Tag Archives: Physical Therapy Assistant Schools Near Me Youngtown AZ 85363

Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Youngtown AZ

How to Find the Right Physical Therapist Degree Program near Youngtown 85363

Youngtown AZ physical therapy school student with volunteerGetting a physical therapy degree near Youngtown AZ is a critical first step to beginning a rewarding career in the medical care field. Physical therapists (PT) help individuals who have been incapacitated due to injury or illness regain mobility and function. But before they may legally practice and work with the rehabilitation of patients, they must receive the necessary training and education. A PT must also become licensed in every state, many requiring that the licensee hold a physical therapy degree from an accredited college. So before selecting a physical therapy school, it’s necessary to research the ones you are thinking about to ensure they will supply a quality education and comply with your state’s licensing requirements. What you do not want to do is enroll in a school just because it happens to be the nearest to your residence or it has the lowest tuition. There are other significant qualifications that must 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 is a Physical Therapist?

Youngtown AZ physical therapist helping patient walkPhysical therapists practice in a variety of settings, including Youngtown AZ private practices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and sports facilities. What the facilities all have in common is that they have the equipment for the diagnosis and rehabilitation treatment of patients. As earlier touched on, physical therapists help individuals that are suffering from a lack of mobility and frequently pain due to injury or illness. After patient diagnosis, they design a program of treatment to resolve the mobility problems and reduce or eradicate any pain. They also strive to prevent any advancement of the disability. While the causes of disability requiring physical therapy are numerous, they include:

  • Osteoporosis and Arthritis
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Head injuries.
  • Cardiac arrest.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
  • Fire injuries.
  • Knee Replacement.
  • Sciatica.
  • Multiple Sclerosis.

Licensed physical therapists work in close partnerships with other Youngtown AZ medical professionals, including doctors, chiropractors, registered nurses and dentists. They can also oversee one or more physical therapy assistants who work under them assisting with the diagnosis and treatment of their patients. Something to take note of for anyone considering entering the physical therapy field, it is rather physically demanding. Physical therapists regularly lift heavy equipment as well as patients, and stand, crouch and kneel for extended periods of time on a daily basis.

Physical Therapist Degrees

Youngtown 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 options, the only degree that is attainable to practice as a physical therapist is the doctorate. Undergraduate degrees target either training students to become a physical therapy assistant (PTA) or readying them to advance to the doctoral level. Below are brief descriptions of degrees that are offered in the Youngtown 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 most often provided by community or junior colleges, and take about two years to complete. Clinical training, which may be in the form of an internship is normally part of the curriculum.
  • Bachelor’s Degrees are developed as pre-physical therapist training to prepare candidates to advance to the doctoral level. Although they are not required to be eligible for the doctoral program, they are an integral preliminary step to becoming a PT. Similar to most bachelor’s degrees, they typically require 4 years to complete and commonly 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 finish, making the overall commitment seven years in most cases. Clinical or practical training is an intregal element along with the considerable classroom and lab instruction. Therefor the completion of an internship is required, not just for graduation but in several states for licensing also.

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. A number of licensed physical therapists having a master’s or even a bachelor’s degree were “grandfathered” in before the existing licensing requirement for a doctorate was instituted.

Physical Therapist Online Schools

woman attending physical therapy school online in Youngtown AZWhile not as prevalent as the more traditional alternatives, there are many accredited online physical therapist degrees offered, more so at the graduate level. Due to the hands-on nature of the training, clinical lab work and internships are combined with the online classes. This requires that the student live near the school campus or nearby an available internship. Fortunately, the online part of the course of study can be accessed within the convenience and comfort of the student’s Youngtown AZ home. Online programs are not only partially more accessible, but in a number of cases more affordable. Tuition can be significantly less than comparable on campus options, and expenses for commuting are minimized. And many of the online schools are accredited by the CAPTE, ensuring a quality education. These advantages can make the online alternative the best choice for those students that are disciplined enough to attend classes at home.

What to Ask Physical Therapy Colleges

At this point you undoubtedly have come to decision concerning a few of your preliminary questions, like the type of physical therapist degree you want to obtain, where you want to attend classes, and how much you can afford to spend for your education. But since there are so many PT schools within the Youngtown AZ area and throughout Arizona, you’ll need to look into other qualifications also in order to further reduce your list of school choices. Also, you need to be sure that you select the school that is ideal for you. That’s the reason we have compiled a list of essential questions that you need to ask the physical therapy schools you are thinking about. Ask all of the competing colleges these questions prior to making an ultimate selection.

