Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Woodburn OR

How to Enroll In a Physical Therapy Degree Program near Woodburn 97071

Woodburn OR physical therapy school student with volunteerGetting a physical therapist degree near Woodburn OR is a critical first step to launching a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. Physical therapists (PT) help individuals who have been disabled due to illness or injury regain mobility and function. But before they can practice and provide treatment for the rehabilitation of patients, they must receive the proper education and training. A PT must also be licensed in every state, many mandating that the licensee receive a physical therapy degree from an accredited college. So before choosing a physical therapy school, it’s essential to investigate those you are thinking about to make sure they will provide a quality education and meet your state’s licensing standards. What you do not want to do is enroll in a school just because it happens to be the nearest to your home or it has the most affordable tuition. There are other important qualifications that must be evaluated in addition to cost and location. But before we talk about what those qualifications are and the questions you should be asking, we’ll cover what a physical therapist does and what the educational options are.

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

Woodburn OR physical therapist helping patient walkPhysical therapists practice in a variety of settings, such as Woodburn OR private practices, hospitals, assisted living facilities, rehab centers and health clubs. What the facilities all have in common is that they have the equipment for diagnosing and rehabilitating patients. As earlier mentioned, physical therapists help individuals that are suffering from a lack of mobility and frequently pain due to injury or illness. After patient diagnosis, they create a program of treatment to resolve the mobility problems and reduce or eradicate any pain. They also try to prevent any progression of the disability. Although the causes of disability requiring physical therapy are numerous, they include:

  • Osteoporosis and Arthritis
  • Car or motor cycle accidents
  • Head injuries.
  • Cardiac arrest.
  • Sports injuries.
  • Burn injuries.
  • Hip Replacement.
  • Sciatica.
  • Multiple Sclerosis.

Licensed physical therapists practice in close affiliation with other Woodburn OR medical professionals, including chiropractors, physicians, registered nurses and dentists. They can also manage several physical therapy assistants who work under them in diagnosing and treating their patients. Something to bear in mind for anyone considering going into the physical therapy field, it is rather physically demanding. Physical therapists often lift patients and heavy equipment, and kneel, crouch and stand for long periods of time on a daily basis.

Physical Therapist Degrees

Woodburn OR physical therapist applying acupuncture to patientThere are three physical therapy degrees offered for students to pursue at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Of these options, the single degree that is attainable to become 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. Following are brief descriptions of degrees that are offered in the Woodburn OR area:

  • Associate Degrees train students to practice as physical therapy assistants, or can be the first step toward earning a more advanced degree. Candidates must have earned a high school diploma or GED to be accepted for enrollment. The programs are usually provided by junior or community colleges, and take about 2 years to complete. Clinical training, which may be in the form of an internship is usually part of the course of study.
  • Bachelor’s Degrees are designed as pre-physical therapy education to prep candidates to progress to the doctoral level. Although they are not a requirement to be a candidate for the doctoral program, they are an essential first step to practicing as a PT. Similar to the majority of bachelor’s degrees, they typically take four years to finish and commonly 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). After earning the bachelor’s degree, the doctoral takes 3 years to complete, making the total commitment seven years in most cases. Practical or clinical training is an important component in addition to the substantial lab and classroom instruction. Therefor the fulfillment 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 replaced the Master’s of Physical Therapy (MPT), which has been phased out and is no longer attainable in the USA. A number of licensed physical therapists having 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 Woodburn ORWhile not as common as the more traditional alternatives, there are many accredited online physical therapy programs offered, even more at the graduate level. Due to the hands-on structure of the training, clinical lab work and internships are integrated with the online classes. This requires that the student live near the school campus or nearby a sponsored internship. However, the online portion of the program can be accessed within the convenience and comfort of the student’s Woodburn OR residence. Online programs are not only partially more accessible, but in many instances more economical. Tuition might be significantly lower than comparable on-campus alternatives, and expenses for commuting are reduced. And a number of the online schools are accredited by the CAPTE, assuring a quality education. These benefits may make the online option the best choice for those students that are disciplined enough to learn at home.

Topics to Ask Physical Therapist Schools

By now you most likely have made a decision concerning some of your initial queries, like the kind of physical therapist degree you want to obtain, where you prefer to attend classes, and how much you can afford to spend for your education. But considering there are numerous PT schools within the Woodburn OR area and throughout Oregon, you’ll need to explore other qualifications as well in order to further narrow your list of school options. Furthermore, you need to make sure that you choose the program that is ideal for you. That’s the reason we have compiled a list of critical questions that you need to ask the physical therapist schools you are thinking about. Ask all of the potential schools these questions before making a final decision.

Is the Physical Therapist School Accredited?  Ask if the programs you are reviewing have earned accreditation from a regional or a national agency. As earlier stated, if you are pursuing a doctoral degree the program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). If you choose an online school, it may 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 simply the school. Also, check that the accreditation is from a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. In addition to ensuring that you receive an excellent education, accreditation might be required for state licensing and even for getting student loans or financial aid.

What is the College’s Standing? Along with accreditation, it’s essential that the college and program you pick have excellent reputations within the physical therapist community. There are a number of ways you can look into a PT school’s reputation, beginning with asking for references from employers that they place their graduates with. You can also check online reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. Call some Woodburn OR physical therapist clinics or other medical care facilities that you may have an interest in working for and ask if they can give you any advice about your college options. It may also be prudent to check with the Oregon Attorney General and school licensing authority to find out if any complaints have been filed against the schools.

What is the College’s Job Placement Percentage? There are a couple of useful statistics that you need to know about all of the physical therapy programs you are considering. One is their graduation rate. A lower rate may mean that students left because of displeasure with the program, the teachers, or both. Once the students have graduated, how many of them are being hired with the help of the school’s job placement program, particularly in the Woodburn OR area? If a program has a higher job placement rate, it’s an indication that its reputation within the medical care community is good or perhaps exceptional. It also confirms that the program has a large network of contacts to help students get internships or employment after graduation.

Does the School Support Licensing Requirements? It’s essential that the college you choose furnishes both excellent training and a course of study that satisfies the licensing criteria for Oregon or the state where you will be practicing. In each state a passing score is needed on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) in addition to a degree from an accredited physical therapy program. While licensing requirements differ state by state for PT and PTA graduates, many states require a minimum number of clinical hours be completed and passing scores on supplemental exams.

Are Internships Offered? Find out if the physical therapist colleges you are reviewing have relationships with Woodburn OR hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great way to receive hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also 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 Woodburn medical community and assist with job placement once licensed.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer 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 average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the pharmacy technician program also.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the physical therapist school they choose will have to be within commuting distance of their Woodburn OR home. Individuals who have opted to attend classes online naturally 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 consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

Is Financial Assistance Offered? The majority of DPT colleges provide some type of financial assistance to their prospective students. