Are you considering a career in healthcare and wondering if becoming a physical therapist is the right choice for you? Physical therapy offers a rewarding career path for those who are passionate about helping people recover from injuries, improve mobility, and enhance their overall quality of life. Let’s explore the physical therapist career path and answer common questions like “what is physical therapy?”, “are physical therapists doctors?”, and break down the education requirements for physical therapists, including how many years it takes to become a physical therapist.
What is Physical Therapy?
Before diving into the details of a physical therapist’s career path, let’s first address the basic question: What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy (PT) is a branch of healthcare that focuses on evaluating, diagnosing, and treating individuals who have conditions affecting their physical movement and functionality. Physical therapists, or PTs, use a combination of hands-on care, therapeutic exercises, and education to help patients manage pain, improve mobility, and prevent or recover from injury. They work with a wide range of patients, from athletes recovering from sports injuries to individuals dealing with chronic conditions like arthritis or neurological disorders.
The ultimate goal of physical therapy is to help patients regain their strength, flexibility, and coordination so they can return to their daily lives, whether that involves performing basic tasks or resuming athletic activities.
The Physical Therapist Career Path
If you’re thinking about becoming a physical therapist, it’s essential to understand the physical therapist career path and the steps required to enter this field. Here’s a general roadmap to guide you:
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (4 years)
- Complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program (3 years)
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
- Obtain Licensure
- Optional: Pursue Specializations or Further Education
Let’s break down each step in detail.
Earning a Bachelor’s Degree (4 Years)
The first step on the physical therapist career path is to earn a bachelor’s degree. While there is no specific undergraduate major required to enter physical therapy school, most aspiring PTs pursue degrees in fields such as:
- Exercise Science
- Kinesiology
- Biology
- Health Science
These programs provide a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, which are critical for success in a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. In addition to your major, you’ll need to complete prerequisite courses that are typically required for admission to DPT programs. Common prerequisites include:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Statistics or Mathematics
During your undergraduate years, gaining experience in the field of physical therapy can also strengthen your application to DPT programs. This might include shadowing physical therapists, volunteering at clinics, or working as a physical therapy aide.
Completing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program (3 Years)
To become a licensed physical therapist, you must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The DPT is now the standard educational requirement in the United States, and all accredited physical therapy programs offer this degree. This brings us to the frequently asked question: Are physical therapists doctors?
Yes, physical therapists who have earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree are considered doctors in the context of their field. However, they are not medical doctors (MDs) but rather healthcare professionals with a doctorate-level education in physical therapy.
What Does a DPT Program Entail?
A typical DPT program takes about three years to complete and includes a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experience, and internships. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, including:
- Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the structure and function of the human body.
- Kinesiology: Studying how the body moves and functions.
- Neuroscience: Learning about the nervous system and its role in movement and recovery.
- Orthopedics: Focusing on the musculoskeletal system and rehabilitation.
- Cardiopulmonary Therapy: Addressing issues related to heart and lung function.
- Clinical Practice: Gaining hands-on experience through internships and supervised clinical rotations.
Clinical internships are a vital component of DPT programs, giving students the opportunity to work directly with patients in real-world settings. These internships help students develop practical skills, learn how to assess and treat patients, and understand the day-to-day responsibilities of a physical therapist.
Passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
After completing a DPT program, the next step is to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). The NPTE is a comprehensive exam administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and is required for licensure in all states.
The NPTE assesses your knowledge of physical therapy theory, clinical practice, and patient care. It covers areas such as:
- Musculoskeletal System
- Neuromuscular System
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary System
- Integumentary System
- Professional Ethics and Responsibilities
Passing the NPTE is crucial for obtaining licensure and practicing as a physical therapist in the United States.
Obtaining Licensure
Once you’ve passed the NPTE, you’ll need to obtain a license to practice physical therapy in your state. Each state has its own licensure requirements, but they generally include:
- Completion of a DPT program
- Passing the NPTE
- Submitting an application and paying a licensing fee
Some states may also require background checks or additional coursework on topics such as ethics or state laws governing physical therapy practice. It’s important to check the specific requirements in the state where you plan to work.
Optional: Pursue Specializations or Further Education
While not required, many physical therapists choose to pursue further education or specialization to enhance their skills and career opportunities. Specializing allows you to focus on a specific area of physical therapy and can increase your earning potential. Common specializations include:
- Orthopedic Physical Therapy
- Neurological Physical Therapy
- Sports Physical Therapy
- Geriatric Physical Therapy
- Pediatric Physical Therapy
To specialize, you can complete a post-graduate residency or fellowship program and obtain board certification in your chosen area through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).
How Many Years to Become a Physical Therapist?
Now that we’ve outlined the steps on the physical therapist career path, you might be wondering: How many years does it take to become a physical therapist?
On average, it takes about 7 years to become a licensed physical therapist:
- 4 years to complete a bachelor’s degree
- 3 years to complete a DPT program
This timeline may vary slightly depending on the individual, but most physical therapists enter the workforce after about seven years of higher education.
Are Physical Therapists Doctors?
As we mentioned earlier, physical therapists are doctors, but they are not medical doctors (MDs). Instead, they hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which qualifies them to practice as licensed healthcare professionals. Physical therapists are trained to diagnose and treat movement disorders, provide rehabilitation, and help patients manage chronic conditions, but they do not perform surgeries or prescribe medications like medical doctors do.
Education Requirements for Physical Therapists
To recap, the education requirements for physical therapists include:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Typically in a related field such as kinesiology, exercise science, or biology.
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree: A 3-year graduate program that includes both coursework and clinical experience.
- Passing the NPTE: The national exam required for licensure.
- State Licensure: Required in all states to practice physical therapy.
Additionally, continuing education is often required to maintain licensure and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.
Career Outlook for Physical Therapists
The job outlook for physical therapists is highly favorable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 18% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Demand is increasing. This is because the population is getting older. People are also more aware of the benefits of physical therapy. Additionally, there is a greater focus on preventive healthcare.
Is Physical Therapy the Right Career for You?
Becoming a physical therapist is a fulfilling and impactful career choice for those passionate about helping others. The physical therapist career path involves several years of education and training, but the rewards are significant. Not only do physical therapists make a difference in the lives of their patients, but they also enjoy job stability, opportunities for growth, and the ability to specialize in areas that interest them.
If you’re ready to embark on a journey toward a career in physical therapy, start by researching DPT programs, shadowing professionals in the field, and building a strong foundation in the sciences. With dedication and commitment, you can achieve a career that is both personally and professionally rewarding.
For those interested in healthcare, physical therapy offers a dynamic and hands-on career that blends science, empathy, and the power to transform lives.
Want access to more career, leadership, and professional development content? Become a PathWise member. Basic membership is free, so join today!
