Tag Archives: How Long is Physical Therapy School Carmel Valley CA 93924

Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Carmel Valley CA

How to Find the Right Physical Therapy School near Carmel Valley 93924

Carmel Valley CA physical therapy school student with volunteerObtaining a physical therapy degree near Carmel Valley CA is a critical first step to beginning a rewarding career in the medical care industry. Physical therapists (PT) help people who have been debilitated as a result of illness or injury regain function and mobility. But before they can practice and provide treatment for the rehabilitation of patients, they must get the necessary education and training. A PT must additionally become licensed in all states, many mandating that the licensee hold a physical therapy degree from an accredited college. So prior to selecting a physical therapy school, it’s essential to evaluate those you are thinking about to make certain they will deliver a superior education and satisfy your state’s licensing requirements. What you do not want to do is select a college simply because it happens to be the closest to your residence or it has the lowest tuition. There are other relevant qualifications that must be considered besides location and cost. But before we cover what those qualifications are and the questions you should be asking, we’ll cover what a physical therapist does and the options for education.

What is a Physical Therapist?

Carmel Valley CA physical therapist helping patient walkPhysical therapists work in a variety of locations, including Carmel Valley CA hospitals, health clinics, assisted living facilities, rehab centers and health clubs. What the facilities all have in common is that they have the equipment for diagnosing and rehabilitating patients. As previously touched on, physical therapists help individuals that are suffering from a lack of mobility and frequently pain due to illness or injury. After diagnosing a patient, they develop a program of treatment to resolve the mobility issues and lessen or eliminate any pain. They also try to prevent any advancement of the disability. Although the causes of disability requiring physical therapy are numerous, they include:

  • Osteoporosis and Arthritis
  • Car or motor cycle accidents
  • Strokes.
  • Cardiac arrest.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
  • Fire injuries.
  • Knee Replacement.
  • Sciatica.
  • Multiple Sclerosis.

Licensed physical therapists work in close partnerships with other Carmel Valley CA health specialists, including doctors, chiropractors, registered nurses and dentists. They may also supervise several physical therapy assistants who work for them in diagnosing and treating their patients. Something to take note of for anyone considering going into the physical therapy field, it is rather physically demanding. Physical therapists often lift heavy equipment as well as patients, and stand, crouch and kneel for long periods of time on a daily basis.

Physical Therapy Degree Options

Carmel Valley CA physical therapist applying acupuncture to patientThere are three physical therapist degree options offered for individuals to enroll in at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Of these alternatives, the single degree that is available to practice as a physical therapist is the doctorate. Undergraduate degrees concentrate on either training students to become a physical therapy assistant (PTA) or prepping them to advance to the doctoral level. Following are brief summaries of degrees that are offered in the Carmel Valley CA area:

  • Associate Degrees prepare students to be physical therapy assistants, or may be used as a stepping stone to a more advanced degree. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify for enrollment. The degrees are most often provided by community colleges, and require 2 years for completion. An internship or other form of clinical training is usually part of the program.
  • Bachelor’s Degrees are created as pre-physical therapy education to ready students to move up to the doctoral level. While they are not a requirement to be qualified for the doctoral program, they are an important first step to becoming a PT. Similar to most bachelor’s degrees, they normally require 4 years to complete and usually incorporate an internship program of a minimum of 500 hours.
  • Doctorate Degrees are mandated if you want to become a practicing licensed physical therapist. The degree program also must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). After earning the bachelor’s degree, the doctoral takes 3 years to finish, making the total commitment 7 years in the majority of cases. Clinical training is an intregal element in addition to the extensive classroom and lab instruction. Consequently the fulfillment of an internship is required, not only for graduation but in a number of states for licensing as well.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) has replaced the Master’s of Physical Therapy (MPT), which has been phased out and is no longer attainable in the United States. Some practicing physical therapists having a master’s or even a bachelor’s degree were “grandfathered” in before the existing licensing mandate for a doctorate was instituted.

Physical Therapist Degrees Online

woman attending physical therapy school online in Carmel Valley CAWhile not as common as the on campus options, there are many accredited online physical therapist programs offered, even more at the graduate level. Due to the hands-on structure of the training, clinical lab work and internships are incorporated with the online classes. This requires that the student live close to the college campus or nearby an available internship. Fortunately, the online portion of the curriculum may be accessed within the comfort and convenience of the student’s Carmel Valley CA home. Online programs are not only partially more accessible, but in many instances more affordable. Tuition can be somewhat lower than similar on campus options, and expenses for commuting are minimized. And many of the online schools are accredited by the CAPTE, assuring a quality education. These advantages may make the online option the ideal choice for those students that are dedicated enough to learn at home.

Subjects to Ask Physical Therapy Colleges

At this point you most likely have made a decision regarding a few of your initial queries, including the kind of physical therapy degree you intend to attain, where you prefer to attend classes, and how much money you can afford to invest in your education. But since there are so many PT schools within the Carmel Valley CA area and across California, you’ll need to research other qualifications as well in order to further narrow your list of school options. Also, you want to make sure that you enroll in the school that is best for you. That’s why we have compiled a list of essential questions that you must ask the physical therapy colleges you are thinking about. Ask each of the potential colleges these questions prior to making an ultimate selection.

Is the Physical Therapist School Accredited?  Ask if the schools you are looking at have earned accreditation from a regional or a national agency. As previously stated, if you are pursuing a doctorate the program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). If you select an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council. It’s essential that both the physical therapist program and school you choose are accredited, not just the school. Additionally, verify that the accreditation is from a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. In addition to ensuring that you receive a quality education, accreditation might be mandated for state licensing as well as for securing student loans or financial assistance.

