How long does it take to become physical therapist? This question seems to get frequently questioned by those who like to be a physical therapist. For your information, if you like to be a physical therapist, the first thing to do is taking a program and passing it from NPTE. This program lets you get a licensed physical therapist and board certified. In order to have those license and certification, it spends about several years. Therefore, you need to be prepared about this.
Two Basic Things that You Should Have
In order to be a physical therapist, study and certification are two major things that you will have. You need to get the education to figure out your knowledge and skill for being a therapist. It is because when you become a physical therapist, you should not take any action without understanding the condition of the patient.
Steps of Being a Physical Therapist
For being a physical therapist, it would be good for you to see below things. This may be guidance for you to understand the steps of being a physical therapist.
- Hold A Degree
It is known that for being a physical therapist, it will be easier for you to hold a degree with a related major. Those who are questioning about how long does it take to become physical therapist, it still takes years to get certified. However, it becomes simpler if you already hold a degree. Then, is it possible to be a physical therapist without a degree? The answer is yes. However, it takes so much longer time to do.
- Duration with A degree
As it is said, being a physical therapist needs more time to do. If you have got your bachelor degree, then you need to take a DPT program which stands for Doctor of Physical Therapy. With a degree that you have, you will need about thirty to thirty-six months until you get certified. It depends on your ability to pass the program.
- Without A Degree
The chance of being a physical therapist is still possible. For this, it may take more than six years to do, so be prepared for the time. The first step is you need to get the Freshmen Entry of DPT. Then, you will need to take the license and certification afterward. Although it takes so much more time to do, it is worth the wait. Then, how long does it take to become physical therapist? The answer is based on your educational background. Even you did not take any medical degree, you can still pursue your dream of being a physical therapist. However, if you like to start from the beginning, you need to maintain your GPA so that you can pass the certification well.
Then, whether you hold a degree or not, you can still take the DPT program. The difference is only about the duration. Those who already hold a degree with a related major, you can just take DPT program to get the license and certification. On the other hand, if you did not hold any bachelor degree, then you can still get the chance for it. Of course, it lets you have a longer time to do. Now, there is no barrier to be a physical therapist.
As a conclusion, how long does it take to become physical therapist is already informed clearly. All the things that you have to do are getting the certification and license. Now, you need to deeply think about it since it takes much time. However, if you really have strong determination for being a physical therapist, just pursue your dream. Taking your DPT program and pass the license and certification.