What can students do to enhance their chances of admission to a PT program?
Candidates should have a high overall grade point average (GPA) and a high GPA in prerequisite course work. Admission officers also look favorably on an applicant's volunteer experience as a physical therapy aide, letters of recommendation from physical therapists or science teachers, and excellent writing and interpersonal skills. The physical therapist education program is a full-time commitment.

Is the physical therapist assistant program (PTA) a stepping-stone to a physical therapist program?

No. The physical therapist assistant curriculum differs from that of the physical therapist, and does not provide the needed prerequisites required for physical therapist education.  

What's the difference between a physical therapist (PT) and a physical therapist assistant (PTA)? 

Montgomery College's program for for students who wish to become a Physical Therapist Assistant is a career track designed to prepare students for immediate employment.  It is NOT a transfer track for students who wish to go on and become a Physical Therapist.  For many students, however, the career of PTA is rewarding and offers a faster path to employment in the field of physical therapy, but it is not intended for students who want to go on to a four-year bachelor's program and then on to a  masters/doctoral program for physical therapists.


 
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 Content Manager: Anne.Schleicher@Montgomerycollege.edu
Last Updated: August 15, 2006
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