Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Thousand Oaks CA

How to Pick a Physical Therapist Training Program near Thousand Oaks 91358

Thousand Oaks CA physical therapy school student with volunteerGetting a physical therapy degree near Thousand Oaks CA is an essential first step to beginning a fulfilling career in the health care field. Physical therapists (PT) help individuals who have been debilitated as a result of illness or injury gain back mobility and function. But before they may legally practice and provide treatment for the rehabilitation of patients, they need to obtain the necessary training and education. A PT must additionally become licensed in every state, a large number requiring that the licensee earn a physical therapy degree from an accredited college. So prior to choosing a physical therapy school, it’s necessary to research the ones you are looking at to make certain they will supply a superior education and satisfy your state’s licensing requirements. What you do not want to do is choose a school just because it happens to be the closest to your home or it has cheapest tuition. There are other important qualifications that must be evaluated in addition to location and cost. But before we cover 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?

Thousand Oaks CA physical therapist helping patient walkPhysical therapists work in varying settings, including Thousand Oaks 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 the diagnosis and rehabilitation treatment of patients. As previously touched on, physical therapists help people that are suffering from a lack of mobility and in many cases pain due to illness or injury. After patient diagnosis, they develop a course of treatment to address the mobility issues and reduce or eradicate any pain. They also strive to prevent any advancement of the disability. Though the causes of disability requiring physical therapy are abundant, they include:

  • Arthritis or Osteoporosis
  • Car or motor cycle accidents
  • Head injuries.
  • Cardiac arrest.
  • Sports injuries.
  • Fire injuries.
  • Knee Replacement.
  • Sciatica.
  • Multiple Sclerosis.

Licensed physical therapists work in close association with other Thousand Oaks CA medical specialists, including chiropractors, physicians, registered nurses and dentists. They can also supervise one or more physical therapy assistants who work under them in diagnosing and treating their patients. One thing to take note of for anyone thinking about entering the physical therapy profession, it is rather physically demanding. Physical therapists often lift patients and heavy equipment, and stand, crouch and kneel for long periods of time on a daily basis.

Physical Therapy Degrees

Thousand Oaks CA physical therapist applying acupuncture to patientThere are 3 physical therapist degrees offered for students to enroll in 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 concentrate on either preparing students to become a physical therapy assistant (PTA) or preparing them to advance to the doctoral level. Below are brief descriptions of degree levels that are available in the Thousand Oaks CA area:

  • Associate Degrees prepare students to be physical therapy assistants, or may be the first step toward earning a more advanced degree. Applicants must have earned a high school diploma or GED to qualify for enrollment. The programs are usually provided by community or junior colleges, and require two years to complete. An internship or other form of clinical training is typically a portion of the course of study.
  • Bachelor’s Degrees are designed as pre-physical therapy training to prepare candidates to progress to the doctoral level. Although they are not required to be eligible for the doctoral program, they are an essential preliminary step to practicing as a PT. Similar to the majority of bachelor’s degrees, they normally require four years to complete and often include an internship program of at least 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 3 years to complete, making the total commitment 7 years in most cases. Clinical or practical training is an intregal component in addition to the considerable lab and classroom instruction. Consequently the completion of an internship is mandated, not solely for graduation but in a number of 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 available in the USA. Some practicing physical therapists holding a master’s or in some cases a bachelor’s degree were “grandfathered” in before the existing licensing requirement for a doctorate was implemented.

Physical Therapist Schools Online

woman attending physical therapy school online in Thousand Oaks CAAlthough not as common as the on campus options, there are some accredited online physical therapy programs available, more so at the graduate level. Because of the hands-on nature of the training, clinical lab work and internships are incorporated with the online classes. This necessitates that the student live near the college campus or in proximity of a sponsored internship. Fortunately, the online part of the program can be accessed within the convenience and comfort of the student’s Thousand Oaks CA home. Online schools are not only to some extent more accessible, but in a number of instances more affordable. Tuition might be significantly lower than similar on-campus alternatives, and expenditures for commuting are reduced. And a number of the online schools are accredited by the CAPTE, assuring a quality education. These benefits can make the online alternative the right choice for those students that are motivated enough to learn at home.

What to Ask Physical Therapist Colleges

At this point you undoubtedly have made a decision regarding several of your preliminary questions, such as the type of physical therapist degree you intend to earn, where you prefer to attend classes, and how much money you can afford to invest in your education. But considering there are numerous PT colleges within the Thousand Oaks CA area and across California, you’ll have to explore additional qualifications also so as to further narrow your list of school choices. Also, you want to be sure that you select the program that is ideal for you. That’s why we have collected a list of critical questions that you need to ask the physical therapist schools you are reviewing. Ask all of the potential schools these questions before making a final selection.

Is the Physical Therapy College Accredited?  Find out if the programs you are reviewing have earned accreditation from a regional or a national organization. As earlier mentioned, if you are pursuing a doctorate the program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). If you enroll in an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council. It’s imperative that both the physical therapy school and program you select are accredited, not just the school. Additionally, verify that the accreditation is through a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Besides ensuring that you obtain a quality education, accreditation might be mandated for state licensing and even for getting student loans or financial aid.

