Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Chester NH

How to Select a Physical Therapist Program near Chester 03036

Chester NH physical therapy school student with volunteerObtaining a physical therapy degree near Chester NH is a critical first step to beginning a rewarding career in the health care industry. Physical therapists (PT) help patients who have been debilitated as a result of injury or illness gain back function and mobility. But before they may legally practice and work with the rehabilitation of patients, they need to acquire the proper education and training. A PT must additionally become licensed in all states, a large number requiring that the licensee receive a physical therapy degree from an accredited school. So prior to selecting a physical therapy school, it’s essential to research those you are thinking about to make certain they will provide a superior education and satisfy your state’s licensing requirements. What you should not do is enroll in a school simply because it happens to be the nearest to your residence or it has the lowest tuition. There are other important qualifications that need to be considered along with location and cost. But before we discuss what those qualifications are and the questions you should be asking, we’ll cover what a physical therapist does and the options for education.

What is a Physical Therapist’s Job Description?

Chester NH physical therapist helping patient walkPhysical therapists work in a variety of settings, including Chester NH private practices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and sports facilities. What the facilities all have in common is that they are equipped for diagnosing and rehabilitating patients. As previously stated, physical therapists help individuals that are experiencing a lack of mobility and in many cases pain caused by injury or illness. After patient diagnosis, they develop a course of treatment to resolve the mobility issues and reduce or eradicate any pain. They also try to stop any progression of the disability. Although the causes of disability requiring physical therapy are numerous, they include:

  • Arthritis or Osteoporosis
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Head injuries.
  • Heart attacks.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
  • Burn injuries.
  • Hip Replacement.
  • Fibromyalgia.
  • Cerebral Palsy.

Licensed physical therapists practice in close association with other Chester NH health specialists, including chiropractors, physicians, dentists and nurses. They may also manage several physical therapy assistants who work for them in the diagnosis and treatment of their patients. One thing to bear in mind for anyone thinking about getting into the physical therapy profession, it is rather physically demanding. Physical therapists regularly lift heavy equipment as well as patients, and kneel, crouch and stand for prolonged periods of time on a daily basis.

Physical Therapist Degree Options

Chester NH physical therapist applying acupuncture to patientThere are 3 physical therapy degree options available for students to pursue at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Of these options, the single degree that is offered to practice as a physical therapist is the doctorate. Undergraduate degrees target either preparing students to become a physical therapy assistant (PTA) or prepping them to progress to the doctoral level. Below are short summaries of degree levels that are offered in the Chester NH area:

  • Associate Degrees prepare students to practice as physical therapy assistants, or can be used as a stepping stone to 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 require two years for completion. An internship or other form of clinical training is usually a portion of the curriculum.
  • Bachelor’s Degrees are designed as pre-physical therapy training to prepare students to progress to the doctoral level. Although they are not required to be a candidate for the doctoral program, they are an integral first step to practicing as a PT. Similar to the majority of bachelor’s degrees, they normally require four years to finish and often include an internship program of a minimum of 500 hours.
  • Doctorate Degrees are mandated 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 investment of time seven years in the majority of cases. Clinical or practical training is an intregal element along with the substantial classroom and lab instruction. Therefor the completion of an internship is required, not only for graduation but in a number of 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 eliminated and is no longer offered in the USA. A number of practicing 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 Therapy Online Programs

woman attending physical therapy school online in Chester NHAlthough not as prevalent as the more traditional options, there are a number of accredited online physical therapist programs offered, even more at the graduate level. Due to the hands-on structure of the training, clinical lab work and internships are combined with the online classes. This necessitates that the student live near the college campus or in proximity of an available internship. However, the online portion of the course of study can be accessed within the comfort and convenience of the student’s Chester NH home. Online schools are not only partially more accessible, but in many cases more affordable. Tuition might be significantly less than similar on campus alternatives, and costs for commuting are reduced. And many of the online programs are accredited by the CAPTE, ensuring a quality education. These advantages can make the online alternative the best choice for those students that are motivated enough to attend classes at home.

Questions to Ask Physical Therapist Colleges

By now you probably have made a decision regarding several of your preliminary questions, such as the type of physical therapist degree you intend to attain, where you prefer to attend classes, and how much you can afford to invest in your education. But since there are numerous PT colleges within the Chester NH area and across New Hampshire, you’ll have to look into additional qualifications also so as to further reduce your list of college options. Moreover, you want to be sure that you select the school that is right for you. That’s why we have put together a list of important questions that you need to ask the physical therapy colleges you are thinking about. Ask all of the competing colleges these questions before making an ultimate decision.

Is the Physical Therapist School Accredited?  Ask if the colleges you are considering have received accreditation from a regional or a national agency. As earlier 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 enroll in an online college, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council. It’s essential that both the physical therapist program and school you choose are accredited, not just the school. Also, verify that the accreditation is through a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Besides ensuring that you receive an excellent education, accreditation might be mandated for state licensing as well as for getting student loans or financial assistance.

What is the College’s Standing? Along with accreditation, it’s important that the college and program you select have excellent reputations within the physical therapist profession. There are several ways you can look into a PT school’s reputation, beginning 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 agencies for their reviews also. Contact some Chester NH physical therapist centers or other medical care facilities that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any recommendations about your program selections. It may also be prudent to check with the New Hampshire Attorney General and school licensing authority to see if any complaints have been filed against the colleges.

