Tag Archives: Physical Therapy School Requirements West Harrison IN 47060

Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – West Harrison IN

How to Pick a Physical Therapy Program near West Harrison 47060

West Harrison IN physical therapy school student with volunteerReceiving a physical therapy degree near West Harrison IN is an essential first step to launching a fulfilling career in the medical care field. Physical therapists (PT) help people who have been disabled due to injury or illness gain back mobility and function. But before they may legally practice and provide treatment for the rehabilitation of patients, they need to acquire the proper training and education. A PT must additionally be licensed in every state, a large number mandating that the licensee earn a physical therapy degree from an accredited school. So before choosing a physical therapy school, it’s important to evaluate those you are considering to make certain they will deliver a quality education and meet your state’s licensing criteria. What you should not do is choose a school just because it happens to be the nearest to your home or it has the most affordable tuition. There are other significant qualifications that must be considered in addition to cost and location. But before we cover what those qualifications are and what questions you should ask, we’ll address what a physical therapist does and what the educational options are.

What is a Physical Therapist’s Job Description?

West Harrison IN physical therapist helping patient walkPhysical therapists practice in diverse settings, including West Harrison IN private practices, hospitals, 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 previously mentioned, physical therapists help people that are struggling with a lack of mobility and frequently pain caused by illness or injury. After diagnosing a patient, they design a course of treatment to deal with the mobility problems and lessen or eradicate any pain. They also strive to stop any progression of the disability. Though the causes of disability necessitating physical therapy are abundant, they include:

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

Licensed physical therapists practice in close association with other West Harrison IN health professionals, including doctors, chiropractors, dentists and nurses. They can also supervise one or more physical therapy assistants who work for them assisting with diagnosing and treating their patients. Something to bear in mind for anyone considering entering the physical therapy profession, it is quite physically demanding. Physical therapists routinely lift heavy equipment as well as patients, and stand, crouch and kneel for prolonged periods of time on a daily basis.

Physical Therapy Degrees

West Harrison IN physical therapist applying acupuncture to patientThere are 3 physical therapist degrees available for individuals to pursue at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Of these alternatives, the one degree that is attainable to become a physical therapist is the doctorate. Undergraduate degrees emphasize either training students to become a physical therapy assistant (PTA) or prepping them to advance to the doctoral level. Following are short descriptions of degrees that are available in the West Harrison IN area:

  • Associate Degrees train students to practice as physical therapy assistants, or may be used as a stepping stone to a more advanced degree. Applicants must have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent to be accepted for enrollment. The degrees are typically offered by junior or community colleges, and require two years to complete. An internship or other form of clinical training is normally a component of the course of study.
  • Bachelor’s Degrees are developed as pre-physical therapy education to prep students to progress to the doctoral level. While they are not required to be eligible for the doctoral program, they are an important initial step to becoming a PT. Similar to most bachelor’s degrees, they generally take four years to complete and usually include an internship program of a minimum of 500 hours.
  • Doctorate Degrees are a requirement if you want to become a practicing licensed physical therapist. The degree program must also 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 total commitment seven years in most cases. Clinical training is an essential element along with the substantial classroom and lab instruction. Therefor the completion of an internship is required, not only for graduation but in some 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 offered in the United States. A number of practicing physical therapists holding a master’s or even a bachelor’s degree were “grandfathered” in prior to the current licensing mandate for a doctorate was instituted.

Physical Therapist Programs Online

woman attending physical therapy school online in West Harrison INAlthough not as common as the more traditional alternatives, there are many accredited online physical therapy degrees available, more so at the graduate level. Due to the hands-on structure of the training, internships and clinical lab work are integrated with the online classes. This requires that the student live close to the college campus or in proximity of a sponsored internship. However, the online segment of the program may be accessed within the convenience and comfort of the student’s West Harrison IN home. Online programs are not only to some extent more accessible, but in many instances more affordable. Tuition might be significantly lower than similar on-campus alternatives, and costs for commuting are minimized. And many of the online schools are accredited by the CAPTE, assuring a quality education. These benefits may make the online alternative the best choice for those students that are disciplined enough to learn at home.

What to Ask Physical Therapy Colleges

At this point you most likely have made a decision regarding several of your initial queries, like the kind of physical therapy degree you want to attain, where you prefer to attend classes, and how much money you can afford to spend for your education. But since there are numerous PT schools within the West Harrison IN area and across Indiana, you’ll have to look into additional qualifications also in order to further reduce your list of college choices. Furthermore, you need to make sure that you enroll in the school that is ideal for you. That’s the reason we have put together a list of important questions that you need to ask the physical therapy schools you are considering. Ask each of the competing colleges these questions prior to making an ultimate selection.

Is the Physical Therapy College Accredited?  Ask if the programs 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 select an online college, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council. It’s important that both the physical therapist program and school you choose are accredited, not just the school. Also, make sure that the accreditation is through a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Besides ensuring that you receive an excellent education, accreditation might be mandated for state licensing and even for securing student loans or financial aid.

