Physical therapy is a rewarding career option in the United States.
Although acquiring a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy will make you qualified for most jobs in this field, a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree will increase your knowledge of the area, increase your chances of landing any of the very best physical therapy jobs and enable you to complete researches in this field.
Even though several schools in the United States offer a doctor of physical therapy degree program, it is far easier to get into some than others.
This article will discuss the most accessible doctor of physical therapy schools to get into in the United States after it has gone through some steps you must take to attend a doctor of physical therapy school.
Is a Doctorate in Physical Therapy Worth It?
Earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree opens up lucrative career opportunities.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that physical therapists earn a median annual salary of $91,010, with new entrants earning closer to $63,500.
Top physical therapists can earn over $100,000 a year. The job market for PTs and OTs is expected to grow rapidly in the next few years.
The demand for physical therapists is expected to increase by 21% by the year 2030, which is much higher than the average growth rate of 8% for all U.S. occupations.
As a Physical Therapist, you will never feel like you’re working. Truthfully, you’re aiding in the process of normalization for disabled people.
How To Attend A Doctor Of Physical Therapy School
You can become a doctor of therapy by following the steps below:
1. Begin from high school
If you are still a high school student, you can begin your shape yourself for a career in physical therapy right from there.
You can do this by taking science classes related to dental therapy and ensuring you achieve the best grades.
Although the AP classes are known to be quite challenging, please take a couple of them as they will create a good impression of you on any admission board.
Moreover, ensure that you have a high score on either SAT or ACT, as having an excellent high school GPA and SAT or ACT score are the primary requirements for admission into several colleges worldwide.
2. Acquire a bachelor’s degree
Before enrolling in a doctor of the physical therapy program, you must acquire a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy.
However, you need to know that all schools have their requirements for physical therapy program candidates, so ensure that you check out your preferred schools before applying.
An undergraduate degree in physical therapy will empower you with a foundational knowledge of the field and enable you to secure a job as a physical therapist.
Moreover, ensure that you earn a GPA of not less than 3.5 in a bachelor’s degree program, as most schools will only admit you if you have achieved an excellent GPA in your undergraduate degree program.
3. Acquire relevant field experience
Before you jump into a doctor of the physical therapy program, ensure that you acquire relevant experience in the field.
Several schools even demand that you rank up several hours of practice before you can be accepted into their DPT program.
You can acquire field experience through an internship, volunteering, or working part-time physical therapist.
4. Sit for the Graduate Record Examination
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is an assessment test that all graduates must take before securing admission into a DPT program.
So, ensure that you find out what this test is all about and sit for it so that you are not found wanting on any admission requirement.
Moreover, ensure that you perform excellently on this test, as admission officers take GRE scores seriously.
You can prepare effectively for this test by making use of mock questions, studying intensively, studying in the company of other GRE candidates, and attending GRE prep classes.
5. Make up your mind about the school you desire to attend
As stated earlier, several United States schools offer Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. So, applying to numerous colleges simultaneously is a significant step to take.
However, before submitting any application at a school, make sure that you check their admission requirement and ensure that you tick all of them.
Moreover, submit applications only at schools accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Also, ensure that you turn in your applications before the deadline set in place by the school.
6. Take part in the physical interview
You will likely be called for a physical interview if a school selects you.
Most schools schedule a physical interview to assess your field knowledge and accumulated experience.
Make sure you utilize the physical interview to create a good impression on the admission board; let them know why you want to become a doctor of physical therapy and get them to see why you feel the school is the best place for you.
You can even go as far as mentioning some of the staff in the school that you are already looking forward to working with.
7. Accept an admission offer
If you satisfy the admission requirements of the schools you applied to and do well in the physical interview, the school will offer you admission.
However, if more than one school offers you admission, consider all your options before making a choice.
Some factors you can consider when making a choice are school fees, quality of education facilities, faculty reputation, student life, and others.
Top 5 Easiest DPT Schools To Get Into
Here are the five most accessible doctors of physical therapy schools to get into in the United States at the moment:
1. University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh is one of the best and most accessible doctors of physical therapy schools to get into.
DPT students at this top-notch college are exposed to a seasoned learning curriculum that prepares them to take up high-profile positions in the field and offer top-notch physical therapy services to patients.
The faculty members that handle the University of Pittsburgh physical therapy program are skilled and continuously take students through several top-notch interactive learning experiences.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program offered by the University of Pittsburgh is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
2. Washington University St. Louis
Washington University St. Louis is another top-class college with a high acceptance rate for candidates seeking to enroll in a doctor of the physical therapy program.
The DPT academic curriculum this school utilizes empowers students with the knowledge they need to become leaders in this field.
The faculty coordinating the Washington University St. Louis doctor of the physical therapy program is well-known for its field exploits.
They also have an in-depth understanding of orthopedic and neuromuscular treatment procedures.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
Moreover, the Washington University St. Louis doctor of physical therapy program offers top-notch academic experiences that allow students to engage in several research and innovative evidence-based practices.
It remains a school committed to transforming the world by enhancing mobility to boost lives.
3. Duke University
The doctor of physical therapy program offered by Duke University is dedicated to those that desire to become leaders in the field of physical therapy.
This school offers world-class learning experiences combined with evidence-based medical practice and top-notch research.
The doctor of physical therapy program at Duke University is managed by advanced faculty and some of the best clinical professors in the world.
Students of this program acquire the opportunity to engage in fieldwork to secure practical knowledge and experience that enable them to become seasoned professionals.
Duke University is another world-class school for doctor of physical therapy education that anyone won’t find hard to secure admission into.
4. University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is another renowned school for physical therapy education.
Although this school has a high acceptance rate for DPT students, the academic curriculum for DPT students is one of the best in the world.
Doctor of Physical Therapy students at this school enjoys the opportunity to acquire practical knowledge in some of the most advanced teaching hospitals in the country.
The learning environment at this school allows students to learn closely from their faculty, who are seasoned clinicians that are well-known all over the world.
DPT students at the University of Iowa are exposed to learning experiences that boost their clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
5. Emory University
The list would never be complete without the addition of Emory University.
Emory University offers a DPT program that empowers physical therapists with the knowledge they need to succeed in their profession.
The academic curriculum of DPT students at Emory University focuses on empowering them with the advanced skills required for excelling as a physical therapy doctor.
Emory University is a top-class academic institution that enables students to acquire in-depth physical therapy research experiences.
This school is committed to empowering clinicians with the knowledge that will enable them to offer the highest professional service to the public.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On Easiest DPT Schools To Get Into
To secure admission into any DPT school in the United States, applicants are expected to possess a GPA of not less than 3.5.
Yes, a Doctor of Physical Therapy is rated higher than a Master of Physical Therapy. While an MPT program takes just two years to complete and comes with 15 weeks of field experience, a DPT program takes as long as three years to complete in addition to a full year of field experience.
Even though some DPT schools in the United States have a high acceptance rate, it is still hard to secure admission into a DPT program as its admission requirements are strict.
Yes, DPT school is difficult. It involves many classroom hours, clinical work, and time-consuming research projects.
Conclusion
Becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy is a great decision.
This article has provided the steps you can follow to achieve this.
However, before you send an application, consider several factors, such as the school’s acceptance rate.
Go through this article again to find the five most accessible DPT schools in the United States.
Awesome one; I hope this article answers your question.
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