Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Alviso CA

How to Pick a Physical Therapist College near Alviso 95002

Alviso CA physical therapy school student with volunteerReceiving a physical therapist degree near Alviso CA is an essential first step to launching a fulfilling career in the healthcare field. Physical therapists (PT) help people who have been disabled as a result of illness or injury regain function and mobility. But before they may legally practice and provide treatment for the rehabilitation of patients, they must get the necessary training and education. A PT must additionally be licensed in every state, a large number requiring that the licensee hold a physical therapy degree from an accredited school. So before choosing a physical therapy school, it’s important to research the ones you are looking at to ensure they will provide a quality education and satisfy your state’s licensing standards. What you do not want to do is choose a school simply because it happens to be the nearest to your residence or it has cheapest tuition. There are other relevant qualifications that need to be considered along with cost and location. 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 Does a Physical Therapist Do?

Alviso CA physical therapist helping patient walkPhysical therapists work in varying locations, including Alviso CA private practices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and sports facilities. What the facilities all share in common is that they have the equipment for diagnosing and rehabilitating patients. As previously mentioned, physical therapists help individuals that are struggling with a lack of mobility and frequently pain due to illness or injury. After patient diagnosis, they create a program of treatment to deal with the mobility issues and lessen or eliminate any pain. They also try to stop any advancement of the disability. While the causes of disability necessitating physical therapy are numerous, they include:

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

Licensed physical therapists practice in close partnerships with other Alviso CA medical professionals, including doctors, chiropractors, dentists and nurses. They can also oversee several physical therapy assistants who work for them in diagnosing and treating their patients. Something to keep in mind for anyone thinking about entering the physical therapy field, it is quite physically demanding. Physical therapists regularly lift patients and heavy equipment, and stand, crouch and kneel for extended periods of time on a daily basis.

Physical Therapy Degrees

Alviso CA physical therapist applying acupuncture to patientThere are 3 physical therapy degrees offered for individuals to pursue at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Of these alternatives, the only 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. Below are brief descriptions of degree levels that are available in the Alviso CA area:

  • Associate Degrees educate students to practice as 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 qualify for enrollment. The programs are typically made available by community colleges, and take about 2 years to complete. An internship or other form of clinical training is usually a component of the program.
  • Bachelor’s Degrees are created as pre-physical therapy training to ready candidates to progress to the doctoral level. While they are not a requirement to be a candidate for the doctoral program, they are an essential first step to practicing as a PT. As with the majority of bachelor’s degrees, they generally take 4 years to complete and usually include an internship program of at least 500 hours.
  • Doctorate Degrees are required if you want to become a licensed practicing 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 complete, making the overall commitment seven years in the majority of cases. Clinical training is an intregal element along with the extensive classroom and lab instruction. Therefor the completion of an internship is required, not solely for graduation but in a number of states for licensing also.

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 USA. Some licensed physical therapists having a master’s or even a bachelor’s degree were “grandfathered” in before the present licensing requirement for a doctorate was implemented.

Physical Therapy Online Degrees

woman attending physical therapy school online in Alviso CAWhile not as prevalent as the on campus alternatives, there are some accredited online physical therapy degrees offered, even more at the graduate level. Due to the hands-on nature of the training, internships and clinical lab work are integrated with the online classes. This requires that the student live near the college campus or in proximity of a sponsored internship. Fortunately, the online portion of the program may be accessed within the comfort and convenience of the student’s Alviso CA home. Online programs are not only to some extent more accessible, but in many instances more economical. Tuition might be significantly less than comparable on campus options, and expenses for commuting are minimized. And a number of the online schools are accredited by the CAPTE, ensuring a quality education. These benefits may make the online alternative the best choice for those students that are motivated enough to learn at home.

Subjects to Ask Physical Therapy Schools

At this point you most likely have made a decision regarding a few of your initial questions, such as the kind of physical therapist degree you would like to earn, where you prefer to attend classes, and how much money you can afford to spend for your education. But since there are so many PT colleges within the Alviso CA area and across California, you’ll need to research other qualifications as well so as to further narrow your list of college choices. Moreover, you need to make sure that you pick the college that is right for you. That’s why we have put together a list of essential questions that you must ask the physical therapy programs you are considering. Ask all of the competing schools these questions before making an ultimate decision.

Is the Physical Therapist Program Accredited?  Ask if the programs you are looking at have received accreditation from a regional or a national organization. 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 college, it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council. It’s imperative that both the physical therapist program and school you choose are accredited, not simply the school. Also, verify that the accreditation is from a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Along with ensuring that you receive an excellent education, accreditation might be mandated for state licensing and even for getting student loans or financial assistance.

What is the Program’s Ranking? Along with accreditation, it’s essential that the college and program you select have outstanding reputations within the physical therapist community. There are several ways you can research a PT program’s reputation, starting with asking for references from employers that they refer their students to. You can also search for online reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. Contact some Alviso CA physical therapy centers or other medical care facilities that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can offer any advice about your program selections. It might also be a good idea to contact the California Attorney General and school licensing authority to see if any complaints have been submitted against the colleges.

