By: Steve Patterson
Submitted: 2011-05-27 14:45:22 | Word Count: 587
The job of a physical therapist has gained a lot of demand in recent years. If you aspire to become a physical therapist, it is important for you to know the details about the physical therapy degree requirements. This article gives you information about the job of a physical therapist, and the educational requirements you need to become one...
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A physical therapist is a person who treats people suffering from physical health problems like arthritis, head injuries, knee problems, sports injuries, back pain, and stroke. Once the patient is given the basic treatment by the doctor, a physical therapist helps the patient recover back to normal health with the help of exercises and other techniques. Physical therapists also work with children and adults suffering from cerebral palsy, speech difficulties, occupational problems, etc. As physical therapy is very important for a patient to recover fully, physical therapy jobs are on the rise. They can be found in medical situations like hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, special education schools, outpatient clinics, physical therapist clinics, etc. Let us look at the physical therapy degree requirements that a person who wants to become a physical therapist should have.
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Physical Therapy Education Requirements
Earlier, physical therapist requirements consisted of only a graduation degree in physical therapy. However, in the late 1990s , the masters and doctorate degree courses were also added. Basically, there are four physical therapist degree courses that a person can choose from to become a physical therapist. Here is some detailed information on each of them.
Transitional Master's in Physical Therapy Degree
A person who wants to do this degree should have a graduation degree in physical therapy first. Transitional master's is a two-year degree program where students have to learn about subjects like neurology, pediatrics, pulmonary testing and management, orthopedics, geriatrics, orthotics, and prosthetics. They may also have to do a research project during their course period.
Direct Entry Master's in Physical Therapy Degree
Direct entry master's degree is for people who have graduated in some other field and have a keen interest to take up physical therapy. Like the transitional master's degree, even this course spans two years, however the curriculum is a little different. During the first year of the course, students would be exposed to the basic concepts of physical therapy, while the second year would be internship in a hospital or clinic where they would get practical experience of being a physical therapist.
Transitional Doctorate in Physical Therapy Degree
As in all the other fields, even in the field of physical therapy, the higher the degree, the higher is the position, as well as the pay. The qualification after a master's degree is the doctorate's degree. Physical therapy school requirements, for students who want to do a transitional doctorate degree, is a bachelor's and master's degree in physical therapy. Here, the students are given advanced education in physical therapy.
Direct Entry Doctorate in Physical Therapy Degree
People who have completed their graduation in some other subject and are interested in becoming a physical therapist can take up this course and earn the title of doctor in three years time.
People who are not interested in becoming a physical therapist, but would like to work in this field can opt for a two-year associate degree to become an physical therapist assistant. This course gives the student knowledge about physical therapy principles and practice, neurological and orthopedic disabilities and treatments, functional kinesiology, basic patient care, anatomy, developmental disabilities, clinical practice,
