Physical Therapy – A Field Of Increasing Demand

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the job outlook for physical therapists is good, with growth expected to be much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. This means that your career prospects as a physical therapist are limitless as opportunities abound, especially with the baby boomer generation getting older and requiring more healthcare all round, including physical therapy.
Physical therapists:

• Develop a unique treatment program for each individual that includes patient participation, education, and instruction

• Evaluate an individual’s ability to function

• Enjoy a choice of work environments— Physical Therapists work in various settings, which include private physicians ‘offices, clinics, schools, sports centers, rehabilitation centers, acute-care hospitals, and private homes

• Enjoy great flexibility in their career

• Motivate individuals to reach optimal functional status in their homes, at work, and in recreational activities

• Work with individuals to prevent loss of mobility before it occurs by developing wellness and fitness programs that will ensure their patients/clients healthier and more active lifestyles

Physical Therapy Programs In Pennsylvania

The following is an alphabetical list of physical therapy programs in Pennsylvania with designation, type of program offered, accreditation status, contact details and other information. It is strongly suggested that you choose two or three schools that interest you from the list and visit the relevant websites for more information.

Arcadia University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
Credits: 110
PTCAS: Yes
Class Size: 50
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, minimum total GRE combined score on verbal and quantitative portions of 1050 with no less than 450 in each section, minimum 4 on GRE analytical writing section, More than one PT observation experience
Address: 450 South Easton Road Glenside, PA 19038-3215
Phone: 215-572-2950
Email: admiss@arcadia.edu
Website: http://www.arcadia.edu/academic/default.aspx?id=1007

Chatham University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
Credits: 105
PTCAS: Yes
Class Size: 30
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, 100 hours of PT observation
Program Contact: Becky Hohman
Address: 114 Dilworth Hall, Woodland Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15232-2826
Phone: 412-365-1409
Fax: 412-365-1213
Email: hohman@chatham.edu
Website: http://www.chatham.edu/academics/programs/graduate/pt/index.cfm

Drexel University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT, Doctors of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Sciences
Credits: 128 quarter hours
PTCAS: No
Class Size: 50
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0
Program Contact: Allison Schukar
Address: Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Mail Stop 502
245 North 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102-2119
Phone: 215-762-8852
Email: ptadmissions@drexel.edu
Website: http://www.drexel.edu/cnhp/rehab_sciences/

Duquesne University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Credits: 119
PTCAS: Yes
Class Size: 36
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 2.75, minimum GRE combined score on verbal & quantitative sections 1100, 100 hours of PT observation evenly divided between two different areas of physical therapy practice
Address: John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences, Room 113 Health Sciences Building,
Pittsburgh, PA 15282-0001,
Phone: 412-396-5541
Email: ptdept@duq.edu
Website: http://www.duq.edu/physical-therapy/

Gannon University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Credits: 106
PTCAS: No
Class Size: 42
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0
Program Contact: Kristine S Legters, PT, DSc, NCS, Chair, DPT Program
Address: Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences, AJ Palumbo Academic Center,
109 University Square, Erie, PA 16501-9987
Phone: 814-871-5548
Fax: 814-871-5662
Email: legters001@gannon.edu
Website: http://www.gannon.edu/departmental/pt/

Lebanon Valley College Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Credits: 118
PTCAS: No

Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum science GPA 2.5, 30 hours of PT observation in two different settings
Program Contact: Stan M Dacko, PT, PhD, Chair and Associate Professor
Address: 101 N College Avenue, Annville, PA 17003-1404
Phone: 717-867-6843
Email: dacko@lvc.edu
Website: http://www.lvc.edu/physical-therapy/index.aspx

Misericordia University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
Credits: 120
PTCAS: Yes
Class Size: 50
Requirements: Freshmen entry or Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, 50 hours PT observation in at least two different facilities
Program Contact: Joan Foster, Assistant Director of Admissions/Transfers
Address: 301 Lake Street, Dallas, PA 18612-1008
Phone: 570-674-6255
Email: jfoster@misericordia.edu
Website: http://www.misericordia.edu/pt

Neumann University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
PTCAS: No
Class Size: 26

Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 2.5, 200 hours of PT experience
Program Contact: Robert E Post, PT, PhD, Director
Address: Division of Nursing and Health Sciences, One Neumann Drive, Room 232
Aston, PA 19014-1277
Phone: 610-558-5534
Email: postr@neumann.edu
Website: http://www.neumann.edu/academics/grad/therapy/index.asp

Saint Francis University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Credits: 115
PTCAS: No
Requirements: 3+3 freshmen entry or Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, 80 hours of volunteer or paid experience in physical therapy in two different settings
Program Contact: Lisa A. Buck, Coordinator of Graduate Admissions
Address: School of Health Sciences, 117 Evergreen Drive, P.O. Box 600, Loretto, PA 15940
Phone: 814-472-3123
Fax: 814-472-3140
Email: lbuck@francis.edu
Website: http://www.francis.edu/PThome.htm

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Public
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Credits: 116
PTCAS: No
Class Size: 50
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 2.75, 100 hours of direct physical therapy experience with a licensed physical therapist in two or more clinical settings
Program Contact: Carol L Martin-Elkins, PT, PhD, Chairperson
Address: Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, PT Building, Slippery Rock, PA 16057
Phone: 724-738-2080
Fax: 724-738-2113
Email: carol.martin-elkins@sru.edu
Website: http://academics.sru.edu/pt/index.htm

Temple University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Public
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
Credits: 130
PTCAS: Yes
Class Size: 50
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, PT observation hours
Program Contact: Stephen Carp PT, PhD, GCS
Address: 3307 North Broad Street, Jones Hall – 6th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Phone: 215-707-8913
Fax: 215-707-7500
Email: stephen.carp@temple.edu
Website: http://www.temple.edu/chpsw/departments/pt/

Thomas Jefferson University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
Credits: 111
PTCAS: Yes
Class Size: 43
Requirements: 3+3 freshmen entry or Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, 50 hours of volunteer or work experience in two physical therapy settings
Program Contact: Paul D Howard, PT, PhD, OCS, Cert MDT, COMT, Interim Chairperson
Address: Jefferson College of Health Professions, 130 South Ninth Street, Suite 830,
Philadelphia, PA 19107-5233
Phone: 215-503-8025
Email: Paul.Howard@jefferson.edu
Website: http://www.jefferson.edu/jchp/pt/

University of Pittsburgh Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Public
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Credits: 107
PTCAS: Yes
Class Size: 60
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, minimum GRE score of 1000 is required (Verbal and Quantitative) and a minimum score of 3.5 (Analytical), 100 PT observations hours
Address: 6035 Forbes Tower, Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Phone: 412-383-6630
Fax: 412-383-6535
Email: PTinfo@shrs.pitt.edu
Website: http://www.shrs.pitt.edu/dpt/

University Of Scranton Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
Credits: 116.5
PTCAS: No
Class Size: 45
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0
Program Contact: Peter Leininger, PT, PhD, OCS, Assistant Professor, DPT Program Director
Address: Department of Physical Therapy, 800 Linden Street, Scranton, PA 18510-2429
Phone: 570-941-6662
Fax: 570-941-7940
Email: entry-level.DPT@scranton.edu
Website: http://matrix.scranton.edu/academics/pcps/physicaltherapy/

University Of The Sciences In Philadelphia Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
PTCAS: No
Class Size: 40
Requirements: three+three freshmen entry or Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0
Program Contact: Marc Campolo, PT, PhD, SCS, ATC, CSCS, Chair
Address: 600 South 43rd Street, Box 39, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: 215-596-8849
Email: m.campol@usip.edu
Website: http://www.usp.edu/academics/collegesdepts/pt

Widener University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
Credits: 120
PTCAS: No
Class Size: 40
Requirements: 120 credits of approved graduate course work, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, 40 hours PT observation in two different settings
Program Contact: Jeanne Nolan, Program Secretary
Address: Institute for Physical Therapy Education, School of Human Service Professions, One University Place, Chester, PA 19013
Phone: 610-499-1277
Fax: 610-499-1231
Email: physicaltherapy@widener.edu
Website: http://www.widener.edu/academics/collegesandschools/humanserviceprofessions/physicaltherapy

Other schools that offer physical therapy programs in Pennsylvania are Keystone College and Lincoln University of Pennsylvania.

The post Where Can I Find Physical Therapy Programs In Pennsylvania? appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

The University Of New Mexico, Albuquerque

The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque is one of the two institutions that offer physical therapy programs in New Mexico. Their program provides graduates with the knowledge required in order to take up a position as entry-level Physical Therapist Assistants.

The physical therapy programs in New Mexico include subjects such as kinesiology, anatomy and physiology, and patient communication. Students are taught to communicate confidently and professionally, critical thinking and information management skills, and to perform a range of physical therapy services.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) associate degree offered culminates in an Associate of Science degree and can be completed in approximately two years. The program includes a mixture of classroom and lab practice as well as practical clinical experience via an externship.

