What You Need to Know about Physical Therapy Schools

Physical therapy is a practice within the field of health care which aims to improve the lives of people through specific sets of physical exercise. Some of the people who physical therapy is often recommended for are people who have had some form of accident, injury, or other negative occurrence which has restricted their physical movement. This could be due to a motor vehicle accident, a sports injury, aging, or any other reason. The aim of the physical therapy is to restore motion to the patient if possible and also prevent any further damage to their ability to move.

Lengthy training is needed due to the in-depth knowledge and experience needed to become a physical therapist. Students training to become qualified physical therapists undertake a course which leads to a DPT or a Doctor in Physical Therapy degree. There is also a two year program for people who wish to become an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant.

Physical Therapy Schools – What Does the Qualification Involve?

The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is a three year program which equips students with all of the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to become a professionally recognized Doctor of Physical Therapy. For students to get accepted onto a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program they will already need the right background experience which will include an undergraduate degree and some form of relevant experience such as related courses or volunteer hours.

The degree program looks at various aspects of Science which relate to Physical Therapy. These include anatomy, exercise physiology, and also behavioral sciences, amongst others. A key component of this degree is real experience in a clinic where real life clinical experience will be undertaken under the supervision of a fully qualified Doctor of Physical Therapy.

There are over 206 programs offering the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program in America that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association which is the recognized governing body of American Physical Therapy.

Physical Therapy Schools – An In-Depth Look at the Curriculum

Due to the lengthy period of time needed to become a fully qualified Doctor of Physical Therapy, it is worth considering carefully if the curriculum is one which will be engaging and worthwhile to the student.

One of the main areas of practice taught is the process of patient evaluation. Within a physical therapy context this involves establishing patient ability within areas such as balance, range of movement, and reflexes. This then allows the Physical Therapist to determine whether a program of treatment could improve any of these areas.

Once the patient has been assessed and evaluated, the physical therapist will learn how to devise and implement a personalized plan of care that is tailored to each patient’s specific needs. It will need to be realistic in terms of patient capability and patient lifestyle while also maintaining cultural and personal sensitivity.

Another area which is taught at Physical Therapy schools is prevention. This is essential as the best way to deal with physical problems is to stop them from occurring in the first place. Prevention will involve a holistic approach to diet, lifestyle, and exercise which aims to promote continuous patient health and reduce or negate the need for future treatment entirely.

Physical Therapy Schools – Are They Right For You?

Anyone who is seeking to become a physical therapist will need to have the right mix of academic ability and personal character traits. Physical therapy schools are most suitable for people who have the ability to understand and practice science enthusiastically. A physical therapist will also need to have good interpersonal skills as it is an intensely patient focused area of health care so the ability to relate to patients compassionately Is essential.