Physical therapy is a rewarding career that combines science, compassion, and the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. If you’re interested in becoming a physical therapist, choosing the right college is an important decision that will affect your future career. With so many great physical therapy programs out there, it can be tough to know where to start your search.
Here are few things to look for when choosing a physical therapy program:
- Accreditation: Make sure the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Curriculum: The curriculum should be rigorous and comprehensive, and it should include a strong foundation in the sciences, as well as clinical experience.
- Faculty: The faculty should be experienced and qualified, and they should be committed to teaching and mentoring students.
- Clinical Experience: The program should provide students with ample opportunities to gain clinical experience. This may include internships, externships, or clinical rotations.
- Location: The location of the program is also an important consideration. You’ll want to choose a program that is located in a convenient area, and that has access to clinical resources.
Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start to narrow down your search. Here are a few of the best colleges for physical therapy:
| Rank | School | Location | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northwestern University | Chicago, IL | $60,000 |
| 2 | University of California, San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | $52,000 |
| 3 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | $54,000 |
| 4 | Boston University | Boston, MA | $56,000 |
| 5 | Duke University | Durham, NC | $58,000 |
Best Colleges for PT with High Retention Rates
Retention rate is an important factor to consider when choosing a physical therapy program. A high retention rate indicates that students are satisfied with the program and are completing their degrees on time. Here are a few of the best colleges for physical therapy with high retention rates:
| Rank | School | Location | Retention Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northwestern University | Chicago, IL | 98% |
| 2 | University of California, San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 97% |
| 3 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | 96% |
| 4 | Boston University | Boston, MA | 95% |
| 5 | Duke University | Durham, NC | 94% |
Best Colleges for PT with High Pass Rates
The pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is another important factor to consider when choosing a physical therapy program. A high pass rate indicates that students are well-prepared for the exam and are likely to be successful physical therapists. Here are a few of the best colleges for physical therapy with high pass rates:
| Rank | School | Location | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northwestern University | Chicago, IL | 99% |
| 2 | University of California, San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 98% |
| 3 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | 97% |
| 4 | Boston University | Boston, MA | 96% |
| 5 | Duke University | Durham, NC | 95% |
Best Colleges for PT with Low Tuition
If you’re on a budget, you may want to consider a physical therapy program with low tuition. Here are a few of the best colleges for physical therapy with low tuition:
| Rank | School | Location | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | $30,000 |
| 2 | University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | $32,000 |
| 3 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | $34,000 |
| 4 | Ohio State University | Columbus, OH | $36,000 |
| 5 | University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | $38,000 |
Tips for Applying to Physical Therapy School
Applying to physical therapy school can be a competitive process. Here are a few tips to help you increase your chances of acceptance:
- Get good grades. This is one of the most important factors in the admissions process. Make sure to work hard in your classes and get the best grades possible.
- Take challenging courses. The admissions committee will be impressed if you’ve taken challenging courses, such as math, science, and physics.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities. This will show the admissions committee that you’re a well-rounded person. Get involved in clubs, volunteer, or work a part-time job.
- Write a strong personal statement. The personal statement is your chance to tell the admissions committee why you want to be a physical therapist. Make sure it’s well-written and error-free.
- Get letters of recommendation. The letters of recommendation should come from people who know you well, such as professors, employers, or volunteer supervisors.
- Prepare for the GRE. The GRE is a standardized test that is required for admission to physical therapy school. Make sure to prepare for the test and get the best score possible.
Conclusion
Choosing the right college for physical therapy is an important decision. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of acceptance to the best physical therapy programs in the country.
