I would appreciate ANY info you might have on this!

My DH is considering changing professions. Long story but, he has a Bachelor's in Biology. Knowing that, can anyone tell me what a degree in physical therapy would entail? How long would the program be? Are internships required? Literally, ANY info about the the education for this job would be helpful. I work in conjunction with lots of PT's in my job, but don't know any of them personally or see them very often. I'm going to look some of them up though very soon!

It's just a thought right now and any info would really be helpful. TIA

By Reds9298 on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 07:20 pm:

Have actually found *some* info online. Looks like his original Bachelor's courses would not be valid because it has been more than 7 years. YIKES! STarting all over....don't think so!

By Pamt on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 07:28 pm:

Actually, he should just be able to get a master's degree in physical therapy with a B.S. Back when I was in school you also had to have a lot of volunteer hours in PT before you could get accepted into a program (I'm an SLP, but work with lots of PTs and had a lot of college friends in PT school). Once you complete the academic part of the PT program you do have to do a few internship rotations through ortho, neuro, peds, wound care, etc. Do a web search for the APTA (Am. PT Association) for more info.

What does he do now?

By Reds9298 on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 09:49 pm:

He's an engineer!!! LOL Has been for almost 8 years. A fluke really that he ever ended up there, but he's done really well as an engineer. He just started applying for biology-related positions, which is what he enjoys. He chased mice around in college for heaven's sake! He's also just at a point where he's not sure if he wants to make a career change altogether.

Maybe you can help me with this Pamt...what is a Doctorate of PT? Is that a different title for a basic PT degree? Our closest eligible college is Indiana University and I checked the student bulletin for the PT school. It was listed with this title. I also found the APTA site that you mentioned, but haven't looked through it thoroughly yet.

My PT friends in college had a rough go of it, I remember that. Of course, so did DH. He was valedictorian in H.S. and had a nearly perfect GPA in college so I know he could handle the work. He was never one of those people who just did well all the time, he really worked hard at it. But working full time,commuting 3hrs. total to classes, and keeping up with our little one?? That's a whole different ball game.

Thanks for responding!!

By Kaye on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 10:12 pm:

I am in the "dreaming" phase on my OT degree (the difference in a goal and a dream is a timeline).

Anyway, they are fairly similar programs I think. I have a bs in education. I have to take several "post bacularate classes". Things I didn't get the first go round, like anatomy and physiology, a physics course, a lifespan pysch course, etc. Then I have to apply for a masters program. To be accepted I have to have 50 hours of observation in an OT setting and a letter of referral. I would assume a doctorate of PT would be a phd program. I did a search for Occupational therapy schools and my hometown for information. Good luck.

By Pamt on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 10:52 pm:

I actually think that the Doctorate of PT is a clinical doctorate. If it were a Ph.D. then it would be explicitly stated (Ph.D.s are more theoretical and research oriented.) When I got my degree you only needed a B.S. in PT to be a therapist. However, I think that now an M.S. is required. You could get a D.P.T. in lieu of an M.S. I would think. I'll ask the PTs at work tomorrow if I have time. I only work a half day and will be dashing from the clinic to a private school to the hospital so I may not have time. If not, I can check on Thursday.

By Reds9298 on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 - 10:12 pm:

Thanks to both of you for the info!

By Pamt on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 - 11:18 pm:

Deanna, I didn't get a chance to talk with the PTs at work today. I'll try again tomorrow and let you know what I find out.

By Feona on Thursday, March 2, 2006 - 03:28 pm:

I think if he can he should volunteer for a few days at a PT clinic. As my chiropractor said when I was thinking of being an OT. Health professions you have to deal with people peeing and vomiting. When you deal with sick people you have to remember they are well .... sick...


Don't most Pt work in nursing homes? Very difficult to work in nursing home.... You have to have a heart for it.

By Feona on Thursday, March 2, 2006 - 03:35 pm:

http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos080.htm

Link to site explaining what pt job is like and benefits...

By Pamt on Thursday, March 2, 2006 - 05:35 pm:

Okay Deanna, I talked with 2 PTs at work today. They said that your DH will have to have a certain number of observation hours before he can be accepted, but that varies by school---usually in the 40-60 hour range. He can have a B.S. in anything and just get an M.S. or a D.P.T. He doesn't need both and can get the doctorate in lieu of the master's degree. It is a clinical degree, it just takes longer, but would probably result in a bit more $$$ too. One of the PTs I talked to got her B.S. in Biology and went straight to her master's program and she graduated in the past year or two. Sometimes, he may have to take a few prerequisite courses to get into grad school, but with a biology degree he most likely already has what he needs. Hope this helps. Let us know what he decided!.