What academic degree is needed to become a physical therapist?
Ans: To practice physical therapy one must be a graduate of an accredited program and have satisfactorily passed the National Physical Therapy Exam for licensure. As of January 1, 2002, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education only accredits professional programs at the post baccalaureate level. The educational institution will determine the degree to be offered, that is, a masters or a doctoral degree. For a list of accredited and developing programs write to the American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria VA 22314, call 1-800-999-APTA, or by internet at http://www.apta.org and go to the PT Education/School Listings index page.

How much does it cost to got to PT school?
Ans: We review our costs each year and attempt to estimate the total cost as closely as possible.  We maintain an MPT FINANCIAL INFORMATION document that you are encouraged to read.  It is also helpful to review the graduate tuition and fees for ASU.

Will I have a better chance of being admitted to the Physical Therapy Graduate Program at Arkansas State University if I complete my undergraduate work at Arkansas State University?
Ans: Yes & No.

No: As long as you are a graduate of an accredited college or university in the United States and meet the required GPA, applicants from all schools are treated equally. In 2001 & 2002, for example, the students admitted came from many different colleges. Almost all colleges and universities have courses that will allow one to complete the prerequisites.

Yes: ASU Jonesboro students who do well academically have the option to request an early commitment from the program.

Do you give preference to residents of Arkansas in admission to the MPT program?
Ans: Once invited for a personal interview, residents and nonresidents have a similar chance for acceptance.

What are some suggested elective courses to take during undergraduate years?
Ans: Courses in anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology, kinesiology, physics, research methods, statistics, and computer science would be helpful. Most students say that the more science they have as undergraduates, the easier and more meaningful the professional curriculum is. An economics course would also be beneficial, as would an accounting course or other business administration courses since many therapists find a need for business skills in their practice.

What is the best undergraduate major as preparation for the physical therapy curriculum?
Ans: The best advice is to follow your area of interest. No one major is looked upon more favorably than another. Biology is a common major of those students admitted. Interdisciplinary Studies, Athletic Training, Exercise Science, General Science, and Psychology are other common majors.  Graduates from the Program have also come from Nursing, Communication Disorders, Business, Education, and other majors.

Can I specialize in one area, for example sports physical therapy, in the entry level program?
Ans: No, the emphasis in entry level education is on training a generalist in practice. However, an introduction to the specialty areas is usually available during clinical affiliations. Formal certification as a clinical specialist requires clinical experience as a physical therapist and the passing of an examination. Clinical specialty areas in physical therapy are orthopaedics, geriatrics, sports, neurologic, pediatrics, cardiopulmonary, and clinical electrophysiology.

What can I do to enhance my chances of successful admission to a physical therapy program?
Ans: 1) Pay close attention to the admission criteria for a minimum of 3 or 4 programs to which you intend to apply. Be certain to meet their prerequisite coursework. 2) Do well academically. 3) Read, read, & read some more - Students who have excellent reading and writing skills tend to do well in the Program.  4) Develop your rationale as to why you want to be a physical therapist. 5) Meet with your undergraduate advisor and a physical therapy faculty member to discuss other strategies to improve your application.

What qualities are needed to be a good physical therapist?
Ans: As with most health professions, a person should be intelligent and have a genuine concern for other people. A good sense of humor and a commitment to helping others is important. Communication and interpersonal skills are vital. These traits are needed to deal both with the patient and the patient's family. Manual dexterity and physical stamina are important, as is a commitment to life-long learning.

Are physical therapists licensed?
Ans: Yes, a license is needed to practice physical therapy. The same licensing exam, the National Physical Therapy Examination, is given in all 50 states. To take the exam one must be a graduate of an accredited program in physical therapy. The purpose of licensure is to protect the public from unqualified practitioners. Other requirements for physical therapy practice vary from state to state according to physical therapy practice acts or state regulations governing physical therapy.

Is a referral from a physician needed to practice physical therapy?
Ans: This varies from state to state. In Arkansas it is legal for a physical therapist to examine, evaluate and treat a patient without referral. This is the case in 34 states. The percentage of therapists who treat patients without referral is reported to be about 10%. Different states have different stipulations regarding direct access.

How much do physical therapists earn?
Ans: In 2004 median annual earnings of salaried physical therapists who worked full time ranged from $56,000 to $70,000 depending on the practice setting.  The median annual salary for physical therapists with 0-3 years of experience was reported to be $51,000.  Salary appeared to be most closely related to year's of experience.

If I have a master's degree in physical therapy, will I be required to get a DPT degree in the future?
Ans: No, although if you want to, there exist a number of transitional DPT as well as post professional DPT programs.  Post professional certifications from the APTA in specialty areas are recognized as clinical excellence and expertise.

Where do physical therapists practice and what is the employment outlook?
Ans: Hospitals are the largest single employer of physical therapists, providing about a third of all jobs. Many other jobs are in rehab facilities, home health agencies, nursing homes, school systems, sports clinics, and industry. A substantial number of physical therapists are in private practice. Some teach, conduct research, or serve as consultants.  Indications are that the need for physical therapists will remain high as the population ages and as physical therapists become more involved in the areas of health and wellness promotion. Physical therapy continues to offer great opportunities.

For further information about physical therapy, you may check the APTA's web site at www.apta.org.

Can I take physical therapy classes at night, part-time, on the weekends, or by correspondence?
ANS: Not at ASU.