What is the College’s Job Placement Percentage? There are a couple of significant statistics that you should know about all of the physical therapist schools you are considering. One is their graduation rate. A lower rate might suggest that students dropped out due to dissatisfaction with the program, the instructors, or both. Once the students have graduated, what percentage of them are being hired with the help of the college’s job placement program, particularly in the Chester NH area? If a school has a higher job placement rate, it’s an indication that its reputation within the medical care community is good or perhaps excellent. It also affirms that the college has a broad network of contacts to assist students obtain internships or employment upon graduation.

Does the School Prepare You For Licensing Requirements? It’s imperative that the college you select provides both exceptional training and a curriculum that satisfies the licensing requirements for New Hampshire or the state where you will be working. In every state a passing score is required on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) along with a degree from an accredited physical therapist school. Although licensing requirements fluctuate state by state for PT and PTA graduates, some states require a minimum number of clinical hours be completed as well as passing scores on supplemental tests.

Are Internships Sponsored? Inquire if the physical therapist programs you are evaluating have partnerships with Chester NH hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to obtain practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a requirement for the majority of PT programs and state licensing. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the Chester medical community and help with obtaining employment after licensing.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the physical therapist colleges you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. 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 a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the pharmacy tech program as well.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the physical therapy school they pick will need to be within driving distance of their Chester NH residence. Those who have decided to attend online classes 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 school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

Is Financial Help Offered? The majority of DPT colleges supply some form of financial support to their prospective students. Inquire if the colleges you are reviewing have a financial assistance office and see what type of help is offered. They at least should help in securing a student loan or any scholarships you may be eligible for. A number of physical therapist colleges provide scholarships, while others offer work programs. So before you eliminate a program because the tuition is beyond your budget, learn what financial assistance might be available.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the physical therapist school you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Chester NH area, make sure 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 enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Earning Your Physical Therapy Degree near Chester New Hampshire?

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

Chester, New Hampshire

Chester once included Candia, set off in 1763. It may have been the first of the settlement grants by Massachusetts selected for expansion of growing populations in the seacoast. The name may be derived from Chester, the county town of the county of Cheshire in England. Earl of Chester is a title held by the Prince of Wales.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 26.0 square miles (67 km2), of which 25.9 sq mi (67 km2) is land and 0.1 sq mi (0.26 km2) (0.42%) is water. The Exeter River rises in Chester. The highest point in town is found on an unnamed hill west of Bell Hill and northwest of Harantis Lake; it has two knobs of almost equal elevation of at least 635 feet (194 m), according to the most recent (2011-2012) USGS 7.5-minute topographical map.[3] Chester lies mostly within the Piscataqua River (Coastal) watershed, though the western edge of town is in the Merrimack River watershed.[4]

As of the census[7] of 2000, there were 3,792 people, 1,214 households, and 1,011 families residing in the town. The population density was 146.4 people per square mile (56.5/km²). There were 1,247 housing units at an average density of 48.1 per square mile (18.6/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.97% White, 0.26% African American, 0.42% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.16% from other races, and 0.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.82% of the population.

Select the Right Physical Therapist Training Program near Chester NH

Picking the ideal physical therapy school is an important initial decision you have to make to launch a rewarding career in the medical field. As we have discussed in this article, the PT or DPT degree program and college you choose should both have excellent reputations and be accredited. However there are other critical questions that you need to ask regarding your college of choice as well. As you start your search for a physical therapy college, keep in mind that a number of variables will guide you toward your ultimate decision. You may decide to visit different schools to view their facilities and speak to current DPT students. While there, ask yourself this critical question: will this school help me realize my goal of becoming a practicing licensed physical therapist? By adhering to our list of supplemental questions, you will have the ability to narrow down the field so you can make the ideal selection. And with the proper education and training, you can accomplish your dream to become a licensed physical therapist in Chester NH.

A Few More Interesting Locations in New Hampshire

  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Greenfield NH
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Orford NH
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Portsmouth NH
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Canaan NH
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Suncook NH
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Sanbornton NH
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Greenland NH
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Mont Vernon NH
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Woodstock NH
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Hinsdale NH
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 113

    Cornerstone Physical Therapy Associates
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    64 Freetown Rd, Raymond, NH 03077

    Parkland Rehabilitation Services
    5 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapists
    Phone:
    44 Birch St, Derry, NH 03038

    Body And Mind Physical Therapy And Wellness
    2 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy, Pain Management
    Phone:
    25 Indian Rock Rd, Ste 26, Windham, NH 03087

    Scaccia Physical Therapy & Sports Conditioning
    4 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    32 Indian Rock Rd, Unit 5, Windham, NH 03087

    Excel Physical Therapy
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    135 Rte 27, Raymond, NH 03077

    Family Physical Therapy Services
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Center, Health Coach
    Phone:
    207 Meetinghouse Rd, Bedford, NH 03110

    Access Sports Medecine & Orthopedics
    2 Reviews
    Orthopedists, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    6 Freetown Rd, Raymond, NH 03077

    Balance Physical Therapy & Human Performance, Llc
    4 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    58 Range Rd, Ste 16, Windham, NH 03087

    Coppola Physical Therapy and Fitness Gym
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Gyms
    Phone:
    143 Raymond Rd, Candia, NH 03034

    Messinger Chiropractic Office
    3 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    93 Washington St, Essex Physical Therapy & Chiropractic, Haverhill, MA 01832