Are you looking to pursue a career in physical therapy? If so, you may be wondering how long it takes to earn a physical therapy degree. The answer is four years!
Physical therapy is an exciting and rewarding healthcare profession that focuses on helping individuals improve their movement, reduce pain, and restore, maintain, and promote physical function. It involves the application of evidence-based therapeutic interventions such as exercise, manual therapy, modalities (heat/cold), electrotherapy, and biofeedback to reduce pain and improve mobility.
The first two years of the program are spent completing general education courses such as biology, chemistry, anatomy & physiology, and psychology. The last two years focus on physical therapy-specific coursework such as kinesiology, biomechanics, pathophysiology, pharmacology, clinical practice management & ethics. In addition to classroom learning, students must also complete clinical internships in order to gain hands-on experience working with real patients.
Upon completion of the program and passing the national licensure exam (NPTE), graduates can become licensed physical therapists in the United States. So if you’re ready to embark on your journey towards becoming a physical therapist – get ready for four years of hard work!
Exploring the Different Types of Physical Therapy Degree Programs
If you’re interested in becoming a physical therapist, you need to know how many years it takes to get a physical therapy degree. Generally speaking, it takes four years of schooling to become a physical therapist. The first two years focus on general education while the last two are dedicated to physical therapy-specific coursework. Clinical internships must also be completed in order to gain hands-on experience working with real patients.
• Associate: Provides students with a basic understanding of physical therapy principles and techniques.
• Bachelor’s: Offers more in-depth study of physical therapy concepts and techniques, as well as clinical experience hours.
• Master’s: Provides students with advanced knowledge of physical therapy theories and practices, along with research experience.
• Doctoral: Focuses on research and clinical practice, as well as teaching experiences.
Coursework for all levels includes anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, pharmacology, pathology and medical terminology. Students may also take courses in psychology, nutrition and business management for a better understanding of the field. In addition to classroom learning, clinical experience is required for all levels of program completion. This gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with real patients before entering the field.
Requirements for a Physical Therapy Degree and Courses Involved
Becoming a physical therapist is an exciting and rewarding career choice, but it does require some dedication. It takes four years of schooling to become a physical therapist, with the first two focusing on general education and the last two dedicated to physical therapy-specific coursework.
If you’re really looking to get hands-on experience in the field of physical therapy then participating in clinical internships is key! These internships provide real-life patient care experiences that will help you develop your skills as a physical therapist.
if you want to become a physical therapist you should be prepared for four years of hard work and dedication – but it will all be worth it when you see your patients making progress!
Gaining Licensure as a Physical Therapist: What You Need to Know
Have you ever considered becoming a physical therapist? It takes four years of schooling, including two years of general education and two years of physical therapy-specific coursework. After completing an accredited physical therapy program and passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), you must obtain licensure from the state in which you plan to practice. This may require additional examinations or background checks.
Once you have obtained your license, it is important to stay up-to-date on best practices by completing continuing education hours each year. This can help ensure that you are providing safe and effective care to your patients.
Are you ready to take the next step in your journey towards becoming a physical therapist? With dedication and hard work, you can make your dream a reality!
Job Outlook for Physical Therapists: What Can You Expect?

Becoming a physical therapist requires four years of schooling and passing the National Physical Therapy Examination, after which you must obtain licensure from the state in which you plan to practice. Once you have completed your education and obtained licensure, you can look forward to a positive job outlook.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of physical therapists will grow 22% from 2019 to 2029 – much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to an increased demand for physical therapy services as people continue to live longer and more active lives.
Physical therapists are in high demand in many different settings including hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, schools, private practices, and sports medicine clinics. The median annual salary for physical therapists was $89,440 in May 2019.
To become a successful physical therapist, it’s important to stay up-to-date on industry trends and make sure your skillset meets the changing needs of the healthcare industry. With a combination of hard work and dedication, you can build a rewarding career as a physical therapist.
Summarizing
The first two years of schooling focus on general education, while the last two are dedicated to physical therapy-specific coursework. In order to gain hands-on experience working with real patients, students must also complete clinical internships. This is an invaluable opportunity that allows students to put their knowledge into practice and build confidence in their skills.
Once you have completed your schooling and passed the examination, you must obtain licensure from the state in which you plan to practice. Depending on your state’s requirements, this may include taking additional courses or completing continuing education credits every few years.
Becoming a physical therapist is no easy feat, however, it is rewarding work that can make a huge difference in people’s lives. With the right amount of dedication and hard work, you can be well on your way to becoming a successful physical therapist!