Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Buzzards Bay MA

How to Select a Physical Therapist College near Buzzards Bay 02532

Buzzards Bay MA physical therapy school student with volunteerGetting a physical therapist degree near Buzzards Bay MA is an important first step to beginning a rewarding career in the healthcare field. Physical therapists (PT) help individuals who have been incapacitated due to illness or injury gain back function and mobility. But before they can practice and provide treatment for the rehabilitation of patients, they must get the necessary education and training. A PT must also be licensed in all states, many requiring that the licensee earn a physical therapy degree from an accredited school. So before enrolling in a physical therapy school, it’s important to evaluate those you are thinking about to ensure they will furnish a quality education and meet your state’s licensing standards. What you do not want to do is select a school just because it happens to be the nearest to your residence or it has cheapest tuition. There are other significant qualifications that must be evaluated 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 the options for education.

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

Buzzards Bay MA physical therapist helping patient walkPhysical therapists work in varying settings, including Buzzards Bay MA private practices, hospitals, assisted living facilities, rehab centers and sports facilities. What the facilities all have in common is that they are equipped for the diagnosis and rehabilitation treatment of patients. As earlier touched on, physical therapists help individuals that are experiencing a lack of mobility and in many cases pain caused by injury or illness. After diagnosing a patient, they create a program of treatment to deal with the mobility problems and reduce or eradicate any pain. They also endeavor to prevent any advancement of the disability. Though the causes of disability necessitating physical therapy are numerous, they include:

  • Osteoporosis and Arthritis
  • Car or motor cycle accidents
  • Head injuries.
  • Heart attacks.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
  • Burn injuries.
  • Knee Replacement.
  • Sciatica.
  • Multiple Sclerosis.

Licensed physical therapists work in close affiliation with other Buzzards Bay MA health specialists, including doctors, chiropractors, registered nurses and dentists. They may also manage one or more physical therapy assistants who work for them assisting with the diagnosis and treatment of their patients. Something to bear in mind for anyone thinking about entering the physical therapy profession, it is quite physically demanding. Physical therapists routinely lift patients and heavy equipment, and kneel, crouch and stand for extended periods of time on a daily basis.

Physical Therapy Degrees Offered

Buzzards Bay MA physical therapist applying acupuncture to patientThere are three physical therapy degree options offered for individuals to pursue at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Of these alternatives, the only degree that is offered to become a physical therapist is the doctorate. Undergraduate degrees focus on either preparing students to become a physical therapy assistant (PTA) or prepping them to advance to the doctoral level. Below are short summaries of degrees that are offered in the Buzzards Bay MA area:

  • Associate Degrees educate 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 degrees are most often provided by community colleges, and take about two years for completion. 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 candidates to move up to the doctoral level. Although they are not required to be qualified for the doctoral program, they are an important initial step to becoming a PT. Similar to most bachelor’s degrees, they generally require 4 years to finish and usually incorporate 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 3 years to finish, making the total investment of time seven years in most cases. Clinical or practical training is an essential component in addition to the considerable classroom and lab instruction. Consequently the fulfillment of an internship is mandated, not only 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 phased out and is no longer available in the United States. Some practicing physical therapists holding a master’s or even a bachelor’s degree were “grandfathered” in before the existing licensing mandate for a doctorate was implemented.

Physical Therapist Online Degrees

woman attending physical therapy school online in Buzzards Bay MAWhile not as common as the on campus options, there are a number of accredited online physical therapist programs offered, even more 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 an available internship. Fortunately, the online part of the course of study can be accessed within the comfort and convenience of the student’s Buzzards Bay MA home. Online programs are not only partially more accessible, but in a number of cases more economical. Tuition might be significantly less than similar on campus alternatives, and expenditures for commuting are minimized. 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 disciplined enough to attend classes at home.

Subjects to Ask Physical Therapist Programs

At this point you undoubtedly have come to decision concerning several of your initial questions, such as the kind of physical therapy degree you want to earn, where you prefer to attend classes, and how much you can afford to spend for your education. But because there are numerous PT schools within the Buzzards Bay MA area and across Massachusetts, you’ll have to look into additional qualifications also in order to further narrow your list of college options. Also, you want to make sure that you select the school that is right for you. That’s the reason we have collected a list of essential questions that you need to ask the physical therapy schools you are considering. Ask each of the potential schools these questions before making an ultimate selection.

Is the Physical Therapy School Accredited?  Find out if the colleges you are reviewing have received accreditation from a national or a regional organization. As earlier 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 school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council. It’s essential that both the physical therapy program and school you select are accredited, not simply the school. Also, check that the accreditation is through a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Besides ensuring that you obtain a quality education, accreditation may be required for state licensing as well as for getting student loans or financial assistance.

What is the College’s Reputation? Along with accreditation, it’s essential that the school and program you choose have excellent reputations within the physical therapy profession. There are a number of ways you can look into a PT school’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 agencies for their reviews as well. Contact a few Buzzards Bay MA physical therapy centers or other medical care facilities that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can give you any advice about your program selections. It might also be prudent to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General and school licensing authority to find out if any complaints have been submitted against the colleges.

