The options are many. And choosing just one can be overwhelming. That's the tension lots of students face when it comes to pursuing a career in healthcare.
Here's a list that might help:
- Quality pay
- Ample opportunities
- The ability to control your environment
- And the chance to build relationships with patients
A growing field
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapy positions are expected to grow by 15 percent over the next eight years. That's significantly faster than the national average of 3 percent for all other occupations. Your educational investment will be high — the American Physical Therapy Association requires a doctorate to become a physical therapist — but so are the rewards. In 2023, the median salary for PTs was $99,710, or $47.94 an hour.
Specialize in what you love
There are many ways to specialize within the field of physical therapy. Depending on your personal interests, you can focus on:
- Oncology
- Electrophysiology
- Sports
- Wound management
- Orthopedic
- Neurology
- Geriatric
- Cardiovascular and pulmonary
- Pediatric
Diverse workspace opportunities
Unlike other healthcare careers, PTs have a variety of places where they can work. Your options include traditional outpatient physical and occupational therapy offices, schools, sports facilities, hospitals, emergency rooms, and residential care facilities. Worried about staying in the same place for too long? You can become a travel PT and work for a short time in different locations.
Impacting others
If you're motivated by the influence you have on others, a lab-oriented field might not be the best fit. Physical therapy, on the other hand, offers direct contact with patients and the ability to build relationships with them. Recovery is a journey, and PTs get to see the rewarding process firsthand and be an encouragement to their patients.
What do I need to get started?
You may be wondering: Physical therapy interests me, but what should I major in to get there? While there isn't a specific undergraduate program for physical therapy, you'll need to complete several prerequisite courses before beginning your doctorate work. Choosing a major that incorporates most of these courses may be the easiest route toward earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
If you are struggling to fit in the prerequisites you need for a doctorate program, consider taking them online. Portage Learning provides self-directed online courses you can access anytime from anywhere in the world. Here is a list of prerequisites you can take with Portage Learning as you pursue a doctorate program.
Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy and Physiology courses provide a working knowledge of the body's structure and function while emphasizing pathologies. These courses serve as introductions to lab assignments and basic terminology you will need down the road.Portage Course Equivalent:
- BIOL 251: Essential Human Anatomy & Physiology I W/Lab
- BIOL 252: Essential Human Anatomy & Physiology II W/Lab
Biology
General Biology or similar courses develop an understanding of the organization of life, taxonomy, cell structure, and basic biological concepts. Like anatomy and physiology, many of these courses also incorporate laboratories.Portage Course Equivalent:
Transferrable Credits: 4 each
Chemistry
Chemistry introduces useful knowledge such as the scientific method, basic principles of chemistry, and cellular processes. If you're pursuing physical therapy, chemistry courses also develop experience with analysis in laboratory settings.Portage Course Equivalent:
Transferrable Credits: 4
Physics
For those trying to obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, physics introduces students to classical mechanics and concepts such as momentum and kinematics. When applied to courses like anatomy and physiology, physics helps you to understand the importance of movement in the human body.Portage Course Equivalent:
Transferrable Credits: 3
Introduction to Statistics
A statistics course fits practically into a physical therapy skill set when it comes to making decisions, understanding data, and probability. An introductory statistics course will give you the tools to apply evidence and data when administering care.Portage Course Equivalent:
Transferrable Credits: 3
Psychology
Psychology and social science courses are useful in several ways. Not only does psychology play a large role in the recovery process, but it can help with the relational aspects of the physical therapy position. Psychology courses also engage students in critical thinking practices.Portage Course Equivalent:
Transferrable Credits: 3
Interested in taking courses online?
Did you know Portage Learning offers even more courses than those listed above? Explore our list of courses to see what's right for you! Portage courses transfer credits to more than 2,000 programs across the nation and can be completed in eight to 12 weeks. Earn college credit on your terms and get started on your physical therapy degree today!
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