Physical Therapy School

Physical therapy school is a great place to earn the education and experience to become a successful physical therapist. These educational institutions offer a wide range of opportunities and prepare students for many different types of jobs. Choosing the right one will take some research and planning, but done correctly, this could be the best life changing decision ever made. "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers." (3 John 1:2)

One of the first things to understand is that in physical therapy school there will be a lot of studying of biology, math, and communication. These are foundational subjects that need to be studied even before entering a physical therapy school. Understanding what they are looking for is the first step in preparing for a career in this field. Preparation for physical therapy schools can go back as far as elementary school. The love of science and math are a must. Any type of math and science projects and classes you can take throughout your educational years is good preparation for success at a physical therapy school.

These schools look for people that can communicate well with others. Whenever one works with people, communication skills are needed. Explaining options and/or just listening to the client about their concerns can make or break a therapist. During undergraduate coursework a student can expect to study general education with some focus on math, science, and communication. It is not until reaching graduate work that actual therapy classes become available. Being accepted for a graduate program has tough competition. The requirements are steep and the competition is high. With the right undergraduate preparation and internship opportunities the possibility for acceptance is greater.

Internships are not always available. Don't worry if one is not found immediately. Physical therapy schools will also consider the value of job shadowing as "on the job experience". If internships in local areas are not found right away or they are farther than one is willing to travel to, check local associations and companies for people that would agree to allow job shadowing for the day. These people are also good resources when it comes time to get a job. They can write letters of recommendation or maybe even offer a job. Physical therapy schools look at a prospective student as a whole.

Physical therapy schools want a well-rounded education, experience through internship, and proof of an educated person through good grades. Just because all the needed classes were taken to in order to prepare for a degree, doesn't mean the grades were good enough to be accepted for the program. Make sure grades are the best they can be. If the time is taken to work hard during the education years, life will be full in having succeeded in the ultimate goal, a physical therapy degree.

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