The University of Findlay offers a unique bridge program that allows individuals to continue working as physical therapy assistants while studying to become a fully fledged physical therapist. As of September 2010, the physical therapy program at this university is one of two in the United States currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), which means anyone who graduates receives a license to legally practice. In short, this allows graduates to bypass having to take the license exam in some states.
University of Findlay
100 North Main St.
Findlay, OH 45840
419-422-8313
findlay.edu
Located a short drive east of Los Angeles, Loma Linda University offers the only other physical therapy program accredited by CAPTE in the country. It is also a two-year program for assistants seeking to become physical therapists, but the first year is so rigorous that it is difficult to continue to work simultaneously.
Loma Linda University
11234 Anderson St.
Loma Linda, CA 92354
909-558-4229
llu.edu
Due to there being so few accredited programs that bridge specifically from physical therapy assistants to physical therapists, attending one of these programs is not always plausible. While these programs may make it easier to become a licensed physical therapist, any college or university with an accredited physical therapy program can help you reach the same end. Currently--as of September 2010-- the options are vast with there being over 190 schools in 49 states with accredited physical therapy programs.