What is the College’s Job Placement Rate? There are a two significant statistics that you need to find out about each of the physical therapist schools you are considering. One is their graduation rate. A lower rate might indicate that students left due to displeasure with the program, the instructors, or both. After the students have graduated, what percentage of them are being hired with the support of the college’s job placement program, particularly in the Alviso CA area? If a program has a high job placement rate, it’s an indication that its reputation within the health care field is good or even exceptional. It also affirms that the program has a wide network of contacts to help students gain internships or employment upon graduation.

Does the College Prepare You For Licensing Requirements? It’s essential that the school you select provides both superior training and a curriculum that satisfies the licensing requirements for California or the state where you will be working. 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 vary state by state for PTA and PT graduates, some states require a minimum amount of clinical hours be performed and passing scores on supplemental exams.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the physical therapist colleges you are interested in have associations with Alviso CA clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to get hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a requirement for the majority of PT programs and state licensing. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Alviso healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment once licensed.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the physical therapist colleges you are reviewing 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 decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the pharmacy technician program as well.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the physical therapy college they decide on will have to be within driving distance of their Alviso CA home. Students who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

Is Financial Support Offered? The majority of DPT schools provide some type of financial assistance to their prospective students. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid office and find out what type of assistance is offered. They at least should help in obtaining a student loan or any grants you may be eligible for. Some physical therapy schools offer scholarships, while others provide work programs. So before you eliminate a college because the tuition is beyond your budget, learn what financial aid might be available.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the physical therapy program you ultimately pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Alviso CA area, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Earning Your Physical Therapy Degree near Alviso California?

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

Alviso, San Jose

Alviso is a neighborhood in San Jose, Santa Clara County, California, and until 1968, it was an independent city of the same name. It is at the north end of San José where it meets the southern end of the San Francisco Bay and borders the cities of Milpitas, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara.

The Guadalupe River and Coyote Creek both end at Alviso, emptying into the Bay through Alviso Slough and Mud Slough. Alviso is the lowest point in the San Francisco Bay Area at 13 feet (4.0 m) below sea level.[2] Throughout the 20th Century, Alviso has been victim to severe flooding most recently in 1983 and 1995.[3]

Alviso was first settled in the 18th century. The community was named for Ignacio Alviso, the son of Corporal Domingo Alviso, one of the original members of the de Anza expedition. Corporal Alviso lived but a short time after reaching San Francisco and was buried March 11, 1777[4] Alviso's descendants were granted the Rancho Rincon de Los Esteros holding. In 1840, his descendant of the same name, Ignacio Alviso, moved from Mission Santa Clara de Asís to this 3,653 acres (14.78 km2) ranchero. From this port, beaver pelts, cattle hides and tallow went to San Francisco.[5]

Choose the Ideal Physical Therapist Degree Program near Alviso CA

Choosing the best physical therapy program is a necessary first decision you need to make to begin a fulfilling career in the medical profession. As we have addressed in this article, the DPT or PT degree program and college you select should both have excellent reputations and be accredited. But there are other important questions that you need to ask concerning your college of choice as well. As you start your search for a physical therapist program, keep in mind that a number of variables will lead you toward your ultimate decision. You may want to visit different schools to see their facilities and speak to current DPT students. While there, ask yourself this important question: will this program help me accomplish my goal of becoming a practicing licensed physical therapist? By following our list of additional questions, you will be able to narrow down the field so you can make the appropriate selection. And with the proper education and training, you can fulfill your dream to become a practicing physical therapist in Alviso CA.

A Few More Interesting Locations in California

  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Pleasant Hill CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Upland CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – California Hot Springs CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Porterville CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Laguna Niguel CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Wilton CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Whitethorn CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Alpine CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – San Fernando CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Brisbane CA
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 1100

    BreakThrough Physical Therapy
    276 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine
    Phone:
    263 N Mathilda Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

    Peak Performance Physical Therapy
    137 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    1895 Mowry Ave, Ste 115, Fremont, CA 94538

    Elite Sports Physical Therapy
    46 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    194 Francisco Ln, Ste 104, Fremont, CA 94539

    Thrive Milpitas
    152 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    1136 Jacklin Rd, Milpitas, CA 95035

    Spine & Sports Institute
    34 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Chiropractors, Sports Medicine
    Phone:
    939 W El Camino Real, Ste 113, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

    Washington Outpatient Rehabilitation Center
    33 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Orthopedists
    Phone:
    39141 Civic Center Dr, Ste 120, Fremont, CA 94538

    Harris K Lee, DC
    140 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    39159 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Ste 101, Fremont, CA 94538

    WESTCOTT Physical Therapy
    18 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine, Orthopedists
    Phone:
    240 2nd St, Los Altos, CA 94022

    Advance Physical Therapy
    22 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    1208 E Arques Ave, Ste 105, Sunnyvale, CA 94085

    Peak Physical Therapy
    40 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    10580 S DeAnza Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014