The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for physical therapists will increase by 30 percent between 2008 and 2018. To enter the field, a graduate-level degree in physical therapy is necessary. A number of colleges in the United States offer physical therapy programs approved by the Commission on the Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education, qualifying graduates to take the National Physical Therapy Examination, which is required in most states to receive licensing in the field.
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California was ranked the best physical therapy program in the United States by U.S. News and World Report in its most recent ranking, compiled in 2008. The public, Los-Angeles-based university has offered its Doctoral of Physical Therapy program since 1998. To qualify for the program, students must have a bachelor's degree and previous coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology and mathematics. Previous work or volunteer experience in physical therapy is required, and applicants must submit GRE test scores. Each year, the school admits approximately 95 students. The program requires three years to complete, including three, two-week clinical placements; two, six-week placements; and the entire final year spent in clinical settings. The school grants approximately $250,000 in institutional scholarships per year, exclusively for physical therapy students.
University of Southern California
1540 Alcazar St.
Los Angeles, CA 90089
323-442-2900
http://pt.usc.edu/
University of Pittsburgh
In 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of Pittsburgh second among all physical therapy programs in the United States. Located on an urban campus in Western Pennsylvania, the public college's School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences requires Doctor of Physical Therapy program applicants to have a bachelor's degree in any field and to submit both GRE scores and a sample of written undergraduate work such as a thesis or research paper. The program covers pediatric, musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary physical therapy specialties. Clinical rotations are held at acute and long-term care facilities, rehabilitation hospitals and outpatient centers as well as with sports medicine physicians and orthopedists. Students spend three years in the program and can participate in federal and state financial aid programs if eligible.
University of Pittsburgh
4020 Forbes Tower
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
412-383-6558
http://www.pitt.edu/
Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis received the third place ranking among all physical therapy programs in the United States in 2008. The private university, which began offering physical therapist training in 1942, now offers a three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Applicants must show proof of a bachelor's degree in any field and CPR certification, and send GRE scores to the university for admissions consideration. The completion of undergraduate prerequisite coursework in chemistry, physics, biology, anatomy, physiology, trigonometry, statistics, English, psychology, humanities and social sciences are also required. The program includes 38 total weeks of clinical experience and coursework in neurology, musculoskeletal therapy, motor control, organizational management and health and fitness. The university offers institutional scholarships and teaching assistantships to help students offset the cost of tuition.
Washington University in St. Louis
4444 Forest Park Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63108
314-286-1400
http://physicaltherapy.wustl.edu/
Tags: United States, bachelor degree, physical therapy, physical therapy programs, Southern California