Those who want to become a physical therapist have a rewarding career ahead of them, but it is important to take the right steps to make it easier to find the perfect position. When someone wants to become a physical therapist, there are a number of things they’ll need to do to get started, including taking the right classes to get the degree needed.
Educational Requirements for Physical Therapists
A physical therapist must have a degree in a related field and take the appropriate classes to ensure they understand the field and are ready for the next step. Prospective students can check out information about the schooling needed for physical therapists to make sure they know what program to use and what classes they’ll need to meet the education requirements before taking the next steps.
Complete a DPT Program
Once the student has obtained their undergraduate degree, the next step is to enter a DPT program. This takes at least three years and provides them with everything they need to prepare for a physical therapy career. The requirements for the DPT program can vary from school to school, so it is important to look into what is needed to graduate with a DPT. An alternative option for students is an MPT program, depending on where they go to school and their future goals.
Pass the NPTE
After completing all of the educational requirements for a physical therapist, the next step is to take and pass the NPTE. This exam is held regularly, so it’s possible to take it at a convenient time. The score for the NPTE ranges from 200 to 800, and at least a 600 is needed to pass. If a student doesn’t pass, they can take the exam a second time. It is crucial to study for the NPTE before signing up to have a better chance of passing on the first try.
Obtain a State License
A state medical license is required for physical therapists to legally work in the state. Obtaining a license is a process that can take at least a couple of months, so it’s a good idea to fill out the licensing paperwork as early as possible. All of the paperwork and requirements for the license can be obtained by the state. Since requirements can vary from state to state, it is important to request a copy and read through them carefully before applying for the license. Once the license is obtained, the person can start working as a physical therapist.
Find the Right Career
The last step is to find the right career. There are a number of physical therapist specialties to consider and many different facilities that are currently hiring new physical therapists. It’s also possible for someone to open their own facility to offer specific services. Look into the career options available today to see what is open right now and what may be a great start to a physical therapy career.
If you’re interested in becoming a physical therapist, start by looking at the educational requirements and entering into a program designed to help you succeed. From there, you can go through the other steps mentioned here to make sure you have everything needed to launch your career. Start today to be on your way to a rewarding career in physical therapy.
