Do you have to have a college degree to be a physical therapis

Physical Therapist Schools and Licensing

Physical therapists must have a minimum of a master’s degree to practice in their field and many obtain doctorates. A survey by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) found that 13.5 percent of their member respondents have a doctorate degree. There were approximately 209 accredited educational facilities in 2007 where candidates could study to become a physical therapist. Undergraduate courses in mathematics, biology, physics, chemistry, anatomy and social services provide a strong base from which to begin a physical therapy program. Coursework often starts with courses such as biology, chemistry and physics and will work into more in-depth subjects such as human growth and development, biomechanics, and neuroanatomy. Clinical work is a must and many programs require volunteer work in a physical therapy environment prior to being accepted into a program.

Physical therapists must be licensed to practice. This entails passing state and national examinations as well as graduating from an accredited physical therapy program with a master’s degree