Upon successful completion of this program, successful graduates will be eligible to sit for the PTA licensure exam, the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).

For further information on physical therapy programs in New Mexico, contact a Carrington College Enrolment Services Representative.

San Juan College

The San Juan College is another of the institutions that offers physical therapy programs in New Mexico. It offers two Physical Therapy Assistant programs, one on-campus and one online. The college has a very modern PTA lab, which is equipped with traction tables, massage tables, electric high-low tables, plinths, and mat tables. The college also offers state-of-the-art equipment, including paraffin bath, Hoyer lift, ultrasound, hot pack, cold pack; tilt table, and electrotherapy machines.

The PTA program features some unique features, including us of the new state-of-the-art library, 100% access to computerized databases throughout the campus, and the integration of multi-media technology. One feature that is absolutely unique to San Juan is the inclusion of a concentrated, extensive neuro-developmental study and exposure to the Native American culture.

Admission

These physical therapy programs in New Mexico give preference to New Mexico residents who have the right qualifications, and applicants are required to complete certain prerequisite courses with a minimum of a 2.75 GPA or above. A higher GPA is preferable, due to the number of applicants that apply every year and the fact that only 20 students are admitted per year to each of the programs, making a total of 80 students in the first and second year for both programs.

Applicants for both programs must meet the same requirements for admission. Applicants are evaluated on a variety of criteria, including:

• A minimum college GPA of 2.75
• Completion of the Accuplacer (ACC)
• Completion of required courses as per the SJC policy
• San Juan College application
• Registration as an SJC student
• PTA Program application
• A minimum of 5 Clinical Observation hours that are not site specific
• Completion of the Admissions Exam
• 3 Professional letters of recommendation
• Copies of college transcripts

Prerequisite Courses

Prospective students of physical therapy programs in New Mexico are required to complete certain prerequisite courses before they are granted admittance to either of the PTA programs:

• ENGL 111 Freshman Composition 3
• MATH 114 Mathematics for Health Careers 3
• BIOL 112 Human Body Structure and Function 4
• HITP 110 Medical Terminology 3
• COMM 111 Interpersonal Communication 3
• ENGL 218 Advanced Technical Composition** 3
• PSYC 120 Introduction to Psychology 3
• PTAP 116 Musculoskeletal Focus *** 3
• Total Prerequisite Credits 25

Students must also ensure that evidence of a higher-level math class, freshman composition and other general education hours (total 25 credits) are on record at the end of the fall semester for which they have applied. This requirement is the same for either program.

On-Campus Program

The PTA program at San Juan is 80 weeks long, and the curriculum for the on-campus program is split up over 5 semesters. The curriculum is formatted in a way that allows a high school graduate to begin studying immediately after graduation. The sessions are designed in such a way that they allow for maximum flexibility for summer students.

Curriculum

The program consists of the following courses, for a total of 49 credits.

• PTAP 110 Introduction to PTA 3
• PTAP 125 Clinical Kinesiology 4
• PTAP 130 Pathophysiology 3
• PTAP 150 Procedures I 4
• PTAP 140 Therapeutic Exercise 3
• PTAP 160 Procedures II 3
• PTAP 210 Principles of Rehabilitation 5
• PTAP 230 Full-Time (minimum 40 hours/week) Clinical Externship (Acute/Inpatient) 4
• PTAP 250 Procedures III 4
• PTAP 260 Seminar 2
• PTAP 270 Full-Time (minimum 40 hours/week) Clinical Externship (Outpatient) 7
• PTAP 290 Full-Time (minimum 40 hours/week) Clinical Externship (Rehabilitation) 7
• Total PTA Program Credits 49

Students doing the on-campus program will complete their first full-time (40 hours per week) of four weeks in an acute setting, before the end of the third semester. They will also complete a further 2 full-time externships of seven weeks each in a rehabilitation and outpatient setting during the fourth semester. San Juan College has approximately 125 clinical sites, with current contracts, across the United States.

Online Program

Students that apply to the online/expansion program will receive all of the lecture material in an online format. Lab reviews and examinations are held on-campus, for approximately one to two weeks per lab class.

Students in the distance education program need access to the internet, preferably DSL; otherwise the requirements for entry into this program are the same as those for the on-campus program. The only difference is that students in the online program have two years in which to complete the technical program.

The online program requires that students are at the college one week per PTA lab course (denoted with an L), which will be towards the end of each semester.

Curriculum

• PTAP 110 Introduction to PTA 3
• PTAP 125 Clinical Kinesiology (L) 4
• PTAP 130 Pathophysiology 3
• PTAP 150 Procedures I (L) 4
• PTAP 140 Therapeutic Exercise (L) 3
• PTAP 160 Procedures II (L) 3
• PTAP 210 Principles of Rehabilitation (L) 5
• PTAP 260 Seminar 2
• PTAP 230 Full-Time (minimum 40 hours/week) Clinical Externship (Acute/Inpatient) 4
• PTAP 250 Procedures III (L) 4
• PTAP 270 Full-Time (minimum 40 hours/week) Clinical Externship (Outpatient) 7
• PTAP 290 Full-Time (minimum 40 hours/week) Clinical Externship (Rehabilitation) 7
• Total PTA Program Credits 49

Students in the online program will complete the first 4-week full-time externship in the fifth semester and a further two 7-week fulltime externships in the sixth semester.

All externships may be completed near the student’s place of residence as long as a clinical contract can be established between the physical therapy facility that is used and the San Juan College.

Clinical externships may not be done at a facility at which students either are or have been previously employed.

Tuition, Fees and Books

Tuition for either of the PTA programs for an in-state student is $47 per credit hour; this includes a $6 per credit hour student general education fee
Tuition for either of the PTA programs for an out-of-state student is $115 per credit hour; this includes a $10 per credit hour student general education fee
Textbooks for either program cost approximately$1,045
The cost of the entire program, which includes all books, tuition, and program and student fees for an on-campus in-state student, is $5,123; and out-of-state on-campus student will pay $10,155 for the same
All on-campus students are required to pay $600 for program fees, which can be paid over four semesters
The in-state distance education students will pay $6,023 for the entire program, including all books, tuition, and program and student fees, and an out-of-state distance education student will pay $11,055
All distance education students are required to pay $1,500 for program fees, which can be paid over six semesters

Financial Aid

Although the physical therapy programs in New Mexico that are offered by the San Juan College are affordable for most, the college offers access to financial aid on a per-need and merit basis. Contact the Office of Financial Aid at 505/566-3323 for further information.

Each fall semester, one student is granted a $500 endowment scholarship, which is specific to the PTA program.

Licensure

Upon successfully graduating from either program, students are qualified to sit for the national computerized licensing exam.

Outcomes

Based on a three-year average, the outcomes are excellent, with 81% of students admitted to both programs completing and graduating from the program, and 90% of the graduates pass the national licensing exam. 100% of those that sought employment were employed.

Job Outlook

New Mexico currently has approximately 330 working physical therapy assistants, and this figure is projected to climb to approximately 420 by the year 2018.

Accreditation

Both the on-campus Physical Therapist Assistant program and the online Physical Therapist Assistant program are fully accredited through the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

More information regarding either of these physical therapy programs in New Mexico can be accessed on the website or you can contact the interim Program Director, Dr. Therese Millis, DPT, via e-mail or you can contact her by phone on (505) 566-3013.

The post Are There Physical Therapy Programs In New Mexico? appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

How To Become A Physical Therapist In Washington

In order to be a physical therapist in this state you must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Health Board of Physical Therapy. Before you can be licensed you must meet the following requirements:

• You must have either a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, or
• A bachelor’s degree in any field followed by a graduate degree in physical therapy

However it is interesting to note that in reality you will need to get a master’s or doctorate degree as bachelor’s degree programs for physical therapist in Washington are no longer accredited by CAPTE, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, and it is necessary to complete a program accredited by this body before you can become a registered and licensed physical therapist in this state. Consequently the educational requirements to be a physical therapist in Washington are currently fairly stringent.

To apply for licensure as a physical therapist in Washington you must:

• Complete and submit an application form (forms can be downloaded at http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/Professions/Physical_Therapy).

• Along with your application form you will need to pay an application fee to the board of $100. This is non-refundable.

• In addition to the application fee you will need to submit a passport sized photograph of yourself to the Board.

• Prior to submitting the application, applicants must take and pass with a score of 100% the Washington State jurisprudence exam for physical therapy. This is a requirement as it proves that you are fully aware of the legal aspects involved in being a physical therapist in Washington and therefore proves that you are able to adequately perform your role.

• You need to have completed a required seven-hour training course in AIDS prevention, transmission, and treatment.

• Applicants in Washington also need to provide proof of their education in the form of an official transcript with the date of their graduation included.

• After submitting all of this information you must apply to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). This will cost you $350.

Continuing education is also required as proof of your continuing competency as a physical therapist in the state of Washington. These requirements will differ from state to state. Consequently you need to have a full understanding of the requirements in your state well ahead of time.

List Of Physical Therapy Programs In Washington

In order to become a physical therapist in Washington you have to either complete a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy or complete a bachelor’s degree in another major, followed by a specialization in physical therapy. However the educational requirements for this line of work have become more stringent over the years and it is now necessary to hold a master’s degree in physical therapy or a doctorate in physical therapy in the state of Washington in order to be allowed to become registered as a professional physical therapist in this state. Consequently most physical therapy programs in Washington offer one of the latter degree options rather than a bachelor’s degree program for potential physical therapy students.

There are three main physical therapy programs in Washington that you will be able to enroll in as a student with an interest in pursuing this career:

Eastern Washington University
Location: Spokane, WA
Degree: Masters
Website: http://www.ewu.edu/cshe/programs/physical-therapy.xml
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: 310 North Riverpoint Blvd., Box T, Spokane, WA 99202
Phone: 509-828-1354
Fax: 509-828-1389
Email: ddickerson@ewu.edu

University of Puget Sound
Location: Tacoma, WA
Degree: Doctorate
Website: http://www.pugetsound.edu/academics/departments-and-programs/graduate/school-of-physical-therapy/
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: 1500 N. Warner St., CMB 1070, Tacoma, WA 98416
Phone: 253-879-3281
Fax: 253-879-2933
Email: pt@pugetsound.edu

University of Washington
Location: Seattle, WA
Degree: Doctorate
Website: http://rehab.washington.edu/education/degree/pt/
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: 1959 NE Pacific Street, Suite BB-928, Seattle, WA 98195
Phone: 206-598-5333
Fax: 206-685-3244
Email: gleep@uw.edu

Although the options may not seem many or diverse, they are fairly good quality and most students who enroll in these programs feel fully equipped to begin a career as a physical therapist once they have graduated.

Because becoming a physical therapist is an advanced qualification you need to be prepared to devote many years of your life to achieving this educational end. In addition hard work and dedication will be required and the cost of many physical therapy programs in Washington can be quite expensive for the average student. In the long run, however, you will be preparing for a solid and rewarding career within the ever expanding health care profession where you will always be guaranteed of being able to find employment.

Salary

According to physicaltherapycareer.net there are 3840 physical therapists currently employed in Washington and they are being paid around $35.43an hour and $73,690 a year. However the actual salary that you may end up earning will depend on a variety of factors. One of these factors is the specific city within Washington where you choose to work. According to cbsalary.com these are the salary amounts that you can expect in the various cities within the state of Washington:

• In Bellevue you can expect to earn about $71, 564 a year
• In Therapist Redmond you can expect to earn about $71, 564 a year
• In Therapist Bellingham you can expect to earn about $70, 400 a year
• In Therapist Richland you can expect to earn about $62, 465 a year
• In Therapist Bremerton you can expect to earn about $69, 327 a year
• In Therapist Seattle you can expect to earn about $71, 564 a year
• In Therapist Everett you can expect to earn about $71, 564 a year
• In Therapist Spokane you can expect to earn about $66, 137 a year
• In Therapist Kennewick you can expect to earn about $62, 465 a year
• In Therapist Tacoma you can expect to earn about $67, 982 a year
• In Therapist Olympia you can expect to earn about $63, 990 a year
• In Therapist Yakima you can expect to earn about $75, 144 a year
• In Therapist Pasco you can expect to earn about $62, 465 a year

There are a number of other factors that may too play a part in the salary that you earn, including the industry that you work in and the employer that you work for as a physical therapist in Washington.

Career Outlook

The career outlook for physical therapist in Washington is extremely good. This is because, in this state, the incidence of heart disease as well as strokes has increased significantly over the last short period of time. Individuals recovering from such medical incidents often require the assistance of a physical therapist. This means that there is a marked increase in the demand for physical therapists within this state, making it an excellent career to pursue in this particular part of the country. In addition physical therapy forms part of the health care industry, and industry that is always stable, even in the face of economic difficulties. In addition this is the industry that is consistently expected to grow at a faster rate than any other industry at the moment. What this essentially means for physical therapists is job security. Physical therapists in Washington also have the option of entering private practice. This can be an extremely lucrative endeavor if you are able to establish yourself quickly and easily in this regard. physical therapy is a career that comes with a great degree of professional respect. In general, as more and more people begin to accept the benefits of physical therapy, the industry is growing in its own right.

Although there are only 3 physical therapy programs in Washington to choose from, they are all of good quality, and there are a number of employment opportunities for individuals with this qualification within the state of Washington. In addition physical therapists in this state are eligible for a fairly good remuneration package. Before embarking on this career path due consideration must be given to your ability to complete the training requirements adequately as well as whether or not you meet the personality requirements for the job. In order to make a success of a career you need to have the right attitude and approach to the topics involved.

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How To Become A Physical Therapist In North Carolina

This is quite an intensive qualification as you are expected to hold multiple degrees in order to work as a physical therapist. Specifically you need to hold a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in physical therapy in order to be employed as such. There is also an examination that you will need to take, and the license that you receive as a result of passing that examination will most likely need to be renewed on a regular basis. There are a few specific criteria that must be met in the state of North Carolina specifically so ensure that you are aware of the prerequisites. As with any career there are a number of training and other steps that you will have to go through in order to become a physical therapist in North Carolina:

• The first step is to complete an undergraduate degree in a science based curriculum (although the specific major you take may not be important).

• You the need to complete a master’s degree from an approved and accredited program in North Carolina.

• You also have the option of going on to complete a doctorate degree which is advisable as it will increase your employment options, although it is far from being compulsory.

• You then need to complete the application process and take the national licensure examination offered through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

• Last but not least you must complete the application process for a North Carolina Physical Therapy license; the application, related information and fee schedule are easily found on the website at www.ncptboard.org.

• To do this you must provide proof of passing the national exam, personal information including your name, address, location and dates attended for your institution(s), degree(s) held, license(s) held, and expected place of employment.

List Of Physical Therapy Programs In North Carolina

The following is a comprehensive list of schools on offer in North Carolina:

Duke University
Location: Durham, NC
Degree: Doctorate
Website: http://dpt.duhs.duke.edu/
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: 2200 West Main Street, Suite B-230, Durham, NC 27705
Phone: 919-681-4380
Fax: 919-684-1846
Email: mike.landry@duke.edu

East Carolina University
Location: Greenville, NC
Degree: Doctorate
Website: http://www.ecu.edu/pt/
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: Health Sciences Building, 2410B, Greenville, NC 27834
Phone: 252-744-6239
Email: gillandt@ecu.edu

Elon University
Location: Elon, NC
Degree: Doctorate
Website: http://www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/dpt/
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: Gerald L. Francis Center 101B, 2085 Campus Box, Elon, NC 27244
Phone: 336-278-6350
Fax: N/A
Email: rogers@elon.edu

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Degree: Masters
Website: http://www.med.unc.edu/ahs/physical
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: 321 S. Columbia Street, Bondurant Hall, Suite 3000, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
Phone: 919-966-4708
Fax: 919-966-3678
Email: eDPTUNCadmit@med.unc.edu

Western Carolina University
Location: Cullowhee, NC
Degree: Masters
Website: http://www.wcu.edu/5951.asp
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: 310 Moore Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723
Phone: 828-227-7070
Fax: 828-227-7071
Email: donaldson@wcu.edu

Winston-Salem State University
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Degree: Masters
Website: http://www.wssu.edu/school-health-sciences/departments/physical-therapy/
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: FL Atkins Bldg., Room 331, 601 Martin L. King Jr. Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27110
Phone: 336-750-2190
Fax: 336-750-2192
Email: pattersonly@wssu.edu

As you can see there are quite a large number of schools that offer physical therapy programs in North Carolina to choose from. When selecting a school it is very important that you carefully consider all of the options that are presented to you. The decision you make at this point in your career could have a significant impact on your career moving forward as a physical therapist ion the future. The school that you choose should meet your personal ideals, but there are also a number of practical aspects that you must take into consideration when selecting a school. For example it is extremely important that the school you select is appropriately accredited, or else you may be wasting your time and your money by studying through that institution.