What is the School’s Reputation? In addition to accreditation, it’s imperative that the college and program you select have outstanding reputations within the physical therapy profession. There are several ways you can look into a PT program’s reputation, starting with asking for references from employers that they refer their students to. You can also search for online rating services and reviews and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. Contact some Thousand Oaks CA physical therapist centers or other healthcare facilities that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can provide any advice about your program options. It might also be prudent to contact the California Attorney General and school licensing authority to see if any complaints have been submitted against the schools.

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 therapy programs you are reviewing. First is their graduation rate. A low rate might mean that students dropped out due to displeasure with the program, the instructors, or both. Once the students have graduated, how many of them are being hired with the help of the college’s job placement program, particularly in the Thousand Oaks CA area? If a college has a higher job placement rate, it suggests that its reputation within the medical care community is good or perhaps excellent. It also affirms that the program has a large network of contacts to assist students get internships or employment after graduation.

Does the School Support Licensing Requirements? It’s essential that the school you choose furnishes both excellent training and a curriculum that satisfies the licensing criteria for California or the state where you will be practicing. In each state a passing score is required on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) as well as a degree from an accredited physical therapist college. Although licensing requirements differ state by state for PTA and PT graduates, a number of states require a minimum number of clinical hours be performed and passing scores on supplemental tests.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the physical therapist programs you are assessing have partnerships with Thousand Oaks CA hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to receive hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a requirement for the majority of PT programs and state licensing. As a secondary benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional relationships in the Thousand Oaks healthcare community and help with obtaining employment after licensing.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the physical therapist colleges you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the pharmacist tech program also.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the physical therapy school they decide on will need to be within travelling distance of their Thousand Oaks CA residence. Those who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

Is Financial Support Offered? The majority of DPT colleges provide some type of financial assistance to their potential students. Find out if the colleges you are looking at have a financial assistance office and see what type of help is offered. At a minimum they should help in acquiring a student loan or any scholarships you might be eligible for. A number of physical therapy schools provide scholarships, while others offer work programs. So before you eliminate a college because the tuition is beyond your budget, learn what financial assistance may be available.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the physical therapist college you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Thousand Oaks CA area, make certain that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.

Earning Your Physical Therapy Degree near Thousand Oaks California?

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

Thousand Oaks, California

Thousand Oaks is the second-largest city in Ventura County, California, United States. It is in the northwestern part of Greater Los Angeles, approximately 40 miles (64 km) from Downtown Los Angeles and is less than 15 miles (24 km) from the Los Angeles neighborhood of Woodland Hills. It is named after the many oak trees present in the area, and the city seal is adorned with an oak.

The city forms the central populated core of the Conejo Valley. Thousand Oaks was incorporated in 1964, but has since expanded to the west and east. Two-thirds of neighboring Westlake Village and most of Newbury Park were annexed by the city during the late 1960s and 1970s. The Los Angeles County–Ventura County line crosses at the city's eastern border with Westlake Village. The population was estimated to be 129,339 in 2015,[11] rising from 126,683 at the 2010 census.[9] Thousand Oaks is 55 square miles, which, for comparison, is 20 percent larger than San Francisco.[12]

Thousand Oaks was considered in 2002 as one of the safest cities in the U.S. based on consistent FBI reporting.[13] It was ranked the fourth-safest among cities with a population greater than 100,000 in the United States by the FBI's 2013 Uniform Crime Reports.[14][15]

Select the Right Physical Therapy School near Thousand Oaks CA

Choosing the right physical therapy school is a necessary first decision you must make to begin a gratifying career in the health care field. As we have discussed in this article, the DPT or PT degree program and school you pick should both have exceptional reputations and accreditation. But there are other relevant questions that you should ask regarding your school of choice as well. As you start your search for a physical therapist college, keep in mind that a number of factors will guide you to your ultimate decision. You may decide to visit each of the schools to view their facilities and talk with active DPT students. While there, ask yourself this critical question: will this program help me achieve my goal of becoming a practicing licensed physical therapist? By following our list of additional questions, you will be able to narrow down the options so you can make the best selection. And with the necessary education and training, you can accomplish your dream of becoming a practicing physical therapist in Thousand Oaks CA.

A Few More Interesting Locations in California

  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Newport Beach CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Pleasant Grove CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Pine Valley CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Farmington CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Turlock CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Pico Rivera CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Forest Ranch CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Culver City CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Littlerock CA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Santa Ynez CA
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 473

    Newbury Park Physical Therapy
    86 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    2814 Camino Dos Rios, Ste 406, Newbury Park, CA 91320

    Plexus Physical Therapy
    38 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Qi Gong, Tai Chi
    Phone:
    530 E Los Angeles Ave, Ste 103, Moorpark, CA 93021

    Custom Physical Therapy
    17 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    325 Rolling Oaks Dr, Ste 210, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361

    Summit Health Group
    40 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Physical Therapy, Medical Centers
    Phone:
    55 Rolling Oaks Dr, Ste 100, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361

    Challenge Physical Therapy
    10 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    166 N Moorpark Rd, Ste 305, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

    Omega Rehab & Sport
    30 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    325 E Rolling Oaks Dr, Ste 250, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361

    Camarillo Physical Therapy
    10 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    4000 Calle Tecate, Ste 117, Camarillo, CA 93010

    Recooperation Physical Therapy
    18 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    400 S Reino Rd, Ste 101, Newbury Park, CA 91320

    Conejo Valley Physical Therapy
    16 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    90 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, Ste 200, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

    Colborn Merry Nell Certified Hellerwork
    6 Reviews
    Massage, Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    955 Brush Hill Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360