<p>I recently found out that to become a physical therapist you need to attend about 6years of college. also it doesn't really matter what college you go to because as long you are approved by NATA. So now I'm extremely confused.... Do I need to get a awsome scrore on my SAT's or does it really matter as long as I can get accepted into decent college?
I am a junior right now, and I have been thinking about doing physical therapist for quite some time.
please help I need to know...</p>
<p>There are probably 2 ways to do it. Go to undergrad for 4 yrs then apply to a post grad DPT program or get into a 6 yr program as a freshman for which there will be a high level of competition and you will need high grades & test scores as well as volunteer experience in the field. You should go to the web site of your state's American Physical Therapy Assn and see if there is info on accredited DPT programs and then research if they are 6 vs 2-3 yr pre/post grad programs. Then go to the websites of those schools and see what the admission criteria are for these programs. I'm glad I became a PT when it was an entry level BS degree way back when. There seems to be no end to the increasing educational requirements to some professions, next thing you know you'll have to do a residency & fellowship too.</p>
<p>I am a PT who finished long ago with a BS as well, however I have worked with a number of different PT student programs. You cannot declare a PT major entering as a freshman. All programs are either masters or DPT. Even for the masters programs you cannot declare going in as a freshman, however schools with the masters programs can help you re: what courses to take, how to prepare etc. You absolutely need volunteer work as it is competitive and they want to see your committment. In the end, it doesn't make that much difference re: jobs as to where you get your degree. All the programs are respected and you have to pass state boards. For example, here in LA you can get your degree from Cal State NOrthridge (Masters) or USC (DPT) with a whole lot more debt and the same jobs are open. That may change down the line but not for quite awhile. As coskat said, check the APTA website for info. You can pm me for more info if you'd like.</p>