Is the Physical Therapist Program Accredited?  Ask if the colleges you are reviewing have received accreditation from a national or a regional organization. As previously mentioned, if you are pursuing a doctoral degree the program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). If you select an online program, it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council. It’s imperative that both the physical therapist school and program you choose are accredited, not simply the school. Also, check that the accreditation is through a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. In addition to ensuring that you obtain a quality education, accreditation might be required for state licensing as well as for getting student loans or financial aid.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In addition to accreditation, it’s important that the school and program you select have excellent reputations within the physical therapist profession. There are a number of ways you can look into a PT program’s reputation, starting with asking for references from employers that they refer their students to. You may also search for online reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. Get in touch with some Youngtown AZ physical therapy centers or other health care facilities that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can give you any advice about your program selections. It may 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 Program’s Job Placement Rate? There are a couple of important statistics that you need to know about all of the physical therapist programs you are reviewing. First is their graduation rate. A lower rate may suggest that students left due to displeasure with the program, the teachers, or both. After the students have graduated, what percentage of them are being placed in jobs with the help of the college’s job placement program, particularly in the Youngtown AZ area? If a school has a higher job placement rate, it’s an indication that its reputation within the healthcare field is good or perhaps exceptional. It also affirms that the school has a broad network of contacts to assist students gain internships or jobs upon graduation.

Does the College Prepare You For Licensing Requirements? It’s important that the college you enroll in provides both excellent training and a curriculum that satisfies the licensing criteria for Arizona or the state where you will be practicing. In every state a passing score is needed on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) in addition to a degree from an accredited physical therapy program. While licensing requirements fluctuate state by state for PT and PTA graduates, many states require a minimum number of clinical hours be performed as well as passing scores on supplemental tests.

Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the physical therapist schools you are interested in have partnerships with Youngtown AZ hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a requirement for the majority of PT programs and state licensing. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Youngtown health care community and assist with job placement after licensing.

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

Where is the School Located? For many students, the physical therapy school they pick will need to be within driving distance of their Youngtown AZ residence. Those who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

Is Financial Support Offered? The majority of DPT schools provide some form of financial aid to their potential students. Inquire if the schools you are considering have a financial assistance office and see what kind of help is available. They at least should help in obtaining a student loan or any grants you may qualify for. Some physical therapy schools offer scholarships, while others provide work programs. So before eliminating a program because the tuition is too expensive, ask what financial assistance may be available.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must 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 attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Youngtown AZ area, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Earning Your Physical Therapy Degree near Youngtown Arizona?

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

Youngtown, Arizona

Youngtown is a town in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States. According to the 2010 census, the population of the town is 6,156.[4] Youngtown is the oldest retirement community in the United States.

In 1954, two developers bought 320 acres (1.3 km2) of farmland and built the United States' first planned community dedicated exclusively to retirees. Designed by Ben Schleifer, the community was ironically named Youngtown.[6] In 1996, the town, citing its age restrictions, denied extending the stay of a 16-year-old child to live in the community. In response, Arizona Attorney General Grant Woods investigated and determined that the age ordinance was unenforceable. In response, Youngtown repealed the age restrictions in 1999.[7]

Youngtown is located at 33°35′41″N 112°17′56″W / 33.59472°N 112.29889°W / 33.59472; -112.29889 (33.594603, −112.298776),[8] on the east bank of the Agua Fria River, just south of US 60. It is bordered on the west by El Mirage and on the east by the much larger retirement community of Sun City.

Select the Best Physical Therapy College near Youngtown AZ

Selecting the right physical therapy school is an important first decision you need to make to start a fulfilling career in the medical profession. As we have addressed in this article, the DPT or PT degree program and school you enroll in should both have exceptional reputations and be accredited. However there are other critical questions that you should ask pertaining to your school of choice also. As you commence your search for a physical therapist program, bear in mind that numerous variables will guide you to your final decision. You may want to go to each of the colleges to see their facilities and speak with current DPT students. While there, ask yourself this important question: will this college help me accomplish my goal of becoming a licensed practicing physical therapist? By adhering to our list of supplemental questions, you will have the ability to narrow down the options so you can make the ideal selection. And with the proper training and education, you can fulfill your dream of becoming a licensed physical therapist in Youngtown AZ.

A Few More Interesting Locations in Arizona

  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Coolidge AZ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Central AZ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Vail AZ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – New River AZ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Tonopah AZ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Goodyear AZ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Rio Rico AZ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Window Rock AZ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Hotevilla AZ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Florence AZ
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 380

    Preferred Physical Therapy
    12 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    18301 N 79th Ave, Ste B122, Glendale, AZ 85308

    Paladino Physical Therapy
    7 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    9049 W Lake Pleasant Pkwy, Peoria, AZ 85382

    Foothills Sports Medicine Physical Therapy
    9 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine
    Phone:
    15543 N Reems Rd, Ste 133, Surprise, AZ 85374

    Impact Physical Therapy
    28 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    19420 N 59th Ave, Ste E-500, Glendale, AZ 85308

    Valley Rehabilitation
    2 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    13128 N 94th Dr, Ste 207, Peoria, AZ 85381

    Oakeson Physical Therapy
    3 Reviews
    Doctors, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    8240 W Cactus Rd, Peoria, AZ 85381

    Foothills Sports Medicine Physical Therapy
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine
    Phone:
    13967 W Grand Ave, Ste 100, Surprise, AZ 85374

    Aspire Therapy
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    12600 N 113th Ave, Youngtown, AZ 85363

    OSR Physical Therapy - Sun City
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine, Neurotologists
    Phone:
    10474 W Thunderbird Blvd, Ste 200, Sun City, AZ 85351

    Physicians Physical Therapy Service
    7 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    18275 N 59th Ave, Bldg N, Ste 186, Glendale, AZ 85308