Killer, Joe or anyone that knows anything bout Physical Therapists

[SteelPreacher]

I've been thinking about becoming a PT and I want to know whats involved. I need a real job in something that I love and I need the stability so that I can wholeheartedly pursue my BB goals. I've already been a Personal Trainer I've worked in a chiro's office now as well and it just seems like its my calling.

I've heard of an Assoc Phys Therapist Lic. one can get with an Assoc Degree until you grad with your bachelors ??

Any and all info appreciated

I can make you a celebrity overnight.

Winners see problems as just another way to prove themselves! D.T.

[archive_Killer]

Most PT I know go BA/BS in pre-med, then go to grad school for PT. I think there may be some 4 year accredited PT programs though.

I am not aware of the degree you speak of. Maybe it is for physical therapy assistant? Which does more than an aide.

PT school is very competitive.

I started out by wanting to become a PT, but after doing a couple internships I realized that it was not for me, as usually a PT works with certain orthos, and orthos usually specialize in certain condition and age groups, so you work with about the same things all day (of course there is some variety). I worked in a place where I did frozen shoulder after frozen shoulder. In another I did aquatic therapy where almost all the patients were work's comp.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

[joepalooka]

This is a tough question. I almost changed majors to become a PT. Because of my love of lifting weights and being an athlete at one time. I may go back to school later on for something not realated in my career field. As killer put it, PT is a very competitive field. You need to check around colleges in your area to find what is needed. I know some junior colleges have prep courses that transfer to major universities. If you do decide to go this route check what you need for an associate and what you need to transfer first so you don't get shafted later on down the line. The more credentials you have the better. Try to land a job in the field and get them to pay for your schooling. Also I have never heard of an associate degree in PT so make sure this is really what it is and not being an assistant. Kind of like those 2 year vetinary schools, its to become an assistant. I have alway's assumed you needed more than an associate to become a PT. I have heard of 3 year programs that are very aggressive for a bachelors degree and I mean aggressive max credit hours and going 3 semesters a year, I don't know about you but I wouldn't be able to handle that. Good luck with your endeavors becoming a PT. Also try to intern as soon as you can. The more work experience you have the more well rounded you will be and the better chances of finding out what you really want to specialize in. Also helps in landing a job.

[SteelPreacher]

thanks for your replies. It probably is an assistant with the Assoc. I almost have my assoc right now so Im not going to change my major but I will check into what is involved in changing it next year when I finish my bachelors.

I can make you a celebrity overnight.

Winners see problems as just another way to prove themselves! D.T.

[archive_LuckyDog]

What's wrong with going to become a D.C.? If you've worked in ones office, did you like it? There's plenty of similarities...Plus with some D.C. programs you basically can get a P.T. certificate with all the coursework you take.

LD

Education is a continuous process ending only when ambition comes to a halt.
-Col. R. I. Rees

[Rich]

PT is only a masters degree. Some schools are doing acccelerated 6-year degress but most are getting away from this.