Tag Archives: How Long is Physical Therapy School Palo Verde AZ 85343

Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Palo Verde AZ

How to Pick a Physical Therapy College near Palo Verde 85343

Palo Verde AZ physical therapy school student with volunteerGetting a physical therapy degree near Palo Verde AZ is a critical first step to launching a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. Physical therapists (PT) help people who have been incapacitated as a result of injury or illness gain back function and mobility. But before they can practice and provide treatment for the rehabilitation of patients, they need to get the necessary training and education. A PT must additionally be licensed in all states, many mandating that the licensee receive a physical therapy degree from an accredited school. So before enrolling in a physical therapy school, it’s essential to research the ones you are thinking about to make sure they will furnish a quality education and satisfy your state’s licensing requirements. What you should not do is select a school just because it happens to be the nearest to your home or it has the most affordable tuition. There are other relevant qualifications that need to be considered besides location and cost. But before we talk about what those qualifications are and what questions you should ask, we’ll cover what a physical therapist does and what the educational options are.

What Do Physical Therapists Do?

Palo Verde AZ physical therapist helping patient walkPhysical therapists practice in varying settings, including Palo Verde AZ hospitals, health clinics, assisted living facilities, rehab centers and sports facilities. What the facilities all have in common is that they are equipped for diagnosing and rehabilitating patients. As earlier touched on, physical therapists help people that are struggling with a lack of mobility and frequently pain due to injury or illness. After diagnosing a patient, they design a course of treatment to resolve the mobility problems and lessen or eradicate any pain. They also try to stop any progression of the disability. While the causes of disability requiring physical therapy are numerous, they include:

  • Arthritis or Osteoporosis
  • Car or motor cycle accidents
  • Strokes.
  • Heart attacks.
  • Sports injuries.
  • Burn injuries.
  • Hip Replacement.
  • Sciatica.
  • Multiple Sclerosis.

Licensed physical therapists practice in close partnerships with other Palo Verde AZ health specialists, including chiropractors, physicians, registered nurses and dentists. They can also oversee one or more physical therapy assistants who work under them in diagnosing and treating their patients. One thing to keep in mind for anyone considering getting into the physical therapy field, it is rather physically demanding. Physical therapists often lift patients and heavy equipment, and stand, crouch and kneel for prolonged periods of time on a daily basis.

Physical Therapist Degrees

Palo Verde AZ physical therapist applying acupuncture to patientThere are 3 physical therapist degrees available for students to enroll in at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Of these choices, the only degree that is available to become a physical therapist is the doctorate. Undergraduate degrees target either preparing students to become a physical therapy assistant (PTA) or preparing them to advance to the doctoral level. Following are short descriptions of degrees that are offered in the Palo Verde AZ area:

  • Associate Degrees train students to be physical therapy assistants, or may be the first step toward earning a more advanced degree. Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent to be accepted for enrollment. The programs are typically provided by community or junior colleges, and require two years to complete. Clinical training, which may be in the form of an internship is typically a component of the course of study.
  • Bachelor’s Degrees are developed as pre-physical therapy education to prepare students to progress to the doctoral level. Although they are not a requirement to be eligible for the doctoral program, they are an important first step to becoming a PT. As with most bachelor’s degrees, they generally require 4 years to complete and often include an internship program of at least 500 hours.
  • Doctorate Degrees are mandated if you want to become a licensed practicing physical therapist. The degree program also must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). In addition to the bachelor’s degree, the doctoral takes three years to complete, making the overall investment of time seven years in most cases. Clinical training is an intregal component in addition to the substantial classroom and lab instruction. Therefor the completion of an internship is required, not solely for graduation but in some states for licensing as well.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) has taken the place of the Master’s of Physical Therapy (MPT), which has been eliminated 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 present licensing mandate for a doctorate was implemented.

Physical Therapist Colleges Online

woman attending physical therapy school online in Palo Verde AZAlthough not as prevalent as the on-campus options, there are many accredited online physical therapist programs offered, more so at the graduate level. Due to the hands-on structure of the training, clinical lab work and internships are combined with the online classes. This necessitates that the student live near the school campus or in proximity of an available internship. Fortunately, the online portion of the curriculum can be accessed within the convenience and comfort of the student’s Palo Verde AZ residence. Online programs are not only to some extent more accessible, but in a number of instances more economical. Tuition might be somewhat less than comparable on-campus options, and costs for commuting are minimized. And many of the online programs are accredited by the CAPTE, ensuring a quality education. These benefits can make the online option the ideal choice for those students that are disciplined enough to attend classes at home.

Topics to Ask Physical Therapy Schools

By now you probably have come to decision regarding several of your initial queries, such as the kind of physical therapist degree you want to attain, where you prefer to attend classes, and how much money you can afford to spend for your education. But because there are numerous PT schools within the Palo Verde AZ area and across Arizona, you’ll need to explore other qualifications also so as to further narrow your list of college choices. Furthermore, you need to make certain that you enroll in the college that is best for you. That’s the reason we have compiled a list of essential questions that you must ask the physical therapy programs you are considering. Ask all of the potential schools these questions prior to making an ultimate selection.

Is the Physical Therapist College Accredited?  Find out if the schools you are looking at have received 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 choose an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council. It’s imperative that both the physical therapist program and school you select are accredited, not just the school. Also, verify that the accreditation is through a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Besides ensuring that you receive an excellent education, accreditation may be mandated for state licensing and even for getting student loans or financial assistance.

