Law-Forums.org

[westbroc90]

Well, here is some information about myself, please share your thoughts.

I am 27 years old, I have a BS in Criminal Justice and an M.B.A. degree, and am looking to change careers to become a 'Physical Therapist,' of course after becoming an PTA for a little while. I am leaving 'Law Enforcement' due to knee issues. These knee issues are how I found out what PT's are all about. I am def interested in getting started, and I know that PT's are the best option out of the therapists to be involved with, to have a wide area to work with in a career. I may even want to become a Sports PT overtime, once I get some experience. I really like to help people, especially people that have had injuries and issues health wise.

I have always liked the entire idea of Physical fitness, therapy, personal trainers, the whole idea. So, overall, I just think being a Physical Therapist is my best bet to cover all of my dreams.

What do you all think?

NEXT...With my current degrees and very little experience in a Healthcare setting, and no PT experience, what do you think I should do?

1. Get a Bachelor's or Master's in Physical Therapy? Or, do you recommend Health Sciences or another major area?

2. Or, should I just get a certification to be a PTA, and go from their?

Thanks, please be up front and honest.

[dickens93]

Nearly all PT programs are doctorate level program (called a DPT). However, you already have a BS degree which is one of the requirements to enter a PT program.

I would not bother becoming a PTA first, it would really be a waste of your time if you really plan on becoming a PT.

You'll need to take the PT prerequisites which general includes a year each of general bio, chem and physics. You'll also need to take various psych courses (I'm presuming you had some of these in your BS degree, but if it hasn't been in the last 5 years, you'll likely need to retake them). You will also need calc and/or trig, statistics and anatomy and physiology. Most programs also require some observation hours and to take the GRE (you may need to take it again if you've taken it already).

In all, you could conceivably do this in 4 years if you go to school full time.

If this isn't a foreseeable amount of time for you to be in school, certainly you can enter a PTA program. This is generally two years. However, you'll likely be earning less than you did in law enforcement and if you ever decide to become a PT, most of your courses won't transfer and it won't save you any time in the long run.

I'd recommend going to the APTA website at www.apta.org and clicking on the prospective students tab.

[devon]

Physical Therapy is moving towards PhDs - I've heard that at some point you won't be able to be licensed without a PhD. I know people who have gone back to school to get their PhDs in Physical therapy.