As a recent graduate of physical therapy school, in my first year of clinical practice, I wanted to take some time to share a complete overview of the process and answer commonly answered questions for those who are wondering how to become a physical therapist. Let’s dive right in!
The path to becoming a physical therapist may seem daunting when considering all the steps required. However, looking back, it was well worth the effort to get to do a job that I love. I am so grateful for the opportunities I was given during my educational journey and the instruction I received that helped me become a pediatric physical therapist.
It was well worth the effort to get to do a job that I love.
Physical therapists can be found in various practice settings with a wide range of patient populations. Many students go to PT school with the goal of being a physical therapist but do not necessarily know what population or practice setting they want to pursue. Contrarily, some people attend physical therapy school with the goal of specializing in a specific practice area. I was in this group. I was passionate about pediatrics from day one, and knew I wanted to pursue peds. Regardless, the path to becoming a physical therapist is relatively similar and offers students a wide range of possibilities following graduation.
The first step to becoming a physical therapist is obtaining a bachelor’s degree. There is no specific requirement for the field of study when completing your undergraduate degree. However, it may be advantageous to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a field related to physical therapy, to best prepare for PT school. I completed my bachelor’s degree in exercise science, a field closely related to physical therapy. While it may not be obvious how this applies specifically to my chosen field of pediatrics, the principles of exercise are universal and set me up for success in physical therapy school. Some others may choose to pursue undergraduate degrees in biology, chemistry, or other scientific disciplines. If you are interested in PT school, I advise researching programs that interest you. They may have recommendations for fields of study or undergraduate options that will help make you an attractive candidate for PT school.
During undergraduate study is the time to research potential physical therapy programs and the specific requirements for application and admission. Many will require a GRE score, which is a graduate school entry exam. These exams require preparation so it is important to meet with an advisor to discuss timelines and strategies to prepare well in advance and know when you would like to sit for your exam. Many physical therapy programs also require shadowing/observation hours in a physical therapy clinic. These are an excellent opportunity to explore different practice settings. Each program will have specific requirements, so it is never too early to explore options and begin preparing for application. So, after being accepted to a physical therapy program and graduating with a bachelor’s degree, what comes next? Well, next comes PT school.
Towards the end of PT school, students complete several clinical rotations as Student Physical Therapists. These are coordinated through the PT school and clinic locations. This is another opportunity to explore different areas of practice. These rotations include instruction from a Clinical Instructor. These are practicing physical therapists who have experience in that specific practice setting. Many programs require that students complete a certain number of weeks in inpatient and outpatient settings.
For example, my first rotation was inpatient. I was placed in a hospital where I participated in acute care of patients in Intensive Care Units and the Emergency Department. My next rotation was in an outpatient orthopedic setting, where I was under the instruction of a physical therapist with a specialty certification in manual therapy. My final rotation was in pediatrics. I was most looking forward to this rotation because it was the area of practice that most interested me, and students receive a lot of “on-the-job” education in specialized fields, like pediatrics.
Once you have successfully completed both the coursework and clinical rotations required by the physical therapy program, you will obtain a Doctorate of Physical Therapy!
Physical Therapy programs are generally around three years long. There are some accelerated options that vary by program. These programs all conclude with the achievement of a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
The first DPT program graduated its first class in 1996. However, in 2016, it became a requirement for all new graduates to obtain a DPT to become a physical therapist in the U.S. Why the change? Physical therapy is a dynamic field, with ever-changing practice and responsibilities. Over time, physical therapists accepted a more complex role in patient care, thus requiring a doctorate level education. Now that is not to say that PTs are without restriction in their ability to provide patient care.
Each state has what is called a practice act that clearly defines the roles and abilities of physical therapists who practice in that state. PTs do not fill the role of physicians or primary care doctors. So is a physical therapist a doctor? Yes, they have a doctorate in physical therapy. However, a physical therapist does not fill the same responsibilities and roles as a primary care physician or medical doctor. The Doctorate of Physical Therapy signifies that we have achieved a high level of education in the field of physical therapy and are, therefore, qualified to provide the services within that area of practice.
After obtaining a bachelor’s degree and a DPT, it is time to prepare for the board exam. The National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is an exam taken some time following the conclusion of PT school. Passing this exam is required to obtain a license to practice physical therapy.
Successful passing of the NPTE allows a physical therapist to obtain a license in the state they wish to practice. The examination is national, however, licensure is determined by the state.
There are opportunities to continue your education as a practicing PT. For example, there are additional specialized certifications in certain fields. These are not a requirement but may help PTs advance their careers in specialty fields. For example, there are specialty certifications in Manual Therapy, Pediatrics, Pelvic Health, and Geriatrics, among others.
To become a pediatric physical therapist, the path is generally the same as everything outlined above. There are not additional certifications or exams required to work as a physical therapist in the field of pediatrics. However, I do have some specific tips that may help students become successful pediatric PTs:
Firstly, shadow a pediatric PT early in your schooling. Pediatrics is a very specialized practice, and varies greatly from typical PT practice. It is important to be exposed to it early so students can decide if it is right for them.
Next, while in PT school, inform your advisor of an interest in pediatrics. They will be able to connect with pediatric therapists on staff who may help guide students. All PTs will be exposed to Pediatrics throughout their coursework. There are elements of pediatrics on the NPTE, thus all PTs must have a certain level of understanding related to peds. However, there may be opportunities to pursue additional knowledge. I had the opportunity to take a pediatrics elective that helped me gain additional instruction and experience.
Finally, pursue a clinical rotation in a pediatric setting. That is where students will gain the greatest understanding and experience in peds in a hands-on environment. I waited to complete my pediatrics rotation until my final rotation because in my program, the final rotation was the longest. Therefore, I spent the most time in the specialized environment. This was the most important factor in helping to prepare me for a career as a pediatric physical therapist.
There are many different reasons why people choose to become physical therapists. Many of my classmates in PT school were high school athletes who, at some point in their athletic career, were injured and received physical therapy and became interested in the field. Other common stories include having relatives who received PT, volunteering at a clinic (like NAPA!), or being exposed to the field of physical therapy in some way that piqued their interest.
In conclusion, the hard work and years of school pay off because I feel so grateful to get to help my kiddos access the world around them. As a pediatric PT, I can greatly impact a child’s life and provide them with opportunities to grow. Every day is a new challenge and a new opportunity to be a better PT.
At NAPA, our vision is to promote and sustain inventive practice through education and interdisciplinary teamwork. We are committed to providing our therapists with exceptional learning experiences and remain connected with the academic community and current practice by acting as a teaching clinic. NAPA Center is dedicated to delivering innovative therapy services to children with a variety of neurological and developmental needs. We strive to provide children and families with hope by offering services in a playful environment that enables clients to maximize their full developmental potential.
Camden Selby is a pediatric physical therapist at NAPA Center LA. Camden was born and raised in a small town in Pennsylvania and moved to Los Angeles to be a part of the NAPA family. Camden has a 1-year-old mini-golden doodle named Koda and enjoys hiking, reading, and theme parks.
