To build a solid foundation for post-baccalaureate physical therapy training, undergraduate studies should focus on core classes in the sciences. This includes biology, anatomy, chemistry, physics, math and statistics. Physical therapy programs are competitive so candidates should have a grade point average above 3.3 and a high score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Some programs also require as many as 150 hours of volunteer work in a hospital or private physical therapy facility, as well as letters of recommendation from teachers or physical therapists.
Aspiring physical therapists must earn a master's or doctoral degree from an accredited physical therapy program. Students typically take 2.5 years to pursue a master's or three years to earn a doctoral degree. According to the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), most students opt for the doctoral degree since it is only an additional six months of schooling. During this time, classes will include more science courses in subjects such as anatomy, biology, exercise physiology, neuroscience, biomechanics and pharmacology. There will also be classes in rehabilitation, clinical reasoning, radiology/imaging, medical screening and diagnostic processes. Learning will take place in laboratories, in classrooms and in clinics or physical therapy facilities for more hands-on skills.
Once you complete your masters or doctoral degree from an accredited physical therapy program, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). All states have their own requirements for candidates to practice PT but two things that are universal to all locations is graduation from an accredited program and passing the exam. Some states also require that jurisprudence exams are passed. In order to maintain your physical therapy license, many states require continuing education classes and workshops.