Salary

According to physicaltherpaycareer.net the average salary that you can earn as a physical therapist in North Carolina is about $74,450 a year. However, according to cbsalary.com, there are differences between cities within the same states. The website lists the following salaries for the various regions in North Carolina:

• In Asheville you can expect to earn around $71,535 a year
• In Lenoir you can expect to earn around $74, 853 a year
• In Chapel Hill you can expect to earn around $66,352 a year
• In Mooresville you can expect to earn around $77, 428 a year
• In Charlotte you can expect to earn around $73,810 a year
• In Morganton you can expect to earn around $74, 853 a year
• In Durham you can expect to earn around $66, 352 a year
• In Newton you can expect to earn around $$74, 853 a year
• In Gastonia you can expect to earn around $73, 810 a year
• In Raleigh you can expect to earn around $63, 192 a year
• In Goldsboro you can expect to earn around $67, 600 a year
• In Rock Hill you can expect to earn around $70, 888 a year
• In Greensboro you can expect to earn around $73, 107 a year
• In Rocky Mount you can expect to earn around $80, 264 a year
• In Greenville you can expect to earn around $64, 761 a year
• In Winston Salem you can expect to earn around $73, 453 a year
• In Hickory you can expect to earn around $74, 853 a year
• In Winston-Salem you can expect to earn around $70, 888 a year
• In High Point you can expect to earn around $73, 107 a year

Within North Carolina, then, the salary can differ significantly from city to city. However there are also a number of other influences that may have an effect on the salary that you are eligible to earn as a physical therapist within North Carolina. For example the industry that you work for may play a role as different industries place different price tags on physical therapists. The same goes for different employers. The level of experience and education that you have will also play a role. In some specific cases you may notice gender differences in terms of how much physical therapists are paid.

Career Outlook

Physical therapists are part of the healthcare industry and consequently they benefit from the job security and constant increases in jobs that characterize this industry. The field of physical therapy in the United States has seen steady growth in the last several years and future estimates state that this growth period will continue and by 2016 there will be 27 percent more physical therapists practicing nationwide than there are now. North Carolina currently employs approximately 3,700 physical therapists (2.6% of the healthcare workforce), with an average salary range of $29.99 per hour. These numbers are expected to increase along with the numbers of the entire nation, making North Carolina one of the best regions of the United States in which to complete a physical therapy program and to seek employment as a physical therapist as a result of that program. Physical therapy can also at times be seen as a form of preventative care, something which is also on the increase as there is a growing demand for preventative healthcare measures. Physical therapists have the opportunity to branch out and begin their own practices, something which can be very lucrative and result in even further career outlook options and opportunities.

Becoming a physical therapist in North Carolina seems to be a very wise career move to make. It must be noted, however, that there are states that have better opportunities in terms of the number of schools available. In addition there are states where you may stand the chance of being paid more as a physical therapy assistant than in others. It is important that you consider all of the parameters of the career before enrolling in any physical therapy programs in North Carolina. That being said, it is not a bad state in which to be a physical therapist.

The post Looking At Physical Therapy Programs In North Carolina appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

How To Become A Physical Therapist In Kansas

The steps to becoming a physical therapist in Kansas are quite similar to the steps you would follow in any other state, with a few small differences. Education and training opportunities are limited in this state, but there are still options to choose from.

Education And Training

There are two main educational routes you can take to become a physical therapist n Kansas:

• You can attend a four-year college that offers a PTA program
• You can attend a less expensive—often more flexible program at a community college that is usually finished in about two years

Before you can be admitted to one of the physical therapy programs in Kansas you must have certain educational prerequisites, including:

• Algebra
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Psychology
• Ethics

Some of the topics that you may cover in your actual physical therapy training include:

• Neuromuscular rehabilitation
• Pathophysiology
• Clinical skills

When applying for a program remember that some of the better schools only accept very few students each year, sometimes as little as 20, so apply early and do what you can to make your application stand out. Your training will include a mixture of practical and theoretical training. You will be required to complete written and practical exams, namely the National Physical Therapy Examination for the Physical Therapist Assistant. The website (https://pt.fsbpt.net/) provides useful preparation tips for the examination.

Certification

In order to become certified you need to download and complete the certification application form. Websites where this form can be found include http://www.ksbha.org/licensing/09_10_09_pt_pta_app_fillable.pdf) and (http://www.ksbha.org/licensing/09_10_09_pt_pta_app_nonfill.pdf) once you have completed the form you will need to mail it to the Kansas board of physical therapy. In addition to the application form you will also need to send a fee of $80. This can be sent:

• As a check
• As a completed the credit card authorization form

After this, patience is required. The processing of your application can take around 4 to 8 weeks. This is not long to wait, but it may feel like a long time to an impatient applicant. Unless you left something out on your form or filled something in incorrectly, you should be certified as a physical therapist in the state of Kansas following this application.

Finding A Job

There are a number of factors supporting job growth for the physical therapy industry in Kansas:

• The state has many small, rural towns that are growing and that will continue to require healthcare professionals.

• The state has a large percentage of Kansas residents working in agriculture and other physically arduous work, making the chance of incurring injury very high. This increasing the need for exceptional physical therapists and their assistants even more.

List Of Physical Therapy Programs In Kansas

There are a number of other states that have more programs on offer for physical therapy students, but the programs offered here are of fairly good quality. Graduating from one of the programs mentioned below will prepare you to complete the certification examination as well as to be a successful pharmacy technician in your career moving forward.

University of Kansas Medical Center
Location: Kansas, Kansas City
Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy, Transition D.P.T., DPT/PhD
Program Homepage: http://www.kumc.edu/SAH/pted/
Founded/Established: 1905
Contact Information:
3901 Rainbow Boulevard
Kansas City
KS 66160
Phone: 913-588-5000
Type: 4-year, Public
Institutional Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Higher Learning Commission

Wichita State University
Location: Kansas, Wichita
Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy
Program Homepage: http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=chp_pt&p=index
Founded/Established: 1895
Contact Information:
1845 Fairmount Street
Wichita
KS 67260
Phone: 316-978-3456
Type: 4-year, Public
Institutional Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Higher Learning Commission

University of Saint Mary
Location: Kansas, Leavenworth
Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy

As there are only 3 schools to choose form it is suggested that you apply at all three schools. This will allow you to keep your options open and it also may speed up the acceptance process. However, as you are likely to be accepted at all three if you are accepted at one, you need to have a good idea of which program is meets your requirements more fully and effectively. This decision should be based on:

• The reputation of the program
• The pass rate on the certification exam of students who graduate from this program
• The distance of the school form your home
• The cost of tuition through each program
• The size of the classes that you will be required to attend

Pay

In the state of Kansas there are about 1690 physical therapy jobs available each year. The hourly rate for physical therapists in this state is about $34.80 and they can earn around $70,380 a year.

• In Hutchinson Plus you can expect to earn in the region of $71,913 a year
• In Overland Park you can expect to earn in the region of $68,316 a year
• In Lawrence you can expect to earn in the region of $63,782 a year
• In Shawnee you can expect to earn in the region of $68,316 a year
• In Leavenworth you can expect to earn in the region of $68,316 a year
• In Topeka you can expect to earn in the region of $79,045 a year
• In Lenexa you can expect to earn in the region of $68,316 a year
• In Wichita you can expect to earn in the region of $71,924 a year
• In Olathe you can expect to earn in the region of $68,316 a year

Some of these cities pay significantly more than others, but overall the salary that physical therapists can earn in this state is very good, making it a good career to pursue in this part of the country. It is important to note that your specific employer may have different ideas regarding how much to pay physical therapists and this could also impact the exact salary that you can earn. In addition different industries in which physical therapists can work also tend to pay different salaries, something that you will need to look into carefully when deciding whether or not the salary is worth the effort and time that you have to put in to become a physical therapist in the first place. Generally speaking the higher your level of education and degree, the more your will be able to earn as a physical therapist, so a higher qualification is worth striving towards in this regard. In some cases, but not all, your gender may affect your salary as a physical therapist, although these differences are less noticeable than they once were.

Career Outlook

According to http://careerplanning.about.com: “Physical therapists (PTs) held about 185,500 jobs in the U.S. in 2008. Some physical therapists held two or more jobs, which makes the number of jobs held higher than the actual number of PTs. Most PTs work in hospitals or in offices of other health practitioners”. What this means for you as a physical therapy students is that there are a number of excellent employment opportunities to look forward to in all of the states, including in Kansas. Through 2018 we can expect to see faster growth in this occupation, which makes it likely that the 1690 physical therapy jobs available each year in Kansas, will increase in number, thereby providing more opportunities for physical therapy students. Attending one of the physical therapy programs in Kansas could be an excellent career move, especially when you consider the promise of job stability as well as the many benefits that come with the career. The good annual salaries are just one thing to consider and it must not be forgotten that physical therapists often work for themselves from the comfort of their own home. Pursuing a career such as this one in Kansas will not be a decision that you will regret.

Prospects for physical therapy students as well as for qualified physical therapists look quite good in the state of Kansas. When choosing form between the several physical therapy programs in Kansas you need to consider two aspects:

• Your personal preferences
• The reputation of the school

Both of these factors are equally important if you are to enjoy your program and complete it successfully without giving up. In addition these two factors will affect your readiness to join the job market once your program is complete.

