| MPT Program Commonly Asked Questions
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. |