What is the College’s Standing? In addition to accreditation, it’s essential that the school and program you pick have excellent reputations within the physical therapist profession. There are multiple ways you can research a PT school’s reputation, starting with requesting references from employers that they place their graduates with. You may also check online reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. Contact some Palo Verde AZ physical therapy centers or other healthcare facilities that you may have an interest in working for and ask if they can provide any insight about your college selections. It might also be prudent to check with the Arizona Attorney General and school licensing authority to see if any complaints have been filed against the colleges.

What is the College’s Job Placement Rate? There are a couple of significant statistics that you need to find out about all of the physical therapy colleges you are looking at. First is their graduation rate. A lower rate may indicate that students left because of displeasure with the program, the teachers, or both. Once the students have graduated, how many of them are being hired with the help of the school’s job placement program, particularly in the Palo Verde AZ area? If a college has a high job placement rate, it’s an indication that its reputation within the healthcare field is good or even excellent. It also affirms that the college has a large network of contacts to assist students obtain internships or employment upon graduation.

Does the Program Prepare You For Licensing Requirements? It’s important that the program you select furnishes both excellent training and a curriculum that supports the licensing requirements for Arizona or the state where you will be practicing. In each state a passing score is needed on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) as well as a degree from an accredited physical therapy school. Although licensing requirements differ state by state for PT and PTA graduates, many states require a minimum amount of clinical hours be performed and passing scores on additional exams.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the physical therapist schools you are reviewing have relationships with Palo Verde AZ clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to get practical training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a requirement for the majority of PT programs and state licensing. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Palo Verde medical community and help with job placement after licensing.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the physical therapist schools you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the pharmacy technician program as well.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the physical therapy college they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Palo Verde AZ residence. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually 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 Aid Provided? The majority of DPT colleges offer some form of financial assistance to their prospective students. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have a financial assistance office and see what kind of assistance is obtainable. They at least should help in obtaining a student loan or any scholarships you may qualify for. Some physical therapy colleges offer scholarships, while others provide work programs. So before eliminating a school because the tuition is beyond your budget, ask what financial aid might be available.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the physical therapy college you finally choose can furnish 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 Palo Verde AZ area, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Earning Your Physical Therapy Degree near Palo Verde Arizona?

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

Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station

The Palo Verde Generating Station is a nuclear power plant located near Tonopah, Arizona,[5] in western Arizona. It is located about 45 miles (72 km) due west of downtown Phoenix, Arizona, and it is located near the Gila River, which is dry save for the rainy season in late summer.

The Palo Verde Generating Station is the largest power plant in the United States by net generation.[6] Its average electric power production is about 3.3 gigawatts (GW),[5] and this power serves about four million people. The Arizona Public Service Company (APS) operates and owns 29.1% of the plant. Its other major owners include the Salt River Project (17.5%), the El Paso Electric Company (15.8%), Southern California Edison (15.8%), PNM Resources (10.2%), the Southern California Public Power Authority (5.9%), and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (5.7%).[7]

The Palo Verde Generating Station is located in the Arizona desert, and is the only large nuclear power plant in the world that is not located near a large body of water. The power plant evaporates the water from the treated sewage from several nearby cities and towns to provide the cooling of the steam that it produces.

Pick the Right Physical Therapist Degree Program near Palo Verde AZ

Deciding on the right physical therapist school is an important initial decision you have to make to launch a rewarding career in the medical field. As we have covered in this article, the PT or DPT degree program and school you pick should both have excellent reputations and accreditation. But there are additional important questions that you need to ask pertaining to your school of choice as well. As you begin your search for a physical therapy program, keep in mind that many variables will guide you toward your final decision. You may decide to visit each of the colleges to view their facilities and talk to current DPT students. While there, ask yourself this important question: will this school help me realize my goal of becoming a licensed practicing physical therapist? By following our list of additional questions, you will be able to narrow down the options so you can make the ideal choice. And with the proper training and education, you can accomplish your dream to become a practicing physical therapist in Palo Verde AZ.

A Few More Interesting Locations in Arizona

  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Solomon AZ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Kayenta AZ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Chino Valley AZ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Littlefield AZ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Sacaton AZ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Surprise AZ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Duncan AZ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Wellton AZ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Higley AZ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Oracle AZ
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 109

    Athlon Physical Therapy
    15 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    2560 E Ft Lowell Rd, Tucson, AZ 85716

    ProActive Physical Therapy
    22 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    3945 E Paradise Falls Dr, Ste 109, Tucson, AZ 85712

    Athlon Physical Therapy
    9 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    7483 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715

    Arizona Physical Therapy
    4 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    2900 E Broadway Blvd, Ste 132, Tucson, AZ 85716

    Applied Physical Medicine - Tygiel Physical Therapy
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    6606 E Carondelet Dr, Tucson, AZ 85710

    Halili Physical Therapy
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    268 E River Rd, Ste 130, Tucson, AZ 85704

    Franke Physical Therapy
    6 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    4510 E Camp Lowell Dr, Tucson, AZ 85712

    Sabaidee Physical Therapy
    2 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Naturopathic/Holistic, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    4842 E 1st St, Tucson, AZ 85711

    Winterhaven Health Center
    3 Reviews
    Acupuncture, Chiropractors, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    3020 N Country Club Rd, Tucson, AZ 85716

    Borden Physical Therapy
    2 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    6264 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85712