Students who already have a bachelor's degree can earn a direct entry master's degree after a two-year course of study in physical therapy. Direct-entry students spend the first year learning concepts in the classroom and the second year practicing fieldwork. Transitional-entry degrees are for students who have completed a bachelor's degree in physical therapy and may already be practicing in the profession. Direct- or transitional-entry master's degrees in physical therapy can be obtained from universities that offer physical therapy majors, state colleges or accredited online degree programs.
Universities:
University of Central Arkansas
University of Southern California
University of Hartford
University of Florida
Indiana University
State Colleges:
Wichita State University
Alabama State University
California State University, Fresno
Cleveland State University
Online Degree Programs:
Grand Canyon University
Ashworth College
Boston University
Lincoln College of Technology
U.S. Career Institute
When it comes time to apply the degree and specialty and to train in the field during the second year of study, you may find yourself in an outpatient clinic, hospital recovery room, private gym, corporate office, nursing care facility, rehabilitation center, university classroom, adult day care, physician's office or private practice.
To get there, medical colleges and technical schools may be the route for you to complete your master's degree.
Medical Colleges and Technical Schools:
AT Still University of Health Colleges
Samuel Merritt College
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Medical College of Georgia
New York Institute of Technology
New York Medical College
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Graduate students in physical therapy can specialize their courses of study. Some of the most common master's degree specialties include orthopedic physical therapy, geriatric physical therapy, neurological physical therapy, pediatric physical therapy and cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation.