Prerequisites For Physical Therapy Schools
Physical therapy is an aspect of human health that can never be over emphasized. People who have been in accidents or have disabling conditions such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries and cerebral palsy or even sport-men with injuries can never make it through such conditions without the help of professional physical therapist.
They assist patients in restoring function, alleviating pain and learning new ways of movement. Physical therapists work in outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing facilities, hospitals, athletic facilities and in private practice. Becoming a physical therapist does not come cheaply; it often requires more than a first degree. To become a physical therapist, one needs a master's degree in physical therapy. Most physical therapists, however, pursue a doctorate in physical therapy. This presents them more as professionals in the field
Different schools have their own requirements and specifications for all courses, in which physical therapy is not an exception. However, there are still some requirements that are relatively common to all institutions offering a degree in Physical therapy.
Physical therapy schools require a four-year degree (from an accredited college) in health sciences or clinical science with a concentration in physical therapy, or a pre-physical therapy major, which can then be complimented with a master’s degree. The main aim of the Bachelor’s degree is to lay a solid foundation for the professional degree in Physical Therapy.
General requirements focus heavily on science and include biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry and physics. Algebra, trigonometry and statistics also are usually required by most institutions.
Other possible requirements include massage and surface anatomy, clinical physiology, musculoskeletal assessment and treatment, spine examination and rehabilitation, electrotherapeutic modalities and physical agents, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, biostatics, physiology of exercise and biomechanics, pathology for physical therapists, motor development and motor learning, mobility training, therapeutic exercise and adaptive physical education.
Although most institutions are not stringent on having all of these qualifications, adequate knowledge of any of the above gives added advantage to the student.
To get a more accurate and exact information on the prerequisites to going to a Physical therapy school, it is important to contact the school directly.
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