The Road to Becoming a Physical Therapist

Written by IRG Physical & Hand Therapy – Ballard physical therapist, Dr. Jack Kobylka, PT

The world of Physical Therapy awaits!

The profession of physical therapy is one full of incredible opportunities, not just for the patients served and treated, but for those who embody the values of empathy, care, and service towards others. You are more than likely reading this post because of your interest in the profession, and we welcome your interest! Our field is growing and the opportunities for physical therapists are endless. Whether your desires are in treating patients, research, teaching, or a combination of the three, there is a home for you here. It can be challenging to know where to start in applying for and understanding the process for physical therapy school, I know it was for me. But from one (relatively) recent graduate student, to a future one, having the right tools and steps laid out for you makes it easier. That being said, I have tried to outline some tools and steps for applying to PT school and this career path here to make the process just a little easier for you. From the recommended degrees and classes to the opportunities after school, we’ve got it all!

Where do you start?

Thinking about where to start can be the hardest part, but don’t be discouraged! I didn’t know what profession I wanted to be a part of when I left high school but having guidance from mentors and teachers around me helped the process. However, you will need to start with a bachelor’s degree of some sort from an undergraduate college.

• If you know that PT school is the best option for you, that’s great! There are undergraduate colleges out there that are partnered with their graduate PT program in the same location (usually), allowing students to complete a combined undergraduate-graduate 3 years + 3 years therapy program. By doing this, students can focus their undergraduate studies on the required coursework for three years instead of four or more before PT school even begins, streamlining the process. It’s great to do research on which programs offer this option, but its ok not to know if this is for you.
• If you’re not sure like I was, then most PT programs will look for you to have a bachelor’s degree in a health sciences field. More often these fields include kinesiology, exercise science or physiology, but can include psychology, biology, chemistry, physics, or another similar health-related field. PT schools usually have prerequisites in addition to the degree you have, but it’s always good to check with the programs you are anticipating applying to. Programs are always willing to chat about their requirements, so give them a call if you’re not sure! This is a great way to get the process started and get your name out there.
• Whether you’re in school or not, asking for clarification on any questions you have from professors, current or past PTs, or anyone else from the profession is the best way to get the answers you need!

What classes should I take in school?

The list below has some required classes for many PT schools along with another list of classes that vary depending on the program but boost your likelihood of acceptance!

• Required classes
  • Human anatomy
  • Physiology (generic/human physiology)
  • One year or two first year introductory classes for biology (sometimes with a lab)
  • One year or two first year introductory classes in chemistry with lab
  • One year or two first year introductory classes for physics with lab
  • Psychology (undergraduate classes vary on the kind of classes offered in this realm, PT school usually requires a very introductory class)
  • Statistics
• Recommended other classes
  • Exercise physiology
  • English composition and/or writing
  • Medical terminology
  • Any additional health and wellness/nutrition/sports sciences classes to bolster your application (never hurts to stand out on your application)

The best way to know what to take in undergraduate college or after is to check the website for the schools you are interested in to understand their specific requirements. The website for submitting your applications, via the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Services, or PTCAS, is the best tool out there! You can choose which programs you are interested in and see which classes you may still need or have already completed.

• PT Application Prerequisites

When it comes to taking classes and the grades and GPA you obtain, schools will usually put out a chart of the average accepted class statistics on GPA and GRE test scores. It’s always good to look and see what the average is, but don’t let something like grades limit you because there are many other ways to enhance your application! And there is no shame in having to retake a class for a higher grade!

But what else do you need?

You’re working towards your degree and finishing all the classes you need for your application, now what?

• Experience: PT programs will want to see that you have gained experience/observation in the field of physical therapy. As schools often say, “depth and breadth” of experiences enhances your knowledge of the program prior to even applying. Spending time in multiple clinics and settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, sports events, and rehabilitation clinics alongside physical therapists is a great way to diversify your application. Programs generally have a required number of hours; just make sure to look on their websites and see what that is.
• Extras: Programs also look and see what else you’ve done outside of your courses such as extra-curricular activities and volunteer/service experiences. This can include:
  • Any TA positions you’ve taken.
  • Clubs of any kind, but any pre-health or PT clubs on campus are great.
  • Leadership positions in any kind of experience; programs love seeing this quality in applicants!
  • Any recent or available research experience.
  • Presentations that you’ve given related to the health sciences field.
  • Attending conferences for the profession.
  • Previous job experiences and duties required of you at those positions.
  • Any time on a sports team (shows great ability to manage time between sports and school).
  • Any athletic training experience.
• GRE: Many programs will require you to take the GRE, which is a standardized test for graduate school. Again, schools will often put together an average of their accepted students GRE scores, but some schools have moved away from using this method and focus on your extra-curriculars and volunteer experience. Best to check with the program again to see what they require before starting the process.
• Essays: Just as with undergrad school, you will likely have some essays to write! Use the resources around you for your writing and grammar to make your essays the best they can be and speak to your strengths, skills, and who you are as a person. Programs look for growth over time and people who show a heavy interest in the field. If you’re not sure, then you could always have a PT that you are shadowing take a look!
• Letters of Recommendation: When it comes to getting these letters, you’ll want to ask people who have seen your growth and can speak to your skill set and who you are as a person and learner. Programs will require you to typically have at least one letter (sometimes two) from:
  • A licensed physical therapist.
  • A professor from your undergraduate program.
  • Anyone else of your choosing who can speak to your qualities. Take advantage if this option is offered.

From application to acceptance:

• Many deadlines are in in fall to early winter, so just make sure you know when things need to be turned in. The PTCAS website does a nice job of laying everything out that you’ll need and have the deadlines on there. Marking deadlines down on a planner and calendar can also be helpful to visualize the finish line!
  • When applying via PTCAS, some schools have an early application deadline for students who are very interested in their program. Statistically, across health professions, schools are more likely to accept you versus another equal applicant if you applied with the early decision. If this is available, make sure to take advantage of it!
• After you turn in your application, there will be a waiting period which is always the hardest part! Try not to panic, and make sure when you submit, you go and do something for yourself to relax.
• Schools will look at your applications and then hopefully follow up with an interview. The interview can be stressful, but just make sure to be yourself and think about your “why” for starting on this process. Schools will generally ask similar questions across the board and will often have an individual and group interview to see how you work with others. It may be helpful to talk with a PT on their past interviews or to practice answering questions in a mirror to prepare for the moment. Set up some questions and have someone ask you them as well to practice. Again, make sure you do something for yourself after the interview to take your mind off everything and relax, I know it helped me!
• Schools vary in terms of when they will get back to you, but the next step is being accepted!!!
  • It’s hard to know how many schools to apply to, but you want to maximize your chances. Like undergraduate applications, it’s best to apply to a few schools that are a reach for acceptance, a few you think you have a good shot at being accepted, and some in the middle. For reference, applicants in recent years have submitted between five and six applications.
  • There is always the chance of not getting accepted, and don’t let it stop you from wanting to keep trying to succeed and pursue what you want to do. I didn’t make it the first time I applied. Take the time to understand your application and how you can improve both your resume and yourself! You’re meant to be a part of this profession and will be welcomed with open arms.

The future!

After PT school, there are still many possibilities on how to advance yourself and keep learning. The world of physical therapy is growing, and there are options such as residency, fellowship, research, teaching, and more to further develop your skills and advance the profession. If you have any questions regarding your prospective physical therapy career path, we can help! Reach out to marketing@irgpt.com, and they will connect you with a physical therapist to speak with.