<p>I found info about what to do to prepare for physical therapy careers. This advice can help you now:
"Understand that you will need a bachelor's or master's degree in physical therapy, and that it will include numerous science courses, including chemistry, biology and physics. You should begin taking these science courses in high school.,,,Maintain an excellent grade point average. The physical therapy field is highly competitive. "</p>
<p>More advice, this from the University of Indianapolis:
"What can I do to help me learn more about physical therapy?</p>
<p>You should work or volunteer in various health care settings to see how physical therapists and other health professionals work. Examples of settings include hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. You should observe the type of care physical therapists give, as well as talk with them about their careers. What do they like best? What frustrates them most? What changes do they foresee for the profession in the future?</p>
<p>What high school courses should I take in preparation for physical therapy?</p>
<p>Becoming a physical therapist requires a strong math and science background in high school. Taking math and science courses in high school—including advanced algebra and trigonometry, chemistry, biology and physics—will prepare you for success in similar courses in college. </p>
<p>How long does it take to become a physical therapist?</p>
<p>Students who wish to become physical therapists generally complete 3 to 4 years of undergraduate education, followed by 3 years of physical therapy school at the graduate level. This means that a total of 6 to 7 years of university-level education is required.</p>
<pre><code> At the University of Indianapolis the degree awarded on completion of the Professional PT program is the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Students who desire a shorter route into the field should consider physical therapist assistant programs, which require only 2 years of undergraduate education."
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<p>Considering the OP is just entering junior year, I think it's way too early to make college decisions based on her mom's saying that she plans to visit frequently. Over the next year, her mom's plans may totally change. Even if the OP goes to college in Ohio, the mom may not visit much because, frankly, there's not a heckuva lot for parents to do at most colleges except for during family weekend.</p>
<p>In addition, unless the parents are well off, they may have to watch their pennies while sending a student to college, so frequent trips out of town, even in state, may not be affordable.</p>