3+3 Programs - Six Year Duration\nTo fast-track your DPT, consider a 3+3 program. In this degree, you’ll spend three years earning your bachelor’s degree, then continue for an additional three to complete your doctorate. If you can pull it off, you’ll save at least one year of schooling. \n
Transitional Doctorate in Physical Therapy (tDPT) - One Year Duration
\nCurrently, many practicing PTs have only a bachelor’s or a master’s. But by 2020, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) hopes all of them will have obtained a doctorate. That means, tons of practicing PTs are going back to school.
\n
That’s where the tDPT comes in. Meant for PTs who already have a bachelor’s or master’s, this degree can take as little as one year to complete. A tDPT can be done online or part-time, making it an ideal option for those who want to continue working while they study.
\n
International Programs
\nIn other countries, such as Canada and Nigeria, a master’s or bachelor’s is sufficient to obtain an entry-level job in physiotherapy. Before you enrol in any program, make sure you know the specific educational requirements for the country you plan to live and work in.
", "display_order": 2, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:40.163250-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-02-16T13:00:52.874948-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 422, "page": 1, "title": "Degrees Similar to Physical Therapy", "summary_markdown": "Physical therapy overlaps with many fields, which can make it hard to know which degree is right for you. Let’s take a look at three related degrees and what sets physical therapy apart: \r\n\r\n**[Medicine](/degrees/medicine-degree/)** \r\nLike physical therapy programs, medical school is all about helping others improve their health and wellbeing. But although these two programs cover some similar subjects, they follow distinct trajectories. As you’ll read below, most PT degrees take about three years to complete after a bachelor’s. A medical degree, on the other hand, takes about four years, plus a residency. \r\n\r\nPT degrees also tend to be cheaper than medical school, and open up different career options. Want to become a doctor? Bite the bullet and go to medical school. But if your main goal is to help patients through physical care, PT is your best bet. \r\n\r\n**[Kinesiology](/degrees/kinesiology-degree/)** \r\nKinesiology and physical therapy share some key similarities, but they are distinct fields. Kinesiology focuses on building mobility, endurance, and strength. Physical therapy, on the other hand, emphasizes treating and preventing physical ailments. The two disciplines also differ in terms of the level of education involved.\r\n\r\nMost kinesiology degrees are four- to five-year bachelor’s programs, which can optionally be followed by graduate school. Accredited physical therapy programs, on the other hand, exist only at the doctoral level. \r\n\r\n**[Physical Therapy Assisting](/degrees/physical-therapy-assisting-degree/)** \r\nPhysiotherapist assistants (PTAs) work under the supervision of licensed physiotherapists (PTs) and perform many of the same duties. However, the two positions differ in some important ways. PTAs tend to focus more on guiding and supporting patients throughout their treatment. PTs, on the other hand, focus on establishing diagnoses and developing treatment plans. \r\n\r\nPhysiotherapist assistant programs tend to be shorter and less in-depth than physical therapy degrees. They take about two years to complete and can be done straight out of high school. They won’t help you become a practicing PT, but they can get you an entry-level job in the industry. \r\n\r\nPTA degrees go by many different names, including: \r\n\r\n- Physiotherapy Assistant Program\r\n- Physical Therapy Associate’s Degree\r\n- Occupational Therapy Assistant Program\r\n- Rehabilitation Assistant Program\r\n- Therapist Assistant Program\r\n- Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant Program", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "
Physical therapy overlaps with many fields, which can make it hard to know which degree is right for you. Let’s take a look at three related degrees and what sets physical therapy apart:
\n
Medicine
\nLike physical therapy programs, medical school is all about helping others improve their health and wellbeing. But although these two programs cover some similar subjects, they follow distinct trajectories. As you’ll read below, most PT degrees take about three years to complete after a bachelor’s. A medical degree, on the other hand, takes about four years, plus a residency.
\n
PT degrees also tend to be cheaper than medical school, and open up different career options. Want to become a doctor? Bite the bullet and go to medical school. But if your main goal is to help patients through physical care, PT is your best bet.
\n
Kinesiology
\nKinesiology and physical therapy share some key similarities, but they are distinct fields. Kinesiology focuses on building mobility, endurance, and strength. Physical therapy, on the other hand, emphasizes treating and preventing physical ailments. The two disciplines also differ in terms of the level of education involved.
\n
Most kinesiology degrees are four- to five-year bachelor’s programs, which can optionally be followed by graduate school. Accredited physical therapy programs, on the other hand, exist only at the doctoral level.
\n
Physical Therapy Assisting
\nPhysiotherapist assistants (PTAs) work under the supervision of licensed physiotherapists (PTs) and perform many of the same duties. However, the two positions differ in some important ways. PTAs tend to focus more on guiding and supporting patients throughout their treatment. PTs, on the other hand, focus on establishing diagnoses and developing treatment plans.
\n
Physiotherapist assistant programs tend to be shorter and less in-depth than physical therapy degrees. They take about two years to complete and can be done straight out of high school. They won’t help you become a practicing PT, but they can get you an entry-level job in the industry.
\n
PTA degrees go by many different names, including:
\n
\n- Physiotherapy Assistant Program
\n- Physical Therapy Associate’s Degree
\n- Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
\n- Rehabilitation Assistant Program
\n- Therapist Assistant Program
\n- Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant Program
\n
", "display_order": 3, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:40.167184-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:39.318416-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 422, "page": 1, "title": "Skills You’ll Learn", "summary_markdown": "Whatever physical therapy degree you choose, you’ll end up with a wide range of transferrable skills. Here are a few examples: \r\n\r\n**Active Listening** \r\nUnderstanding patients’ needs and challenges is key to determining an effective diagnosis and treatment. \r\n\r\n**Physical Fitness** \r\nAs a practicing PT, you’ll be on your feet for most of the day, demonstrating strength and flexibility exercises\u2014building and maintaining your physical health is a core component of this educational path. \r\n\r\n**Communication** \r\nWhether you’re providing a hands-on demonstration or a detailed list of verbal instructions, you’ll learn to give clear guidance that patients can understand.\r\n\r\n**Technological Literacy** \r\nHealth apps and patient-tracking software are on the rise, and PT students are learning to master more technology than ever.\r\n\r\n**Research** \r\nPT is a constantly evolving field; reading and understanding the latest scientific literature is an important part of staying up-to-date.\r\n\r\n**Time Management and Organization** \r\nLearning to balance a heavy workload is a core part of any PT degree (and any PT career).", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "
Whatever physical therapy degree you choose, you’ll end up with a wide range of transferrable skills. Here are a few examples:
\n
Active Listening
\nUnderstanding patients’ needs and challenges is key to determining an effective diagnosis and treatment.
\n
Physical Fitness
\nAs a practicing PT, you’ll be on your feet for most of the day, demonstrating strength and flexibility exercises\u2014building and maintaining your physical health is a core component of this educational path.
\n
Communication
\nWhether you’re providing a hands-on demonstration or a detailed list of verbal instructions, you’ll learn to give clear guidance that patients can understand.
\n
Technological Literacy
\nHealth apps and patient-tracking software are on the rise, and PT students are learning to master more technology than ever.
\n
Research
\nPT is a constantly evolving field; reading and understanding the latest scientific literature is an important part of staying up-to-date.
\n
Time Management and Organization
\nLearning to balance a heavy workload is a core part of any PT degree (and any PT career).
", "display_order": 4, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:40.170127-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:39.319555-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 422, "page": 1, "title": "What Can You Do with a Physical Therapy Degree?", "summary_markdown": "Armed with this diverse set of professional skills, physical therapy graduates can wind up in an array of professions. Here are some of the most common career areas:\r\n\r\n**Hospital Health Care** \r\nIf you enter a hospital health care profession after your degree, you’ll provide intensive care for patients recovering from major surgeries or suffering from trauma. This line of work is fast-paced, demanding, but very rewarding. \r\n\r\n**Private Practice** \r\nMost physical therapists\u2014more than 80%\u2014work outside of hospitals. With a job in a private outpatient clinic, rehab facility, or sports center, you’ll provide long- or short-term care to patients of all kinds. You may specialize in a particular area, like orthopedic or geriatric care, or provide more generic treatment. \r\n\r\n**Education** \r\nTransitioning to education is a natural step for many PT graduates. You might find work as a private tutor, supporting high school or university students with their science-related coursework. Or, you could find a job teaching anatomy or biomechanics at a community college. With the rise of remote education, becoming an online educator is another exciting option. \r\n\r\n**Utilization Review (UR)** \r\nUtilization review (also known as \"clinical review\") is all about quality assurance. Professionals in this field usually work in insurance or rehab companies. They review therapists’ clinical notes to assess whether they’ve recommended the best treatment plan and the best cost. In this career, you’ll play a key role in approving, denying, or managing insurance claims.", "content_markdown": "**Health Technology & Robotics** \r\nAs health technology continues to evolve, more and more physical therapists are entering the world of product development. By working in this field, you’ll help designers, developers, and engineers create new apps, software, and technology to help patients become more mobile. \r\n\r\n**Recruitment** \r\nFinding the right employee for the job is hard in any industry, including physical rehabilitation. As a PT graduate, you can help streamline the process. Physical therapy recruiters work with employers and healthcare professionals. They screen applicants for potential jobs, direct them to new opportunities, and help connect great candidates with great companies. \r\n\r\n**Related Therapeutic Practices** \r\nChiropractic care, occupational therapy, and exercise physiology are just a few career areas open to a PT graduate. All of these related therapeutic professions center around improving mobility, physical functioning, and quality of life. Although entering most of these fields will require additional training, licensing, and experience, a physical therapy degree is a perfect place to start. \r\n\r\n**Communication** \r\nIn the age of search engine optimization (SEO), there’s no shortage of medical writing jobs available. If you have a way with words, a career in communication can be an exciting option. You might work as a health copy writer or a clinical content writer for a large corporation. Or, you might enter the freelance world, working as a medical blogger, [technical writer](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/technical-writer/), or something else entirely. The choice is yours!", "content_html": "
Health Technology & Robotics
\nAs health technology continues to evolve, more and more physical therapists are entering the world of product development. By working in this field, you’ll help designers, developers, and engineers create new apps, software, and technology to help patients become more mobile.
\n
Recruitment
\nFinding the right employee for the job is hard in any industry, including physical rehabilitation. As a PT graduate, you can help streamline the process. Physical therapy recruiters work with employers and healthcare professionals. They screen applicants for potential jobs, direct them to new opportunities, and help connect great candidates with great companies.
\n
Related Therapeutic Practices
\nChiropractic care, occupational therapy, and exercise physiology are just a few career areas open to a PT graduate. All of these related therapeutic professions center around improving mobility, physical functioning, and quality of life. Although entering most of these fields will require additional training, licensing, and experience, a physical therapy degree is a perfect place to start.
\n
Communication
\nIn the age of search engine optimization (SEO), there’s no shortage of medical writing jobs available. If you have a way with words, a career in communication can be an exciting option. You might work as a health copy writer or a clinical content writer for a large corporation. Or, you might enter the freelance world, working as a medical blogger, technical writer, or something else entirely. The choice is yours!
", "display_order": 5, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:40.172590-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-02-16T13:03:12.464147-08:00"}], "degree_specializations": []}">
