I am interested in going back to school to become a physical therapist. Can anyone out there tell me how long, what classes and what certifications you need to accomplish this goal? Please help!
127678
A physical therapist is at least a BS degree. (4 years college - maybe less if you already have some of the coursework.) In many states, you must have professional license. I'd suggest going to the website of local universities in your area and searching for their physical therapy program. You could also check major universities (John Hopkins, etc. ) to see that what they require.
595123
I am in the same position right now as you.  I have been a stay at home mom for 7 years now and have put my education on the back burner.  Now that 2 of my children are going to be in school full time it's time to go back and further my education.  I don't want to spend a lot of time going back to school, so instead of going to a regular college I am going to go to a trade school where I will just be learning the Trade and by pass all of the other stuff.  There are a lot of options for getting a degree in less than two years.  Medical assisting, dental assisting, massage therapy, billing insurance and coding, pharmacy technician, x-ray technician, paralegal, court reporting, legal assistant etc.  I hope everything works out for you.  It's tough when your out of school for so long and then go back. You'd be surprised at how much of the basics you forget and have to learn all over again.  It's worth it though to better yourself.  Best of luck!
554737
Hello!  Good luck with your quest for more education. I'd suggest beginning by contacing the university you are interested in attending. Most schools have a program for "continuing students." You can explain your situation and your goals, and find out specifically what is available to you. When I was a graduate student, there was a woman in my graduate-level seminars who was 82 years old!  She was a gem and enriched our experience with her presence.  Best wishes!
155513
Well, I completed my B.A in psychology and am making diddly squat in my job. (i live in canada). There are too many people taking this degree, so it is really hard to get into graduate school. And with just the B.A, jobs are pretty scarce, as psychology is not an edcuation that "trains" you for any particular job. I am currently doing a social work degree, just to be able to actually have a "career". If you want to be a counsellor, have to have a masters or doctorate. As for the comment someone wrote about the behaviour therapists making tons of money, i am an ABA therapist, and make $500 every 2 weeks (for 30 hours/week), that is nothing compared to most with university degrees. I could make more at walmart. . but i feel like going for such employment is a "waste" of my education. However, i needed such employment to apply to other schools, but remember, most grad schools in psychology fields take like 20 students per year at the MOST...dont mean to discourage you, but just because the degree is very interesting, doesnt mean it would be a good choice. Do it as a minor if you really want to do it.
639219
The most important things you need to do is keep your grades up and volunteer in a Physical Therapy setting, as soon as you meet their age requirements. Either in a private practice, hospital or even a nursing home. Volunteering is the best way for you to see if this is something you really want to pursue. It is a great job if you are good with people. Go to http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos167.htm and see if you can get some of your questions answered.
578086
Sorry but I have to agree with your folks. I worked in a technical recruiting firm for 6 years. Every employer wants a 4 year degree. You could go to the tech school but will have less of a chance at getting the better paying jobs, and more difficulty getting hired. Better to get the degree now than find out you need it after the tech school. Best of luck
485156
I am currently an athletic trainer at my high school in New Mexico. Its fun being a trainer but you have to be quick because as soon as an athlete is hurt, you have to tend to them quickly so they can go back to what ever activity they are in. I don't get paid since I am only doing this for high school. I like to help athletes with their therapy and to make it as enjoyable as possible. I plan to do this through out college and as a career. One of the classes I am taking for athletic training are anatomy and sports physiology (which are practically the same classes). But its exciting because you get to experience different types of injuries and how to threat them. I hope this helped!!
382003
Most Physical Therapist Assistant programs are 2 years (5 semesters).\n\nCAPTE Accredited Physical Therapist Assistant Education Programs in New York:\n\nBroome Community College \nGenesee Community College \nHerkimer County Community College \nKingsborough Community College/The City University of New York \nNassau Community College \nNiagara County Community College \nOnondaga Community College \nOrange County Community College \nState University of New York College of Technology at Canton \nSuffolk County Community College \nTouro College
171965
you do not have to be an MD, but you do have to go to school.  My mom is an acupuncturist and I watched her attend classes, take exams, etc.  It's hard work, but if it's what you want to do, it's worth it.
164438
I am a physical therapist.  I am not for the cap, but I understand what it's purpose is.  It really works to ensure that therapists are not over billing Medicare.  I know some therapists who will treat patients for months at a time, with no progress in site.  I think it will make more therapists become more conscious of their treatments and efficacy.  \nAlso you may try the APTA or CMS website to see what they have to say Hope this helps.  Any other questions, email me bdavid2121@hotmail.com
267909
I'm pretty sure there are a lot of PT jobs out there. You might want to try Wal-mart or Kmart as a door greeter or just some volunteer work at a hospital or something like that.
204121
I think you actually have to go to class for a radiology degree because it requires clinical time.  Since you have to practice your trade, it requires your presence in person.
413555
PT means "physical training". Not sure what the x2 and x4 is, as it has all changed quite a bit since I was there. Maybe someone else will have that answer. Good Luck.
453734
If you are going into PT school, why not get a job as a PT aide/tech or even in the front office?  Since you are required to get a certain number of hours in a PT setting and you could always benefit from more experience.  You will also be able to get great references and connections (think - future job after PT school).  Send your resume' out to local hospitals, clinics, SNFs, etc - don't wait for an ad in the paper.
452947
Well, someone's got to teach it to the next lot of would-be therapists!  :)\n\nIf you've been doing it a while and have a qualification (or two) in it already, then there should be courses available for you at your local college on how to teach adults.  There is a post-secondary education PGCE, which some universities and training colleges offer.  Have a look at www.gttr.ac.uk and also www.ucas.ac.uk.  If those are no help, try going dorect to your local college or trying Learn Direct (0800 100 900) - they should be able to talk you through the options if you give them a call.\n\nAnd I think over-19s are easier to teach because they're not forced to be in the classroom, but are there by choice...\n\nGood luck!
356439
Physical therapy is an excellent choice for a career (not that I am biased -  I am a PT).  A good PT school program would require taking a kinesiology class as well as many other sciences.  I find it extremely rewarding (more so than some of my friends who have desk jobs), intellectually challenging, and even physically demanding.\n\nThere are many different areas in which you can practice.  Neurology, orthopaedics, acute care, rehab, skilled nursing facilities, pediatrics, etc.  Pay depends upon where you are and which field you go into.  Check www.salary.com to see if it will give you an estimate on salary.  Not to mention, it is very much in demand right now.  Many companies are offering to pay for part of your education and giving signing bonuses.\n\nThe American Physical Therapy Association is the professional organization for PTs.  The website is: www.apta.org and you can find information on many aspects of PT on that website.
610748
Ah, but are any of us ever more than just masters of the basics?  I would say it all the depends on the individual in question.  How long have you trained and what it is your educational background?  Do you have knowledge of the business side of things?  Do you have a business license?\n\nI (only) have a single black belt, but I have been training in various martial arts systems for over 17 years.  Does that mean that I have not mastered more than "the basics"?  Am I one of those people who train and train but "never seem to get anywhere"?  Maybe, maybe not.\n\nI have taught martial arts only as private lessons.  But I have assisted in countless demonstrations, seminars and training camps for my teacher.  It would appear that at first glance I still have not "acheived" the privilege of opening my own school.\n\nHowever, I have two college degrees, and have been a public school teacher for 12 years.  And if I have learned anything through all of my experiences, it's that being a successful martials instructor has as much to do with business acumen as it does with knowing the lore of the art.\n\nWho is to say who is ready?  Only the individual can truly say.  All one really needs to do is to apply all that training that has gone before to the goals now set in sight.  90% of all martial arts training is a contingency plan (what do you do if...?).  So what are the contingencies of running a business?  Answer that and you should be ready.\n\nBest of Luck.  I hope to be in that position myself in the near future.\n\nVT