What to Major in to Become a Physical Therapist

If you’re passionate about helping people regain movement and function, a career as a physical therapist could be a great fit for you. Physical therapists are in high demand, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 26% increase in employment from 2020 to 2030.

Education Requirements

To become a physical therapist, you need a master’s degree in physical therapy (MPT). Most MPT programs require a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as exercise science, kinesiology, or biology.

Common Bachelor’s Degrees for Physical Therapists

According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the most common bachelor’s degrees for physical therapists are:

• Exercise science (32%)
• Kinesiology (23%)
• Biology (15%)
• Health science (6%)
• Neuroscience (5%)

Coursework for Pre-Physical Therapy Majors

Regardless of your major, you’ll need to take certain prerequisite courses to prepare for physical therapy school. These courses typically include:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Physics
• Calculus
• Statistics
• Psychology
• Sociology

Choosing a Major for Physical Therapy

When choosing a major for physical therapy, consider the following factors:

• Your interests: What subjects do you enjoy learning about?
• Your strengths: What are you good at?
• Your career goals: What type of physical therapist do you want to be?
• The requirements of your chosen physical therapy program: What prerequisites do you need to take?

Other factors to consider

In addition to your major, there are other factors to consider when preparing for a career as a physical therapist. These include:

• Clinical experience: Most physical therapy programs require students to complete a certain number of clinical hours. This experience allows you to apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.
• Research experience: Research experience can help you develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It can also make you a more competitive applicant for physical therapy school.
• Volunteer work: Volunteer work in a physical therapy clinic or hospital can give you valuable experience and help you build your network.
• Physical fitness: Physical therapists need to be able to perform physically demanding tasks, such as lifting patients and helping them with exercises.

Benefits of Being a Physical Therapist

There are many benefits to being a physical therapist, including:

• Job security: Physical therapists are in high demand, so you’re likely to find a job in your field.
• Good salary: The median annual salary for physical therapists was $89,400 in May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Meaningful work: You can help people regain movement and function, which can have a profound impact on their lives.
• Opportunity for advancement: With experience, you can advance to roles such as clinical specialist, educator, or administrator.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a physical therapist and a physical therapy assistant?

Physical therapists have a master’s degree and are licensed to assess, diagnose, and treat movement disorders. Physical therapy assistants have an associate’s degree and work under the supervision of a physical therapist.

2. What is the job outlook for physical therapists?

The job outlook for physical therapists is excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 26% increase in employment from 2020 to 2030.

3. What are the different types of physical therapists?

There are many different types of physical therapists, including:

• Orthopedic physical therapists treat musculoskeletal disorders, such as sprains, strains, and fractures.
• Neurological physical therapists treat people with neurological disorders, such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
• Cardiopulmonary physical therapists treat people with heart and lung conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
• Pediatric physical therapists treat children with movement disorders.
• Geriatric physical therapists treat older adults with movement disorders.

4. How much do physical therapists make?

The median annual salary for physical therapists was $89,400 in May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

5. What are the steps to becoming a physical therapist?

To become a physical therapist, you need to:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
2. Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
3. Apply to physical therapy school.
4. Complete a master’s degree in physical therapy.
5. Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
6. Obtain a state license.

6. What are the benefits of being a physical therapist?

There are many benefits to being a physical therapist, including:

• Job security
• Good salary
• Meaningful work
• Opportunity for advancement

Conclusion

If you’re passionate about helping people regain movement and function, a career as a physical therapist could be a great fit for you. With a master’s degree in physical therapy, you’ll be able to work in a variety of settings and help people of all ages overcome movement disorders.