What is the Program’s Ranking? In addition to accreditation, it’s imperative that the college and program you pick have outstanding reputations within the physical therapist profession. There are a number of ways you can investigate a PT school’s reputation, beginning with asking for references from employers that they place their graduates with. You may also search for online rating services and reviews and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. Get in touch with several West Harrison IN physical therapy clinics or other healthcare facilities that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can provide any advice about your program selections. It might also be a good idea to check with the Indiana Attorney General and school licensing authority to find out if any complaints have been filed against the colleges.

What is the College’s Job Placement Percentage? There are a two important statistics that you need to find out about each of the physical therapy programs you are reviewing. One is their graduation rate. A lower rate might mean that students dropped out because of dissatisfaction with the program, the teachers, or both. After the students have graduated, how many of them are being placed in jobs with the assistance of the college’s job placement program, particularly in the West Harrison IN area? If a program has a higher job placement rate, it’s an indication that its reputation within the medical care field is good or even exceptional. It also confirms that the program has a wide network of contacts to assist students gain internships or employment after graduation.

Does the Program Support Licensing Requirements? It’s imperative that the program you enroll in furnishes both superior training and a course of study that supports the licensing criteria for Indiana or the state where you will be working. 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 school. While licensing requirements fluctuate state by state for PT and PTA graduates, a number of states require a minimum amount of clinical hours be performed and passing scores on supplemental exams.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the physical therapist programs you are reviewing have relationships with West Harrison IN clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to receive practical training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a requirement for most PT programs and state licensing. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the West Harrison medical community and assist with job placement once licensed.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the physical therapy colleges you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the pharmacist tech program as well.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the physical therapist college they decide on will have to be within commuting distance of their West Harrison IN home. Individuals who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

Is Financial Assistance Provided? The majority of DPT colleges supply some type of financial support to their potential students. Find out if the colleges you are considering have a financial assistance office and find out what kind of aid is available. At a minimum they should help in getting a student loan or any grants you may be eligible for. A number of physical therapist schools offer scholarships, while others offer work programs. So before eliminating a school because the tuition is too expensive, learn what financial aid may be available.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the physical therapist program you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the West Harrison IN area, check that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Earning Your Physical Therapy Degree near West Harrison Indiana?

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

West Harrison, Indiana

According to the 2010 census, West Harrison has a total area of 0.228 square miles (0.59 km2), of which 0.22 square miles (0.57 km2) (or 96.49%) is land and 0.008 square miles (0.02 km2) (or 3.51%) is water.[9]

As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 289 people, 136 households, and 68 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,313.6 inhabitants per square mile (507.2/km2). There were 174 housing units at an average density of 790.9 per square mile (305.4/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 99.0% White, 0.3% African American, 0.3% Native American, and 0.3% Asian. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.3% of the population.

There were 136 households of which 21.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 30.1% were married couples living together, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 50.0% were non-families. 43.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 11% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.94.

Enroll in the Right Physical Therapist College near West Harrison IN

Choosing the ideal physical therapist program is an important first decision you need to make to begin a fulfilling career in the healthcare profession. As we have covered in this article, the DPT or PT degree program and school you decide on should both have outstanding reputations and be accredited. But there are additional important questions that you should ask regarding your school of choice also. As you start your search for a physical therapist school, keep in mind that many variables will lead you toward your final decision. You may decide to go to each of the campuses to see their facilities and speak to active DPT students. While there, ask yourself this critical question: will this program help me realize my goal of becoming a licensed practicing physical therapist? By following our list of additional questions, you will have the ability to narrow down the options so you can make the best choice. And with the proper training and education, you can fulfill your dream of becoming a practicing physical therapist in West Harrison IN.

A Few More Interesting Locations in Indiana

  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Topeka IN
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Chesterton IN
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Madison IN
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Gary IN
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Camden IN
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Taylorsville IN
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Seymour IN
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Deputy IN
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Leiters Ford IN
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Spencer IN
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 35

    AccuDoc Urgent Care
    2 Reviews
    Urgent Care, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    620 Ring Rd, Ste B, Harrison, OH 45030

    Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
    7 Reviews
    Sports Medicine, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    6480 Harrison Ave, Ste 100, Cincinnati, OH 45247

    Peak Performance Sports Therapy
    6 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy, Chiropractors
    Phone:
    The Edgecliff, 2200 Victory Pkwy, Cincinnati, OH 45206

    Integrative Health Care Partners
    2 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Physical Therapy, Weight Loss Centers
    Phone:
    120 Industrial Dr, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025

    Northern Kentucky Physical Medicine
    8 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Massage Therapy, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    8119 Connector Dr, Florence, KY 41042

    Ranier Physical Therapy
    4 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Trainers
    Phone:
    3755 Old Kentucky 17, Fort Wright, KY 41017

    Forest Park Chiropractic & Acupuncture
    2 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Acupuncture, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    1250 W Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45240

    Novacare Physical Rehabilitation
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    5500 Harrison Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45248

    Oxford Physical Therapy Centers - Crestview Hills
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Orthotics
    Phone:
    350 Thomas More Pkwy, Ste 130, Crestview Hills, KY 41017

    Cincinnati Children's College Hill
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    5642 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45224