The post Looking At Physical Therapy Programs In Kansas appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

There are a number of goof physical therapy programs in Georgia that you will be able to take advantage of as a student in this discipline. When choosing from among the options remember to keep your focus on schools that are accredited and that have good reputations. Creating a list of priorities and criteria that you would like your ideal school to meet before you begin your search will also narrow down your options and make your selection easier.

How To Become A Physical Therapist In Georgia

Becoming A Physical Therapist In Georgia

To begin you will need to earn the following two degrees in the order laid out here:

• A bachelor’s degree in a health care field
• A physical therapy degree program, typically two to three years in length

You then need to apply for the National Physical Therapy Examination. This is a standardized exam that is required of all physical therapists in Georgia. It assesses your basic competence in the area of physical therapy. The exam, which is overseen by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, is available at many testing centers across the state, making it fairly easy for a prospective physical therapist to make their way to an exam venue with the intention of writing the exam. There are fees involved in taking this examination:

• You will need to pay a $350 fee to write the exam
• In addition you will need to pay a fee to the testing center
• These fees also apply if the exam is failed and needs to be re-taken

Therefore it is not very financially viable to fail the exam. Each and every time you fail you will need to pay these expensive fees again. Candidates who are not successful on the first attempt may retake the test up to three times in a year. Essentially you can keep trying until you pass, but this can be expensive. Proper preparation for the first exam you write is the best method. Once you have done this you will need to submit the following to the Georgia Board of Physical Therapy:

• Your scores
• An application for licensure
• Personal information including your name, address, phone number and other demographics
• Official transcripts from your universities
• Dates of attendance/completion
• Degrees received

The licensure fee is $75 and this license is valid for a two-year period after which time it must be renewed.

Step By Step: How To Become A Physical Therapist In Georgia

According to http://www.alliedhealthworld.com this is the step-by-step process involved in becoming a physical therapist in Georgia:

• Determine a course of study for a bachelor’s degree (typically in a science field such as chemistry, biomechanics, biology, or kinesiology).

• Determine an appropriate graduate program in physical therapy (master’s degree or a doctorate degree).

• Complete the educational and clinical requirements for the chosen graduate program.

• Obtain and complete the application form and documentation required for the National Physical Therapy Exam.

• Contact the testing agency to schedule your exam appointment.

• Successful completion of the national exam.

• Obtain and complete the application form and documentation required by the Georgia Board of Physical Therapy for a physical therapy license.

• Submit licensure documentation along with the appropriate fees.

• Successful completion of licensure application leads to active licensure status.

• Adhere to Georgia Board of Physical Therapy’s code of ethics, standards of practice, and continuing education requirements in order to maintain licensure in good standing.

List Of Physical Therapy Programs In Georgia

Georgia offers quite a few excellent options for students who want to become physical therapists:

Armstrong Atlantic State University

Location: Savannah, GA

Degree: Masters

Program Homepage: http://www.pt.armstrong.edu/

Founded/Established: 1935

Contact Information:

11935 Abercorn Street

Savannah

GA 31419

Phone: 1-800-633-2349 or 912-344-2576

Type: 4-year, Public

Institutional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

Emory University

Location: Atlanta, GA

Degree: Doctorate

Program Homepage: http://rehabmed.emory.edu/pt/

Founded/Established: 1836

Contact Information:

201 Dowman Drive

Atlanta

GA 30322

Phone: 404-727-6123

Type: 4-year, Private not-for-profit

Institutional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

Georgia State University

Location: Atlanta, GA

Degree: Doctorate

Program Homepage: http://chhs.gsu.edu/pt/

Founded/Established: 1913

Contact Information:

33 Gilmer Street

Atlanta

GA 30303

Phone: 404-413-2000

Type: 4-year, Public

Institutional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

Medical College of Georgia

Location: Augusta, GA

Degree: Doctorate

Program Homepage: http://www.georgiahealth.edu/alliedhealth/pt/

Founded/Established: 1822

Contact Information:

1120 15th Street

Augusta

GA 30912

Phone: 706-721-0211

Type: 4-year, Public

Institutional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

North Georgia College and State University

Location: Dahlonega, GA

Degree: Masters

Program Homepage: http://www.northgeorgia.edu/PT/

Founded/Established: 1873

Contact Information:

82 College Circle

Dahlonega

GA 30597

Phone: 706-864-1400

Type: 4-year, Public

Institutional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

It is extremely important that you only attend schools that are accredited by the appropriate bodies, such as the ones listed here. A school that is not accredited will get you nowhere as your qualification will count for very little. Apart from the practical implications the accreditation of a school also speaks for its reputation. A school that is not accredited is probably one that does not meet the basic requirements for the state of Georgia and should not be considered on that basis.

Pay

In the state of Georgia there are about 3820 physical therapy jobs available each year. The hourly rate for physical therapists in this state is about $36.79 and they can earn around $70,530 a year.

• In Albany you can expect to earn in the region of $64,115 a year
• In Fort Gordon you can expect to earn in the region of $74,684 a year
• In Athens you can expect to earn in the region of $62,928 a year
• In Lawrenceville you can expect to earn in the region of $69,769 a year
• In Atlanta you can expect to earn in the region of $69,769 a year
• In Macon you can expect to earn in the region of $75,895 a year
• In Augusta you can expect to earn in the region of $72,055 a year
• In Norcross you can expect to earn in the region of $69,769 a year
• In Austell you can expect to earn in the region of $69,769 a year
• In Savannah you can expect to earn in the region of $71,614 a year
• In Columbus you can expect to earn in the region of $78,130 a year
• In Suwanee you can expect to earn in the region of $69,769 a year
• In Conyers you can expect to earn in the region of $69,769 a year
• In Warner Robins you can expect to earn in the region of $46,531 a year

The potential salaries that are available in this state are extremely good, making it one of the better states to become a physical therapist in. knowing where you physical therapy program is taking you can make a big impact on your decision to pursue the career. In addition to the factors mentioned above you will also find that the salary you will be eligible to earn can vary significantly based on a number of other important factors. These factors include the employer you work for, the industry you work in, your level of education and, in some cases, even your gender plays a role.

Career Outlook

The career outlook for a physical therapist in any state is extremely good especially as the profession is expected to increase by 39 percent from 2010 to 2020. What this means is that there will be an increase in the number of jobs available in Georgia. At the moment there are about 3820 physical therapy jobs available each year in this state with more projected to become available in the very near future.

There are a number of similar occupations that you could consider branching out into which have better career and salary prospects:

• Audiologists need a Doctoral or professional degree and earn around $66,660 a year
• Chiropractors  need a Doctoral or professional degree and earn around $67,200 a year
• Occupational therapist need a Master’s degree and earn around $72,320 a year
• Recreational therapists need a Bachelor’s degree and earn around $39,410 a year
• Speech-language pathologists need a Master’s degree and earn around $66,920 a year

These physical therapy programs in Georgia are aimed at preparing you for a career as a physical therapist and most of them have a very good reputation for achieving this goal. Entering the realm of physical therapy can have a significant impact on your life moving forward as more and more people succumb to the physical stress of modern life and require the aid of physical therapists and their assistants. Provided you meet the entry criteria to enroll in a good program, you should have very little trouble becoming a physical therapist, provided you are prepared to work hard.

The post Physical Therapy Programs In Georgia appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

It is important that you look into physical therapy programs by state rather than by any other criterion as there are subtly different requirements for physical therapists in different states. By attending a program in the state where you would ideally like to work as a physical therapist you are dramatically improving your chances of selecting a program that will automatically prepare you to meet all of the requirements necessary in that state. Programs must be approved and they must have a good reputation to avoid wasting your time and money.

What Do Physical Therapists Do?

Physical therapists are active in assisting patients who have suffered a bad injury or who have come through a serious illness recover to the best of their ability. They:

• Help patients regain or preserve mobility and strength
• Help patients relieve pain
• Help patients prevent long-term disability

As a physical therapist you will be required to be an expert in the mechanics of the human body and know exactly how the various muscles and joints work. Before you can correct problems in mobility and functioning, you first need to understand that functioning and everything related to it.

How To Choose The Best Physical Therapist School

Your choice of school should be based on the following basic criteria:

• Accreditation: if the school is not accredited you will be wasting your time and your money
• Tuition and financial assistance
• Time to Graduation
• Career goals and focus
• Graduate success: schools that have had a large number of successful graduates in the past who are now working as physical therapists are better options
• Graduation rate
• Practical experience/internships
• Class size
• Clinical rotation of internships: clinical practice is essential and you would be better off selecting a school that provides more hands-on experience

What’s Required To Become A Physical Therapist?

The basic requirements are as follows:

• You must have a two-year master’s degree OR a three-year professional doctorate degree in physical therapy

• This must be from a college or university that is accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)

Most physical therapy programs in most states will lean towards offering doctorate rather than master’s degrees in physical therapy as this is by far the more useful qualification for physical therapists to hold. In some states voluntary work experience is needed and you also must ensure that any school you attend is accredited.

