Level of Education Required for a Physical Therapist

Patients often inquire how much schooling is required to become a physical therapist. Read below to learn about the level of education required for a Physical Therapist.

In the United States physical therapists now graduate with a Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy.  The individual will first get their Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as athletic training, kinesiology, health science, psychology, biology, or other relevant area of study.  Undergraduate classes are often science based, requiring classes in physics, anatomy, chemistry, pathophysiology, and kinesiology.  The therapist then goes on to complete 3 years of physical therapy school.  Physical therapy school encompasses the many areas that therapists become experts in, such as orthopaedics, neurology, pediatrics, geriatrics, wound care, women’s health, and more.  Anatomy and Pathophysiology are again a major focus.  An average of 6 clinical rotations are required.  During clinical rotations the student works with patients under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist to further develop the student’s thought process, critical thinking, and manual skills.  Clinical rotations expose the student to a variety of therapy settings including outpatient and hospital facilities.

After graduating from a doctoral program, the student must pass the Physical Therapy Licensure Examination.  Once licensed, many graduates now choose to enter into a specialized residency in their field after graduation.  For instance, an orthopaedic residency requires approximately 2 years of study specifically in orthopaedics and can often be completed while the therapist is working.  The residency may focus on relevant research, manual techniques, and a required amount of hours completed in treating each region of the body.

Forty hours of continuing education are required every two years.  This may vary based on the state the therapist practices in.  A wide variety of continuing education courses are offered and often include a 2-3 day class with a hands on practice component.  Many therapists choose to become certified in particular areas, ensuring a solid knowledge in their continued studies.  Certifications typically include several levels of classes over the course of months or years and then a certification exam at the completion of study.  Below is a list of a few certifications that you may see in the field of outpatient orthopaedics and held by some physical therapists at Athletico:

•  OCS: Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist-Clinicians must have been practicing for a minimum of 2,000 hours in orthopaedics or have completed an orthopaedic residency and sit for an advanced orthopaedics exam.1
• SCS: Board Certified Sports Specialist Certification-Clinicans must have been practicing for a minimum of 2,000 hours in sports or have completed a sports residency and sit for an advanced sports specialty exam.1
•  FAAOMPT- Fellowship in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists-  Clinicians have completed advanced education in manual therapy.  A Fellowship is completed often after an orthopaedic residency or board certification has been completed.2
• OMPT/COMPT/COMT- Various forms of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy Certification.  Clinicians have taken several classes in studying the literature on manual therapy and performing manual therapy techniques.  Clinicians complete a written and hands on practical examination.
• Cert. MDT-  Certification in Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment (McKenzie Certified)-  Clinicians have taken several classes in the McKenzie method of treatment of the spine and extremities.  Clinicians must pass a written and hands on practical examination.
• ART, Graston, Dry Needling- For further information click here: http://www.athletico.com/services/specialty-techniques/
• Clinicians may hold many different certifications not described here.  Physical therapists are lifelong learners.  Continuing to learn not only keeps clinicians up to date on the rapidly developing research in the physical therapy field but also gets patients feeling better faster.

1. American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists (2015). Retrieved from http://www.abpts.org/home.aspx.
2. American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (2015).  Retrieved from http://www.aaompt.org/education/difference.cfm.