What is the School’s Reputation? Along with accreditation, it’s essential that the school and program you choose have excellent reputations within the physical therapy profession. There are multiple ways you can investigate a PT school’s reputation, starting with asking for references from employers that they place their graduates with. You can also check online reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. Contact a few Carmel Valley CA physical therapist clinics or other medical care facilities that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any insight about your school selections. It might also be prudent to check with the California Attorney General and school licensing authority to see if any complaints have been submitted against the colleges.

What is the School’s Job Placement Percentage? There are a couple of useful statistics that you should know about all of the physical therapist colleges you are considering. First is their graduation rate. A low rate may suggest that students dropped out because of displeasure with the program, the instructors, or both. Once the students have graduated, how many of them are being placed in jobs with the assistance of the school’s job placement program, particularly in the Carmel Valley CA area? If a school has a high job placement rate, it’s an indication that its reputation within the health care field is good or perhaps exceptional. It also verifies that the program has a large network of contacts to assist students gain internships or employment after graduation.

Does the School Prepare You For Licensing Requirements? It’s important that the college you select furnishes both excellent training and a course of study that supports the licensing criteria for California or the state where you will be working. In each state a passing score is required on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) as well as a degree from an accredited physical therapy college. While licensing requirements fluctuate state by state for PT and PTA graduates, some states require a minimum amount of clinical hours be performed and passing scores on supplemental tests.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the physical therapist programs you are interested in have associations with Carmel Valley CA hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a requirement for the majority of PT programs and state licensing. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the Carmel Valley medical community and assist with obtaining employment after licensing.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the physical therapist colleges you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the pharmacy tech program as well.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the physical therapy college they select will have to be within commuting distance of their Carmel Valley CA residence. Students who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

Is Financial Assistance Offered? The majority of DPT colleges offer some form of financial aid to their potential students. Find out if the colleges you are looking at have a financial assistance office and find out what type of aid is available. They at least should help in obtaining a student loan or any scholarships you might be eligible for. Some physical therapist schools provide scholarships, while others offer work programs. So before you eliminate a program because the tuition is too expensive, ask what financial assistance might be available.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the physical therapist program you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Carmel Valley CA area, check that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Earning Your Physical Therapy Degree near Carmel Valley California?

If you are planning on attending a Physical Therapy School in the Carmel Valley CA area, the following information may prove to be both interesting and educational regarding the location of your future Alma Mater.

Carmel Valley Village, California

Carmel Valley Village (also known as Carmel Valley for short) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Monterey County, California, United States. At the time of the 2010 census the population was 4,407, down from 4,700 at the 2000 census. In November 2009, a majority of residents voted against incorporation.

Carmel Valley Village is located at 36°29′10″N 121°43′26″W / 36.48611°N 121.72389°W / 36.48611; -121.72389.[5] According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 19.2 square miles (50 km2), 98.98% of it land and 1.02% of it water. The community of Robles Del Rio is located on the opposite bank of the Carmel River.

The Carmel River drains the area of Carmel Valley. Primary ecosystems of the vicinity include California oak woodland, riparian woodland, chaparral, grassland and savanna. Dominant oak trees include Quercus agrifolia. The locale of Carmel Valley is also the northernmost range of the hybrid oak Quercus x alvordiana.[7]

Select the Right Physical Therapist School near Carmel Valley CA

Selecting the best physical therapy college is a necessary first decision you need to make to start a fulfilling career in the healthcare field. As we have covered in this article, the DPT or PT degree program and school you decide on should both have excellent reputations and be accredited. However there are other relevant questions that you need to ask regarding your college of choice as well. As you start your search for a physical therapist college, bear in mind that many factors will guide you to your ultimate decision. You might decide to visit different campuses to view their facilities and speak to current DPT students. While there, ask yourself this critical question: will this college help me reach my goal of becoming a licensed practicing physical therapist? By following our list of additional questions, you will be able to narrow down the field so you can make the appropriate choice. And with the necessary training and education, you can achieve your dream to become a licensed physical therapist in Carmel Valley CA.

A Few More Interesting Locations in California

  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Palo Alto CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Playa Del Rey CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Strathmore CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Pleasant Grove CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Independence CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Bridgeport CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Winterhaven CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Laguna Hills CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Markleeville CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Coronado CA
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 74

    Cypress Coast Physical Therapy
    14 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    2000 Garden Rd, Monterey, CA 93940

    Terrapin Physical Therapy
    35 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy, Occupational Therapy
    Phone:
    5 Harris Ct, Bldg T Ste 102, Monterey, CA 93940

    Balance Physical Therapy
    18 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    143 John St, Salinas, CA 93901

    Phelps & Associates Physical Therapy
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine, Orthopedists
    Phone:
    102 San Miguel Ave, Salinas, CA 93901

    Carmel Valley Physical Therapy
    4 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    7170 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA 93923

    Performance Physical Therapy & Sports Conditioning
    7 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    19 Upper Ragsdale Dr, Monterey, CA 93940

    Pacific Grove Physical Therapy
    9 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    786 Lighthouse Ave, New Monterey, CA 93940

    Ripple Physical Therapy
    5 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    21 Upper Ragsdale Dr, Ste 125, Monterey, CA 93940

    Marina Physical Therapy
    7 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    292 Reservation Rd, Marina, CA 93933

    In Stride Physical Therapy & Rehab
    8 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    581 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950