Online Classes And Programs

It is possible to complete part of your physical therapy program online, but you simply cannot complete 100% of your training in this format. A program of this nature consists of two parts, the theoretical book learning and the practical hands-on training, both of which are equally essential in order to complete your program and become qualified. Clearly the practical aspect of the program cannot be completed online. Several on-campus programs offer online study options for the theory section, which can relieve the pressure that you are experiencing as online study is more convenient and often cheaper.

Coursework

According to braintrack.com the following topics make up the coursework that you will be required to study:

• Biology, physics and chemistry
• Human growth and development
• Biomechanics and neuroanatomy
• Therapeutic procedures and examination techniques
• Manifestations of disease
• Areas of specialization

While still in high school it may help for you to take subjects related to physical therapy, including biology, physics, and chemistry. Although it is not necessary to specialize in a particular domain of physical therapy, the option is available and may increase the rate of pay that you will be eligible to earn.

Scholarships

Many students do not begin their physical therapy training simply because they do not have the funds necessary to pay for the degree. However there are a number of scholarship opportunities and sources for students interested in enrolling in a physical therapy program and these include the following:

• The American Physical Therapy Association
• The Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions
• The Tylenol Scholarship Fund
• The Texas Physical Therapy Association
• Your state’s physical therapy association

There are also governmental grants and loans that you may be eligible to apply for. To find out more, contact FAFSA.

On-the-Job Responsibilities

There are a number of duties that are the duty of the physical therapist to perform and these duties will be comprehensively covered in your training program. As a physical therapist you will be required to establish treatment plans for patients according to the doctor’s prescription, combine different treatment modalities such as heat/cold therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound and exercise, teach patients how to use therapeutic devices, help patients to stretch and to exercise, apply traction, perform massages, and administer paraffin baths and other modalities, document the patient’s progress, and collaborate with other relevant health care professionals who are dealing with your patient or patients.

The Best Physical Therapy Programs By State

According to http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/physical-therapy-rankings the best physical therapy programs can be found in the following cities and states:

• University of Southern California located in Los Angeles, CA with a score of 4.3 out of 5
• University of Delaware located in Newark, DE with a score of 4.2  out of 5 out of 5
• University of Pittsburgh located in Pittsburgh, PA with a score of 4.1 out of 5
• Washington University in St. Louis located in St. Louis, MO with a score of 4.1 out of 5
• University of Iowa located in Iowa City, IA with a score of 3.9 out of 5
• US Army-Baylor University located in Fort Sam Houston, TX with a score of 3.9 out of 5
• Emory University located in Atlanta, GA with a score of 3.8 out of 5
• MGH Institute of Health Professions located in Boston, MA with a score of 3.8 out of 5
• Northwestern University located in Chicago, IL with a score of 3.7 out of 5
• University of Miami located in Coral Gables, FL with a score of 3.7 out of 5
• University of North Carolina located in Chapel Hill, NC with a score of 3.7 out of 5
• Marquette University located in Milwaukee, WI with a score of 3.6 out of 5
• University of Florida located in Gainesville, FL with a score of 3.6 out of 5
• Arcadia University located in Glenside, PA with a score of 3.5 out of 5
• University of Utah located in Salt Lake City, UT with a score of 3.5 out of 5
• Boston University located in Boston, MA with a score of 3.4 out of 5
• Creighton University located in Omaha, NE with a score of 3.4 out of 5
• University of Illinois located in Chicago, IL with a score of 3.4 out of 5
• Ohio State University located in Columbus, OH with a score of 3.3 out of 5
• University of Alabama located in Birmingham, AL with a score of 3.3 out of 5
• University of California located in San Francisco, CA with a score of 3.3 out of 5
• University of Kansas Medical Center located in Kansas City, KS with a score of 3.3 out of 5
• University of Maryland located in Baltimore, MD with a score of 3.3 out of 5
• University of Minnesota located in Minneapolis, MN with a score of 3.3 out of 5
• University of Wisconsin located in Madison, WI with a score of 3.3 out of 5

For specific physical therapy programs by state you should visit the following websites that have comprehensive information on the different programs available:

• http://www.usnewsuniversitydirectory.com/graduate-schools/health/physical-therapy.aspx
• http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/careersinphysicaltherapy/a/PTSchools.htm
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_physical_therapy_schools_in_the_United_States
• http://www.univsource.com/pt.htm

When you select a physical therapy program you ideally want to choose one that has a good reputation and that is well known for all of the right reasons. Here are some of the better schools for your consideration along with their contact details:

University of Southern California

Department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy

1540 Alcazar St.

Los Angeles, CA 90089

323-442-2900

pt.usc.edu

University of Pittsburgh

Department of Physical Therapy

4020 Forbes Tower

Pittsburgh, PA 15260

412-383-6558

www.shrs.pitt.edu/dpt

Washington University in St. Louis

4444 Forest Park Boulevard

St. Louis, MO 63108

314-286-1400

pt.wustl.edu

Alabama State University

P.O. Box 271

Montgomery, AL 36101

334-229-4100

alasu.edu

Arkansas State University

Department of Physical Therapy

P.O. Box 910

Jonesboro, AR 72467

870-972-3591

astate.edu

Sacred Heart University

5151 Park Ave.

Fairfield, CT 06825

203-371-7999

sacredheart.edu

City University of New York

Health Sciences Doctoral Programs

65 Fifth Ave., Room 3317

New York, NY 10016-4309

212-817-7980

web.gc.cuny.edu

California State University, Fresno

Department of Physical Therapy

2345 E. San Ramon Ave.

M/S MH29

Fresno, CA 93740-8031

559-278-2625

csufresno.edu

Northern Arizona University

Building 66, Room 102

Flagstaff, AZ 86011

928-523-4092

jan.ucc.nau.edu

Selecting the right physical therapy programs by state is extremely important as this choice will inform the rest of your career.

The post Physical Therapy Programs By State appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

Rhode Island is one of the smaller states but that does not mean that you cannot qualify as a physical therapist here. There are a number of physical therapist programs in Rhode Island, although, understandably, not as many as you would find in some other states. Some are better than others, some are more expensive than pothers, and some are accredited while others are not. There are, in fact, a number of ways in which these programs differ from each other, making your decision harder. However this is a very important decision that requires due consideration as it will affect your career moving forward.

How To Become A Physical Therapist In Rhode Island

Step #1: Research Rhode Island Accreditation Requirements

In Rhode Island professional physical therapists are not in fact allowed to use that title until:

• They have completed the proper schooling requirements for the state of Rhode Island.
• They have been licensed by the state of Rhode Island.

To be a physical therapist in Rhode Island you need to complete a training program. This program must be accredited by the appropriate body, which, in this state, is the Commission of Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) sponsored by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). A program that is not accredited will be a waste of your time and your money as your qualification will count for nothing. The reason why a school has to receive accreditation is in order to ensure that the tuition offered there is up t date and of the best quality possible. In fact it is in your best interests to attend a school that is accredited because you will be guaranteed of receiving a good and relevant education.

Step #2: Complete The National Physical Therapy Examination

The next step is to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered and governed by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). The exam is designed in order to assess the abilities of physical therapy students and to determine whether or not they are in fact ready to perform those duties in a real world setting.

According to http://www.alliedhealthworld.com: “In the interim between graduation and taking the licensure exam, a Rhode Island student may elect to work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist in order to receive additional training. This additional training can help Rhode Island students do better on the exam, but they must complete the exam within 90 days of acting as a graduate physical therapist“.

This additional training will also serve to improve your resume substantially. Employers are more interested in employing those physical therapists who have experience and who have shown interest in completing additional and non-compulsory training.

Step #3: Obtain Licensure In Rhode Island

45 days prior to taking the National Physical Therapy Examination you must:

• Fill out an application for licensure
• Have this application appropriately notarized
• Send this application to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy

Before you can take the exam you will have to provide your birth certificate. This is in order to confirm that you are, in fact, a Rhode Island resident. The fee for the licensing examination is $170 and the test can be retaken if you fail it. However after three failed attempts you must meet with the Board to determine your suitability for the profession.

List Of Physical Therapy Programs In Rhode Island

Students in Rhode Island have fewer opportunities than those in other states. This is because there is only one university in Rhode Island that offers a physical therapy program:

University of Rhode Island

Location: Kingston, RI

Degree: Masters

Program Homepage: http://www.uri.edu/hss/pt/

Founded/Established: 1892

Contact Information:

University of Rhode Island

Kingston

RI 02881

Phone: 1-401-874-1000

Type: 4-year, Public

Institutional Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education

This university does, however, have a good reputation, and there is no reason why you should not complete your physical therapy degree through this school. In addition you may be able to complete an online or distance education program offered by another state. However you need to keep in mind that different states tend to have different requirements for their physical therapy students which is why it is recommended that you attend a program within your own state as this will guarantee that you will meet the necessary requirements. Online and distance programs are also not suitable for all students. Many students need a great deal of guidance and attention when completing their physical therapy programs in Rhode Island, and it is therefore better for such students to attend face-to-face lessons. Studying online or through a distance education school will mean that you will have to work on your own and motivate yourself. In addition you will usually be required to create your own study timetable that you will then have to ensure that you follow closely. Not everyone has these skills naturally, and consequently studying online or through a correspondence school is not a decision to be made flippantly. However there are a number of advantages to this form of study, including the fact that you will be able to study form home in your own time and without compromising you current job.

