How do I get a Physiotherapy Degree?

A physiotherapy degree can be obtained in a variety of ways. Physical therapy, also known as physical therapy, is an allied health specialty that can be obtained in two to six years through a traditional college setting. The length of your higher education depends on where you want to start your career.

The quickest way to get your physiotherapy degree and start working is to work as a physiotherapist assistant. A physiotherapist assistant, or PTA, usually has a related degree. The benefit of becoming a PTA is that you can start working as soon as two years after graduation. A physiotherapist assistant can perform many of the same tasks as a physiotherapist, but they must be supervised by one. The laws governing the degree of supervision differ from one state to the next.

A post-baccalaureate degree is required for physiotherapists. There are two levels of professional entry-level physiotherapy degree programs. A master’s degree in physical therapy, such as an MPT or MSPT, requires at least three years of undergraduate coursework and a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, followed by a two-year master’s program. A master’s degree in physical therapy (MPT) requires a bachelor’s degree in another field, whereas a master’s of science in physical therapy (MSTP) requires an Advanced Master’s of Science degree.

However, there is a transition in place that requires entry-level physiotherapists to obtain a doctorate degree, also known as a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT). Physical therapist programs leading to a doctorate degree are for those with a bachelor’s degree who want to pursue a career in physical therapy. After completing a master’s program, obtaining a DPT usually takes an additional year, but it will increase the number of opportunities available after graduation.

Some schools that offer a physiotherapy degree will admit students who have completed their undergraduate studies, while others will require you to complete your undergraduate studies before applying to the physiotherapy program. Though no specific undergraduate degree is required, it is best to concentrate on a science major. Maintaining a high GPA, or grade point average, is critical because the physiotherapy program is competitive. Volunteering, preferably in a relevant setting, and letters of recommendation from licensed physiotherapists are also required for admission to a physiotherapy degree program.

To be eligible to sit for the licensure exam after completing a physiotherapist degree program, the school must be accredited. In order to practice physiotherapy, PTs and PTAs must obtain licensure. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, also known as CAPTE accreditation, has reviewed and approved a program at an accredited school. This accreditation ensures that educational courses and instructors are of high quality.