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For a high school student the task of learning is difficult if there is no motivation. If you know what you would like to study, it would make it that much easier to obtain the grades you are looking for, especially if you have decided what you would like to do. Physical therapy is an interesting field and it is a great way to be of service to others. It is therefore important to know what the physical therapy education cost would be and what other requirements you need to perform your tasks as a therapist.
Once you have decided to follow the physical therapy course, you should look into the tuition fees and anything else you might need to know that is related to the course. This is especially if you have decided that you are indeed going to do the course. For example, financial aid might be a problem and this could put a damper on your prospects. This does not necessarily pose a problem. Study hard at school to obtain at least a C-aggregate and do your research well for prospective colleges.
The Physical Therapy Education Cost For The Course
There are many different places (colleges, technical colleges and even universities) where you are able to attend classes to complete the syllabus or course for this diploma or associate degree. Each of these would have a different fee structure. This is what you should look at once you have made the decision to follow this career path. You could also do the course part-time, but this can be exhausting and more costly. However, it would be a great idea and an asset if you were already assisting someone else in this field.
Most of these courses are spread over a period of two years and would cost in the region of, for example:
- A Community College could cost you in the region of $2,500 a year
- A Private College could cost up to $10,000 per year
- Others could charge up to $20,000 (as mentioned below)
No matter what the cost, you have the freedom to choose which training center you would like to attend. However, if you are cash strapped, you should look out for the cheapest option. Your main motivation is to be trained and be the best therapist you can be and that would motivate you to learn as much as you can no matter where you study and what the cost.
Other Options
- At a private technical college, students could pay $344 per credit. This would lead to an Associate Degree at $20,000 for the entire tuition.
- Added to the costs is that some states would require you to sit for the certification from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
- The cost would be an added $350.
- If the state requires it, you should make every effort to do the Exam.
There are lists of schools available across the different states and you should look at a few and compare fees. You do have to remember though that some states are different from others for future employment. By doing a thorough research, you would find yourself in the position of making the right choice, securing your future. Some of these courses are based at university as undergraduate studies as well. This is what could add to the cost as well.
Here is a short list of schools you might want to look at (however, there are many places that would not be on the list):
- Touro College (NY)
- Houston Community College
- San Diego Mesa College
- Jefferson State Community College (Alabama)
- Pima Medical Institute, Tucson (Arizona)
- Arkansas State University (Arkansas)
- Pueblo Community College (Colorado)
- Broward College (Florida)
- Darton College (Georgia)
- Illinois Central College (Illinois)
- University of Indianapolis (Indiana)
- Kirkwood Community College (Iowa)
- Kansas City Kansas Community College (Kansas)
- Somerset Community College (Kentucky)
- Delgado Community College (Louisiana)
- Baltimore City Community College (Maryland)
- Bay State College (Massachusetts)
- Baker College (Michigan)
- Lake Superior College (Minnesota)
- St Louis Community College (Missouri)
- Montana State University (Montana)
- College of Southern Nevada (Nevada)
- Hesser College (New Hampshire)
- Essex County College (New Jersey)
- Fayetteville Technical Community College (North Carolina)
- Cuyahoga Community College (Ohio)
- Mount Hood Community College (Oregon)
- University of Pittsburgh, Titusville (Pennsylvania)
- Trident Technical College (South Carolina)
- South College (Tennessee)
- Del Mar College (Texas)
- Salt Lake Community College (Utah)
- Northern Virginia Community College (Virginia)
- Olympic College (Washington)
- Mountain State University (West Virginia)
- Western Technical College (Wisconsin)
This is not a full comprehensive list. There are many more places where you are able to get the qualifications you need to become an accredited physical therapist assistant or aide.
What You Need To Add To The Physical Therapy Education Cost
It is important that you add any other cost that you might have to pay toward your overall fees. You would need to add into the equation:
Books
- The cost of books can make a huge difference. An idea might be to also look at secondhand books.
- This is a necessary expense as it covers the syllabus in most areas.
- Books are often included in the fees, but for some there is the necessity of purchasing your own for self-study and research.
- Some books might cost between $750 and $1,300
- Textbooks for these courses would cost more or less the same across the board.
Other Aspects Necessary For The Course
- You need to add into the fees for physical therapy education cost aspects such as added certifications such as for CPR and First Aid.
- As mentioned before, you should also add the $350 for the certification from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy to be accredited and licensed. The latter would apply for the state in which you find yourself.
- If you are going to study out of your own state, you should keep in mind that you would need to add the cost of living to your expenses. That means boarding, lodging and transport costs. In most instances, a resident student would pay less than a non-resident student.
- You might have to add in a uniform as well and this would depend on where you would do your practical for the course. The practical aspect is interspersed with your academic training. The dress code would differ from clinic to clinic.
- You would also find that there is a specific dress code for the clinic and a specific dress code for when you work in the laboratory. Hence, this means an added cost for these.
Loans And Scholarships For Your Tuition Costs
The best way to access tuition fees is to get hold of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online, from any college or any library in your area. . This will help give you access to financial aid. These are available if you need them and there are many options from which to choose. Some of these options are:
- The American Physical Therapy Association. They have resources available as well as links to student loans, scholarships and grants.
- There is the Federal Work-Study through which you can earn through part-time work.
- Do not forget that, if you are already working for someone in this field, they might cover yur costs should you wish to further your studies.
- Parent Plus Loans are available to parents who would want to pay for the tuition of their children.
These ones are only the minimum mentioned. You should strive to get hold of the college you would be studying with and avail yourself to what they have available. It would make things that much easier if you could apply for the college financial aid. You must also keep in mind that these scholarships, bursaries and loans have deadlines. You therefore have to get the application submitted as soon as possible.
A List Of Other Places For Financial Assistance
When you do look at these places, make sure that you avail yourself with the deadlines so that you do not miss an opportunity. Look at a few and apply to a few as well. Here is a short list (and by no means a comprehensive list):
- AOTF Scholarship Program
- The Tylenol Scholarship Fund
- Alexandra Scholarship
- Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (WISP)
- Healthcare Career Scholarship
For your convenience there is a more comprehensive list, which can be found at: https://www.mycollegeoptions.org/56/2/Physical-Therapy/search-results-scholarship-search-by-major.aspx
You should have a look and see which ones are open and are still applicable for the year in which you find yourself. Applications should be in as early as possible for you to stand a chance of obtaining assistance.
The Final Decision Is Up To You
The final decision as to where you will be studying the physical therapy course will be up to you. The importance is that you are sure of your direction as well as highly motivated to continue with your studies through to the end to a highly fulfilling career. This would mean that you have done thorough research in terms of the institution as well as the cost involved.
Your main choice would be driven by the physical therapy education cost or it could be driven by where you would prefer to study. If it were driven by the cost, you would look at the cheapest option and make it work to your advantage. A low cost institution, however, does not necessarily mean low standards hence you should include the aspect of quality in your research as well.