Pay

In the state of Rhode Island there are about 620 physical therapy jobs available each year. The hourly rate for physical therapists in this state is about $38.23 and they can earn around $76,539 a year.

• In Cranston you can expect to earn in the region of $76,539 a year
• In Providence you can expect to earn in the region of $76,539 a year
• In Newport you can expect to earn in the region of $76,539 a year
• In Warwick you can expect to earn in the region of $76,539 a year
• In Pawtucket you can expect to earn in the region of $76,539 a year
• In Woonsocket you can expect to earn in the region of $76,539 a year

Most states have differing salary ranges from city to city, but in Rhode Island physical therapists and students who are thinking of becoming physical therapists can be fairly certain of the salary that they will receive as it is constant across all states at $76,539 a year. In addition to being stable, this salary is also very good. However it is important to note that there are a number of factors that will cause this salary to fluctuate slightly regardless of the above statistics. These factors include:

• Your employer: different employers have different policies regarding how much they pay their physical therapists.

• The industry you work in: within physical therapy there are a number of sub-industries that you will be able to work in, which each tend to have a different rate of pay depending largely on the complexity of the tasks that are performed.

• Your level of education: the higher your qualification and the more advanced your degree, the more money you will be eligible to earn as a physical therapist in Rhode Island.

• Your gender: although this is not a factor in many states, it can affect your salary very slightly in Rhode Island but is based on the mindset of your employer.

When looking for employment as a physical therapist it is also worth considering the perks and benefits offered by the job.

Career Outlook

Like all locations across the country there is expected to be a significant growth in the number of jobs in Rhode Island. The national growth expectation is about 39% from 2010 to 2020, meaning that the 620 physical therapy jobs available each year will increase providing more opportunities to more people who are interested in joining this career. There are other professions similar to that of a physical therapist but that require different education. Audiologists, for example, need a Doctoral or professional degree and earn around $66,660 a year. Chiropractors also need a Doctoral or professional degree and earn around $67,200 a year, while occupational therapists only need a Master’s degree and earn around $72,320 a year. Recreational therapists need a Bachelor’s degree and earn around $39,410 a year, and Speech-language pathologists need a Master’s degree and earn around $66,920 a year. Students considering a career in physical therapy may do better in another state, but the options in Rhode Island are also extremely good, which means that it is not compulsory to leave the state to pursue this career. Generally speaking the career opportunities in Rhode Island are in proportion to the size of the state.

Giving the opportunities that are offered in Rhode Island for both students and qualified physical therapists this is one of the best states in which to qualify as a physical therapist. Consider your own preferences when looking into physical therapy programs in Rhode Island as well as at the reputation and quality of the school that you are interested in perhaps attending.

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Different states may have different standards for physical therapists. Consequently, if you want to practice as a physical therapist in Colorado, you need to attend one of the accredited physical therapy programs in Colorado. This is because you are more likely to follow a curriculum that will be approved by your state if you attend a program within that state. Choosing the right program is of paramount importance for your career and the school you choose now will affect your opportunities in the years to come.

How To Become A Physical Therapist In Colorado

Colorado State has a direct access care policy. Essentially what this means is that physical therapists can work with patients directly without referral from a physician. To be a physical therapist in this state:

• You must possess a post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited physical therapy program.

• You must pass a national exam (the National Physical Therapy Examination or NPTE) administered and developed by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

• You must be licensed by the state of Colorado (physical therapist assistants are not licensed by the state and are not required to take an exam).

Consequently is may be easier for you to begin your career as a physical therapist by first becoming a physical therapy assistant and working your way up from there. You can earn valuable experience in this way.

Education

The program you attend must be accredited by the appropriate bodies or else your hard work and education will count for nothing. In the state of Colorado the ‘appropriate body’ is the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). There are physical therapy programs in Colorado that offer qualifications of this kind. In order to be eligible to enter either program you must have the following:

• A bachelor’s degree
• Prerequisite coursework
• A minimum GPA
• GRE
• Knowledge of the field
• Letters of recommendation

Licensing

Once you have completed your training program you will still be required to become licensed in the state of Colorado. Remember that different states have different licensing requirements and you will need to adhere to the specific requirements for your specific state. Once you have graduated from the accredited program you must apply for licensure from the Colorado Office of Licensing – Physical Therapy, which is a section of the Department of Regulatory Agencies. The application for licensure will cost you $50 and the application process requires that you provide the following:

• Personal information
• Where you have been licensed as a physical therapist before if applicable
• Proof and details of your physical therapy education
• The name of the school where you studied for the career
• The degree that you earned
• Answers to screening questions about your past

Examination

To be licensed in Colorado as a physical therapist you are required to take as well as pass the National Physical Therapy Examination. This exam is, unfortunately, not free and there are a number of fees involved. These fees include:

• $80 for the score transfer to the state
• $55 for the individual score report
• $150 for exam score verification

Passing the exam means the applicant is authorized and licensed to practice physical therapy by the Colorado Division of Registrations.

List Of Physical Therapy Programs In Colorado

There are two main physical therapy schools in Colorado that offer programs in this discipline. They are:

Regis University

Location: Denver, CO

Degree: Doctorate

Program Homepage: http://www.regis.edu/

Founded/Established: 1877

Contact Information:

3333 Regis Boulevard Denver

CO 80221

Phone: 1-800-388-2366

Type: 4-year, private, not-for-profit

Institutional Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission

University of Colorado Health Sciences Center

Location: Denver, CO

Degree: Doctorate

Program Homepage: http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/

Founded/Established: 1883

Contact Information:

13001 E 17th Place

Aurora

CO 80045

Phone: 303-556-2400

Type: 4-year, Public

Institutional Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Higher Learning Commission

There are a number of things to keep in mind when selecting one of these two physical therapy programs in Colorado. Because your choice is limited you will not take long to make a decision. However it is important to note that your personal preferences will play a big role in your happiness in the program as well as in your chances for success. Remember that you are going to struggle to complete a program and work successfully as a physical therapist if you are unhappy during your training. Because your choice is limited in Colorado, most students simply apply for both programs at once and see whether or not they get accepted. If you are accepted at one program it is highly likely that you will also be accepted at the other. This means that you need to have a clear idea in your mind regarding which schools is better for you. This means considering the reputation and accreditation status of the schools as well as your personal needs and preferences. For example, if one school is closer than the other you may choose that one.

Pay

In the state of Colorado there are about 3290 physical therapy jobs available each year. The hourly rate for physical therapists in this state is about $33.55 and they can earn around $69,780 a year.

• In Aurora you can expect to earn in the region of $72,002 a year
• In Golden you can expect to earn in the region of $ a year
• In Boulder you can expect to earn in the region of $63,735 a year
• In Grand Junction you can expect to earn in the region of $63,967 a year
• In Centennial you can expect to earn in the region of $72,002 a year
• In Greeley you can expect to earn in the region of $61,095 a year
• In Colorado Springs you can expect to earn in the region of $72,727 a year
• In Greenwood Village you can expect to earn in the region of $72,002 a year
• In Denver you can expect to earn in the region of $72,002 a year
• In Longmont you can expect to earn in the region of $63,735 a year
• In Englewood you can expect to earn in the region of $72,002 a year
• In Loveland you can expect to earn in the region of $58,487 a year
• In Fort Collins you can expect to earn in the region of $58,487 a year
• In Pueblo you can expect to earn in the region of $78,023 a year

When considering a career in any industry it is useful to have an idea of how much you can expect to earn once you have that career. In short it is useful to see what salary your physical therapy training program is preparing you for. It is important to note that the actual salary that you can earn will depend on a number of different factors, including the employer that you work for as well as the specific sub-industry of the medical profession in which you work. Your level of education can also play a very important role in this regard.

Career Outlook

According to http://careerplanning.about.com: “Physical therapists (PTs) held about 185,500 jobs in the U.S. in 2008. Some physical therapists held two or more jobs, which makes the number of jobs held higher than the actual number of PTs. Most PTs work in hospitals or in offices of other health practitioners“. Consequently there are a large number of job openings for individuals interested in pursuing a career in this field. Colorado has a large number of job openings itself making it one of the better states to seek employment in.

The occupation in general is expected to see faster growth than many other industries in the same category. This category of industries is made up of those jobs that require at least a master’s degree in order to work in them.

In Colorado specifically there are about 3290 physical therapy jobs available each year, meaning that there are a great many opportunities for people with a  qualification in this field. In addition there is a growing acceptance of physical therapy as a treatment for a wider variety of ailments, meaning that the demand for trained professionals in this sector of the health care industry is projected to increase significantly.

When choosing from among the several physical therapy programs in Colorado it is important that you consider your own personal preferences. Create a list of criteria that you need your ideal school to meet. However you also need to keep in mind that sometimes you may have to sacrifice your ideals in order to attend a school that has a good reputation for producing excellent physical therapists. In the long run the decision you make at this point will heavily affect you career outlooks and opportunities.

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Colleges And Universities

Physical therapy is one of the areas of health care that is not as well served as it could be. Consequently there are a number of schools, colleges, and universities that offer grants to their students in order to convince more of them to join the program. Consequently one of your first lines of enquiry when looking for physical therapy grants should be at your school. Here is an example of just two schools that offer physical therapy grants to their students:

• University of Nevada at Las Vegas’ School of Allied Health Sciences offers the Kitty Rodman Award

• The University of Maryland’s Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science sponsors the Kendall Scholarship fund

The financial aid department of your school is a good place to start your enquiries. These grants are sometimes not openly publicized, so it helps your chances if you make your own enquiries.

Private Providers

There are a number of private individuals and companies that are also willing to provide physical therapy grants to those who need them. Once again, these are grants that are not going to be openly advertised. In addition, even though they are not generally openly advertised as options, there will be a lot of competition. This is because, unlike grants offered but the government and physical therapy schools, private grants are low in quantity. Usually one provider will offer only one grant, which means that you will always face competition and that there is very little chance that you will receive the grant unless your application shines out above the rest. However these are suitable options and it cannot hurt to try because you never know what may happen. The worst that can happen is that you will not receive that particular grant.

Federal PELL Grants

Federal Pell Grants are among the several grants offered by the government to students who require financial aid with their studies. In order to apply for a Federal Pell grant you will need to apply through FAFSA. FAFSA is a resource that will inform you of the various government grants and loans for which you are eligible to receive. In order to receive this information you ended to go to the FAFSA website and fill out the form provided honestly. Your responses will determine which grants you can apply for. When the list is returned select the most appropriate options and apply immediately. The more options you apply for, the higher your chances of receiving a grant will be. Here is some useful contact information for receiving Federal Pell Grants:

Federal Student Aid Information Center

1-800-433-3243

www.fafsa.ed.gov

Professional Organizations

There are a number of professional organizations out there that specifically offer physical therapy grants to students involved in physical therapy studies. The Special Olympics, for example, will fund certain students in this regard as they are working in an area that benefits others. Another such professional organization is the Texas Physical Therapy Organization. Here are the contact details for these two organizations:

Special Olympics

1133 19th Street, N.W.

Washington, DC 20036-3604 USA

(202) 628-3630

(800) 700-8585

(202) 824-0200 (Fax)

info@specialolympics.org

Texas Physical Therapy Foundation

C/o Mike Geelhoed

7703 Floyd Curl Drive, (MSC 6247)

San Antonio, Texas 78229

www.tpta.org

Remember that there are also a number of other options available and that it is important that you investigate the options offered by all professional organizations before making a final choice regarding which physical therapy grants and other financial aid you will apply for.

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

The American Physical Therapy Association (or APTA as it is commonly known) is one of your best resources when looking for physical therapy grants. This website has a comprehensive database of all of your options. In addition to grants, which are monetary amounts awarded on the basis of a strong financial need, the association also lists scholarships that are available. Scholarships are also monetary amounts that are awarded to eligible candidates and like grants they do not need to be repaid. However scholarships are usually based on merit rather than on financial needs. APTA also offers a number of awards to physical therapy students which could come in handy, as well as a number of specific section awards that are also well worth your consideration if there is a particular section of the physical therapy field that interests you more than others.

Scholarships & Grants

The following is a list of the scholarships and grants that APTA has listed on its website:

• Federal/State Scholarship Resources: APTA provides links to various websites that provide information on the many federal grants that are available. This is one of the association’s more useful resources.

• Private Scholarship Resources

• Mary McMillan Scholarship Award: This is an award specifically aimed at physical therapy students. APTA provides a comprehensive analysis of what the award is and what the eligibility requirements in order to apply for this physical therapy award.

• Minority Scholarship Award

• Minority Scholarship Web Sites

• Minority Grants: APTA provides a comprehensive list of the various websites and resources to which physical therapists that belong to minority groups can turn in order to receive the financial aid they need in to become physical therapists through a comprehensive training program.

APTA Awards

APTA itself offers a number of specific awards for physical therapy student who require financial aid in order to complete their studies. Generally speaking these awards are aimed at academic excellence in students and you should therefore only apply if you are safely in the top 10% to 5% of your class. There is comprehensive information provided about each award on the APTA website, specifically at: www.apta.org. The awards offered are:

• Outstanding PT Student and PTA Student Awards (more information about this award can be found on APTA’s website.

• SPT Minority Scholarship Award for Academic Excellence (more information about this award can be found on APTA’s website.

• SPTA Minority Scholarship Award for Academic Excellence (more information about this award can be found on APTA’s website.

Section Awards

There are a number of physical therapy sections that you could choose to focus on and APTA offers several awards based specifically on these various sections. These are:

• Neurology Section Student Research Awards (more information about this award can be found on APTA’s website.

• Orthopedic Section Outstanding PT/PTA Student Award (more information about this award can be found on APTA’s website.

• Pediatrics Section Thesis and Dissertation Awards (more information about this award can be found on APTA’s website.

• Performing Arts Special Interest Group (PASIG) Student Scholarship (more information about this award can be found on APTA’s website.

These awards are only considered feasible for students who already have a clear idea of which area of physical therapy they would like to work in and are willing to commit to that area.

Foundation For Physical Therapy

The above mentioned scholarship and grant opportunities are generally aimed at those physical therapy students who are just starting their studies. In addition to these financial aid options there are also several options for postgraduate physical therapy students who need financial aid in order to complete their research. There are several sources from which you can receive such financial aid. The Foundation for Physical Therapy is one of the better associations to which you can apply. This foundation offers financial aid to post graduate physical therapy students in the form of scholarships, fellowships, and grants, all of which are feasible options for a physical therapy post graduate student who wants to advance his or her educational qualifications in this area of the health care industry. More information about these opportunities can be found by visiting here.

Scholarships

The first type of financial aid that this foundation offers is in the form of scholarship opportunities. Scholarships are based on academic excellence and, as these are aimed at post graduates, having finished at the top of your class or having written and exceptional paper or two will help you greatly in receiving these scholarships. They are:

• The Florence P. Kendall Doctoral Scholarship: This scholarship provides $5,000 to a student that shows significant potential for their first year of their post-professional doctoral degree program.

• The Promotion of Doctoral Studies (PODS) I Scholarship: This scholarship provides you with financial aid of $7,500 for the course of one year and is aimed at the coursework component of your studies.

• The Promotion of Doctoral Studies (PODS) II Scholarship: This is a 1-year, $15,000 scholarship to support individuals in the post-candidacy phase of post-professional doctoral studies.

Fellowships

The term “fellowship” refers to:

• The financial grant made to a fellow in a college or university.
• The status of having been awarded such a grant.
• A foundation established for the awarding of such a grant.

The Foundation for Physical Therapy offers the following fellowship opportunities to physical therapy students:

• New Investigator Fellowship Training Initiative (NIFTI): According to this website: “A 2-year, $78,000 post-doctoral fellowship intended to fund a mentored research experience in continuation of the development of recent post-professional, doctorally prepared physical therapist researchers as they investigate and assess broader issues relating to the provision of health care and how it impacts the quality of health care provided”.

Grants

The Foundation for Physical Therapy also provides the following grant opportunities to physical therapy students:

• Research Grants which last for a period of about 1 or 2 years and that are aimed at assisting “emerging investigators to promote scientifically-based and clinically-relevant research related to the effectiveness of physical therapist practice” by providing them with financial support of $40,000 in grant money for the one or two year period that will not need to be repaid.

There are a number of these grants available from the Foundation for Physical Therapy and it is therefore well worth applying as your chances of receiving one will be slightly higher than average.

As you can see, there are a number of physical therapy grant options, as well as several other financial aid paths that are open to you if you need to find a way to fund your physical therapy studies. The very least that you can do is to enquire as to:

• Whether there are grants available from a particular institute, and
• Whether you are eligible

The worst that they can do is to turn down your application. The more grants that you apply for, the higher your chances are of receiving one, and there are many options. There are also a number of other educational grants offered by the government, for example, that are not specifically related to physical therapy, but which can still be considered as a physical therapy grants in that they allow you to fund your physical therapy studies.

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