How To Find Accredited Physical Therapy Schools In California
We have EVERYTHING you will need to learn how to become a PT! As you begin your career in the challenging, but rewarding career as a PHYSICAL THERAPIST we offer information to help you get started.
We have information on: the BEST PT schools, PT salaries, jobs, entrance requirements for the top PT schools, career advice and much, much more!
How to Become a Physical Therapist
The opportunities to take part in a high demand career begin by learning how to become a physical therapist. Those considering a career as a physical therapist should first consider the reasons for becoming one. Next, understanding what certifications and licensing one needs to achieve through finding the right Physical Therapy Schools In California will help to clarify what is involved in this endeavor. Then the options of where one can work should be taken in to consideration. And finally, knowing how to acquire that first job will help potential careerists to understand how to become a physical therapist as a way to unlocking a wonderful career in helping people.
Where are the highest rated Physical Therapy Schools In California?
In these times of economic uncertainty, there are few careers that can offer the security and stability that are available to physical therapists. Helping to people to restore the body’s natural abilities is a physical therapist’s goal. This means evaluating and then determining a program of treatment that can restore or improve strength, flexibility and range of motion as well as many more aspects. Developing and restoring the body in this way is a natural process that takes time and skill. Unlike other medical professionals, the physical therapist has the opportunity to develop a relationship with their patients. They share in the challenges, struggles and the joys of success together. Becoming a physical therapist allows one to become part of a profession that sees a patient through to the end of their journey while making real differences in their life.
Self-fulfillment and satisfaction in knowing that they are improving people’s lives is only one of the reasons physical therapy is such a rewarding profession. The need for physical therapists is steadily increasing. Knowing that one’s profession is in high demand is a rare feeling for those embarking on a career, but this is an assurance that physical therapists can count on. A high dependable salary and the freedom to choose from a wide array of care providing situations are additional benefits that encourage many to begin their search for Physical Therapy Schools in California. And finally, a profession that focuses on the motion of the human body certainly accommodates the practitioner with plenty of movement as well. Physical therapists enjoy an active work environment, excellent salaries, care providing flexibility and the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping people.
Physical Therapy Schools in California: CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSING & EDUCATION
Most will agree that this is a very appealing profession, but addressing the question of how to become a physical therapist requires understanding what the actual requirements are. Physical therapy is a profession that requires a college education. A Doctorate of Physical Therapy from one of the accredited Physical Therapy Schools in California is the entry level of education required to qualify to take the National Physical Therapy Examination. The DPT is not the only degree option and it should be noted that national physical therapy associations are continuing to push for a clinical doctorate requirement. The Doctor of Physical Therapy is currently required to qualify for the national licensing, but until the late 1990s the Bachelor of Physical Therapy qualified graduates for the examination so one can see that the standards of education are steadily being raised.
Once the degree program is successfully completed, one must pass both state and federal licensing examinations. Requirements to maintain licensing in many states requires ongoing career development and evidence of continuing education. There are further options such as a specialist certification but that option is only available to those physical therapists with over 2,000 hours of experience and current national and state licenses. The career of physical therapy has a broad and diverse assortment of opportunities for career development and advancement, but first one must know how to become a physical therapist. The path begins at a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. There are undergraduate programs that will prepare students for graduate work in this field, but typically many choose to pursue an undergraduate degree in a related science instead.
How to Become a Physical Therapist: HOSPITAL, SMALL CLINIC OR SELF-EMPLOYED?
Once one knows how to become a physical therapist, there are always questions as to where one can work. After all, if one is endeavoring to begin this career path then one surely would be interested in knowing where they may end at. Physical therapists enjoy a diversity of professional opportunity that is unmatched by most other careers. Newly licensed physical therapists from one of the accredited Physical Therapy Schools in California may choose to work in a hospital. Most physical therapists work in hospitals or offices of healthcare practitioners. There is also a wide array of other locations such as outpatient care centers or nursing care facilities. Many physical therapists will work in a self-employed private practice or an in the home healthcare service. The decision is often based on what type of clients one would like to specialize in.
Beginning one’s career at a full-service hospital will expose new physical therapists to a tremendous range of patient needs. The hospital tends to be the most diverse of the work situations, but remarkable diversity can also be found while working at an outpatient care facility. Choosing to focus on geriatric physical therapy will naturally be well coupled with work at a nursing facility. However, maintaining the freedom to accept exclusive clients while advertising a private practice is an option that many seek. Currently, the growing trend among many physical therapists is to work two part-time jobs. Many choose to work in a hospital or other larger facility for part of their employment hours while maintaining a private practice during their remaining working hours.
How to Become a Physical Therapist: GETTING YOUR FIRST JOB
The best way to secure a job as a newly graduated physical therapist is to plan ahead. Knowing how to become a physical therapist and knowing how to work as a physical therapist are two different topics. One cannot wait till they have completed all course work at one of the Physical Therapy Schools in California and licensing before beginning to prepare for the job market. The best way to be ready is to volunteer at therapy facilities one may wish to work at once licensed. As a graduate student, many facilities will welcome the knowledgeable volunteerism that students are capably offering in exchange for an opportunity to work around licensed professionals in one’s future field. Make a positive impression and the connections will reap wonderful employment potential when one finishes the licensing process. Even if that facility has no available positions when one returns, the positive recommendation of a reputable physical therapy facility can open doors of opportunity for the newly licensed.
How to Become a Physical Therapist: Physical Therapy Schools in California
Learning how to become a physical therapist is only the first step. Next, one must take action to turn this opportunity into a reality. Begin by selecting one of the credible Physical Therapy Schools in California and verify that it is certified by the national governing organization of physical therapy programs. Take advantage of the opportunities the school provides but also seek additional opportunities through volunteering. Successfully see this goal through to the finish and a wide world of amazing opportunity waits. The road will be challenging, but in the end one can know that all the work was worth it when sharing in the success of helping a patient to successfully complete their treatment.