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Physical Therapy Education Frequently Asked Questions
Why does APTA advocate a postbaccalaureate degree?
A postbaccalaureate degree allows the student to obtain a broad
background in the liberal arts and provides time for students to
integrate the significant amount of material included in a physical
therapy curriculum. Also, for those who currently possess a bachelor's
degree in another area, it is a logical choice to progress to a
postbaccalaureate degree.
Over the years the volume of scientific technology and literature
included in physical therapist education programs has grown well beyond
what can be reasonably included in a baccalaureate degree program. APTA
believes that a postbaccalaureate program more adequately prepares the
graduate to meet the expectations of the profession and the health care
needs of society.
In addition, as of January 1, 2002, the Commission on Accreditation
in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) no longer accredits baccalaureate
professional programs.
Are there professional (entry-level) doctoral programs available?
Yes. The accredited professional (entry-level) doctoral programs
are identified by the key code (D6) on the physical therapist program
list. There continues to be an increase in the number of universities
considering the transition
to a doctoral program.
What are the differences between a professional (entry-level)
master's degree program and a professional
(entry-level) doctoral program?
- Both levels are accredited by CAPTE using the Evaluative
Criteria for Accreditation of Education Programs for the
Preparation of Physical Therapists. The institution determines the
degree to be offered.
Is there a ranking of PT and PTA programs?
- APTA does not rank programs. Physical therapy educational programs
are accredited by CAPTE which assures quality in physical therapy
education. Graduation from an accredited program is currently required
for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination for physical
therapists and for physical therapist assistants in those states in
which licensure is required.
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- What factors can be used to decide on a program to
attend?
The decision to attend a physical therapy program is a very personal one
which must be made on the basis of a variety of factors, such as:
-
- Geographic location and size of the school
- Cost
- Class size
- Licensure pass rates
- Employability
- Faculty composition and cohesiveness (years working together)
- Degree awarded; design and length of curriculum
In an effort to compare the above factors, you may wish to:
-
- Survey current students and recent graduates of the program
- Interview employers who hire graduates and ask about program
strengths and weaknesses
What undergraduate degree should a student obtain to gain
admission to a PT program?
There are any number of alternative undergraduate degrees that
a student can obtain to be eligible to apply to a physical therapist
program. Of importance, is the need to satisfactorily
complete the prerequisite courses for those physical therapist programs
being considered, as a part of fulfilling the undergraduate degree
requirements. To assist the student in this process, it is helpful
if the student meets with his or her advisor to ensure that the courses
completed to fulfill the undergraduate degree major requirements can
also fulfill the prerequisite courses needed to apply to a physical
therapist program.
What are the prerequisites courses for admission to a physical
therapist program?
The prerequisite courses for admission to a physical therapist program
vary between academic programs and academic institutions. Based on
a survey of academic programs, general prerequisites courses range for
6-17 courses with 11-12 course being most common. General
education courses required generally match the institutional
requirements. More than 50% of the physical therapist programs
specifically require Anatomy and Physiology (minimum one course);
chemistry (minimum one course); physics (two courses); statistics (one
course); psychology; general biology (minimum one course), and an
undergraduate degree. In addition, more that 75% of programs
require a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Other courses that may be required less than 50% of the time by
selected academic programs include English composition; social science;
humanities; computers; medical terminology; exercise physiology; human
development; kinesiology; organic chemistry; research methods; cell
biology, and pathology.
It is recommended that you go to the Directory
of Accredited Physical Therapy Programs to select the specific
program(s) for which you are interested in applying. Information
provided on this APTA website will identify the specific prerequisite
courses and admission requirements required of each individual physical
therapist program.
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 (in 1993, the majority of
applicants to PT programs reported GPAs of 3.0 or higher out of a 4.0
score). 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 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. There are accredited programs
in California and Ohio designed to allow experienced physical therapist
assistants to continue working while attending a physical therapist
master's degree program on the weekends.
Where can I find financial aid?
Additional resources are available from the office of financial aid at
the school of interest, the public library, and the National Clearinghouse at the
Professions Information Center at the Council for Exceptional
Children, 1920 Association Drive, Reston, VA 22091,
703/264-9476, or 800/641-7824. Other sources include various Web sites:
The Financial Aid Information
Page, Fastweb,
US Department of
Education, Direct
Loans, , Project EASI, IRS Education Tax Credit
Information, and College Parents of America
(CPA)
- For further information:
-
Contact the individual schools for detailed information. Find the
accredited and developing lists of education programs with phone numbers
and addresses on the PT
Education/SchoolListings page.
-
Visit the DPT
FAQ on this Web site.
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