Physical therapy is a rewarding and fulfilling career that involves helping patients recover from injuries or illnesses, improve mobility, and manage pain. Becoming a physical therapist requires dedication, hard work, and a significant investment of time and effort. If you are considering pursuing a career in physical therapy, you may be wondering how long it takes to become a licensed physical therapist. In this article, we will explore the educational and licensing requirements to become a physical therapist and provide a step-by-step guide to help you achieve your goal.
Educational Requirements
Before you can become a licensed physical therapist, you must complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program from an accredited institution. The DPT program typically takes 3 years to complete, although some programs may offer a 2.5 or 4-year track. In addition to the DPT program, you will also need to complete a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes 4 years to finish.
Here is an overview of the educational requirements to become a physical therapist:
- Bachelor’s degree (4 years): To be eligible for a DPT program, you must first complete a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as biology, exercise science, or kinesiology.
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (3 years): After completing your bachelor’s degree, you will need to enroll in a DPT program, which typically takes 3 years to finish. The DPT program includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and therapeutic exercise, as well as clinical rotations to gain hands-on experience.
Licensing Requirements
After completing your DPT program, you must obtain a license to practice as a physical therapist in the state where you plan to work. Licensing requirements vary by state but generally include passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). In addition to passing the NPTE, you may also need to meet other requirements, such as completing a criminal background check and obtaining CPR certification.
Here are the steps to become a licensed physical therapist:
- Graduate from a DPT program: Complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy program from an accredited institution.
- Pass the NPTE: Take and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to demonstrate your knowledge and competency as a physical therapist.
- Apply for state licensure: Submit an application for licensure to the state board of physical therapy in the state where you plan to practice.
- Meet additional requirements: Fulfill any additional requirements set by the state board, such as a background check or CPR certification.
Total Time to Become a Physical Therapist
With the educational and licensing requirements in mind, the total time it takes to become a licensed physical therapist can vary depending on your individual circumstances. On average, it takes about 7 years to become a physical therapist, including:
- Bachelor’s degree (4 years)
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (3 years)
Keep in mind that this timeline is a rough estimate and may vary based on factors such as the length of your DPT program, any breaks you take between degrees, and the time it takes to pass the NPTE and obtain your state license.
Additional Considerations
While the educational and licensing requirements are essential for becoming a physical therapist, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind:
- Specialization: After becoming a licensed physical therapist, you may choose to pursue additional certifications or specialize in a specific area of physical therapy, such as sports medicine, pediatrics, or geriatrics. Specialization typically involves additional coursework and clinical experience.
- Continuing Education: To maintain your license and stay current on the latest developments in the field, you will need to participate in continuing education courses throughout your career. Many states require physical therapists to complete a certain number of continuing education credits every renewal period.
Conclusion
Becoming a physical therapist is a rewarding and fulfilling career that requires dedication, hard work, and a significant investment of time and effort. By completing a Doctor of Physical Therapy program and obtaining a state license, you can help patients recover from injuries, improve mobility, and manage pain. While the path to becoming a physical therapist may be challenging, the rewards of making a positive impact on others’ lives are worth the journey.