What is the College’s Job Placement Rate? There are a couple of useful statistics that you need to find out about all of the physical therapy colleges you are looking at. One is their graduation rate. A lower rate might indicate that students left due to displeasure with the program, the instructors, or both. Once the students have graduated, what percentage of them are being placed in jobs with the support of the school’s job placement program, particularly in the Buzzards Bay MA area? If a college has a high job placement rate, it’s an indication that its reputation within the medical care community is good or perhaps exceptional. It also verifies that the program has a wide network of contacts to assist students gain internships or jobs after graduation.

Does the College Support Licensing Requirements? It’s essential that the school you choose provides both exceptional training and a curriculum that supports the licensing requirements for Massachusetts or the state where you will be working. In every state a passing score is required on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) in addition to a degree from an accredited physical therapist school. Although licensing requirements vary state by state for PTA and PT graduates, many states require a minimum amount of clinical hours be performed as well as passing scores on supplemental exams.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the physical therapist programs you are interested in have relationships with Buzzards Bay MA hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a requirement for most PT programs and state licensing. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Buzzards Bay healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment once licensed.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the physical therapist schools you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the pharmacy tech program also.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the physical therapist college they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Buzzards Bay MA residence. Students who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern 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 school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

Is Financial Assistance Provided? The majority of DPT colleges supply some form of financial support to their prospective students. Ask if the colleges you are considering have a financial assistance office and find out what kind of assistance is offered. At a minimum they should help in getting a student loan or any scholarships you might be eligible for. Some physical therapist schools provide scholarships, while others offer work programs. So before you eliminate a college because the tuition is too expensive, find out what financial assistance might be available.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the physical therapy school you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Buzzards Bay MA area, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Earning Your Physical Therapy Degree near Buzzards Bay Massachusetts?

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

Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts

Buzzards Bay is a census-designated place (CDP) in the town of Bourne in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. The population was 3,859 at the 2010 census.[1] It is the most populous of the five CDPs in Bourne.

Buzzards Bay is located at 41°45′5″N 70°36′49″W / 41.75139°N 70.61361°W / 41.75139; -70.61361 (41.751364, -70.613563).[2] Along with Bournedale and Sagamore Beach, it is one of only three communities in Barnstable County that are northwest of the Cape Cod Canal. Excessively drained sand underlies most of the community and the majority is mapped as Carver soil series.[3]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 2.9 square miles (7.6 km2). 1.9 square miles (5.0 km2) of it is land and 1.0 square mile (2.6 km2) of it (34.75%) is water,[1] consisting primarily of Buttermilk Bay, an arm of Buzzards Bay that forms the western edge of the CDP.

Enroll in the Best Physical Therapist School near Buzzards Bay MA

Picking the ideal physical therapist college is an important initial decision you need to make to launch a gratifying career in the healthcare profession. As we have discussed in this article, the PT or DPT degree program and school you select should both have outstanding reputations and be accredited. But there are additional important questions that you should ask concerning your college of choice as well. As you start your search for a physical therapy school, keep in mind that many variables will guide you to your final decision. You might decide to visit different colleges to see their facilities and talk to 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 adhering to our list of additional questions, you will have the ability to narrow down the options so you can make the right selection. And with the proper education and training, you can achieve your dream to become a licensed physical therapist in Buzzards Bay MA.

A Few More Interesting Locations in Massachusetts

  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – North Oxford MA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Mashpee MA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Plainville MA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Adams MA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Rehoboth MA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Groveland MA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Georgetown MA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Blandford MA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Boxford MA
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Brockton MA
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 38

    Cape Cod Rehab
    2 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    168 Industrial Dr, Unit 5, Mashpee, MA 02649

    Bay State Physical Therapy - Cedarville
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine, Chiropractors
    Phone:
    7 Herring Pond Rd, Powerhouse Gym, Cedarville, MA 02360

    Center for Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Inc
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    315 Cotuit Rd, Unit 1, Sandwich, MA 02563

    Blue Hills Sports & Spine Rehabilitation
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine, Orthopedists
    Phone:
    45 Resnik Rd, Plymouth, MA 02360

    Wareham Chiropractic & Wellness
    2 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Physical Therapy, Nutritionists
    Phone:
    2360 Cranberry Hwy, Wareham, MA 02571

    Physical Therapy In Motion
    4 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    1600 Falmouth Rd, Unit 34, Centerville, MA 02632

    Synergy Physical Therapy
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    147B Washington St, Fairhaven, MA 02719

    Falmouth Physical Therapy
    2 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    210 Jones Rd, Falmouth, MA 02540

    Jml Care Center Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation
    5 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    184 Ter Heun Dr, Falmouth, MA 02540

    Plymouth Bay Orthopedic & Sports Therapy
    5 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    95 Tremont St, Duxbury, MA 02332