There are a number of degree options in the growing and popular field of physical therapy. At one time, you could earn a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy to enter the field. Now, the bachelor’s degree has been essentially replaced by a master’s degree in physical therapy. There are two basic types of these degrees:
Traditional: This master’s degree program in physical therapy is designed for the physical therapist who already holds a bachelor’s degree in the field. This type of master’s program allows the physical therapy professional to increase their educational knowledge, without having to go over and repeat information that they already know.
Direct Entry: This master’s degree in program in physical therapy is the ideal choice for a working professional who completed their bachelor’s degree in another field. This degree generally takes two years to complete. The first year focuses on classroom learning concepts, and the next year includes a great deal of field work, where students practice their physical therapy skills on real patients (under the supervision of a highly experienced physical therapist).
After you earn your master’s degree, one of the common paths in the field is to complete a physical therapy residency or fellowship in a variety of specialty areas.
A residency is a planned program of clinical education that advances your skills in patient care services in a specific area of clinical practice. These programs are offered in geriatric, neurology, orthopedic and sports.
A fellowship is a funded and planned learning experience in a physical therapist clinical office, or possibly in education or research. Fellowships are often offered in hand, movement science, manual orthopedic and sports athletics.
Most master’s degree programs in physical therapy prepare you to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which is required for practice.
Some physical therapy programs have combined the master’s and doctoral program into one program. So, you actually end up earning your Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Check with your specific school to see how their program is organized.
3+ No GRE Options for Masters Degree in Physical Therapy
Loma Linda University
Campus: Online
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: Western Association of Colleges and Schools
Per Credit Hour: $29,000 per year
GRE Required: No
Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
On Campus Requirements: Yes
Programs: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
School Site: |Tuition| Financial Aid
University of Tennessee
Campus: Memphis
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Per Credit Hour: $554 in state; $1541 out of state
GRE Required: No
Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
On Campus Requirements: Yes
Programs: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
School Site: |Tuition| Financial Aid
University of North Texas
Campus: Fort Worth
Type: Non Profit
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Per Credit Hour: $390
GRE Required: No
Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
On Campus Requirements: Yes
Programs: Doctorate of Physical Therapy
School Site: |Tuition| Financial Aid
Basic Description of a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is the treatment that health professionals provide to patients to help them to return to normal and functional lives. Most frequently, these patients need help rehabilitating their bodies after a surgical procedure or an accident. Some of the most common activities that a master’s in physical therapy professional helps patients with are walking, climbing stairs, driving and engaging in sports and leisure activities.
With your master’s degree education, you will help your patients in these areas:
- Flexibility
- Strength
- Endurance
- Coordination
- Balance
In your master’s degree program (which may be combined with a doctoral program), you will study biology, chemistry, statistics, anatomy, physiology and psychology. You also will take classes in exercise physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, research methodology, and pathophysiology.
YouTube Feature
Physical Therapy Master’s Students Share Thoughts on Program
Where Can Masters in Physical Therapy Candidates Find Work After They Graduate?
One of the things that master’s degree in physical therapy students will NOT need to worry about is finding employment after graduation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the employment of physical therapists is expected to soar by 39% by 2020, which is much faster than average. The main driver of employment in the field is the fact that large numbers of baby boomers are retiring, and they are staying far more active later in life than previous generations did. So, they are opting for more medical and surgical procedures that prolong and improve their lives, which means that they need physical therapists to help them to regain strong bodily function.
BLS reports that physical therapists held 198,000 jobs in 2010. They work most often in these areas:
- Health practitioner offices: 37%
- Hospitals: 28%
- Home health care services: 10%
- Nursing and residential care facilities: 7%
BLS reports that the median pay for physical therapists is $76,300, with the top ten percent earning in excess of $107,000. Indeed.com reports that the average salary in this field is $85,000. Salary.com reports that the median salary in the US in the field of physical therapy is $77,561.
Additional Resources:
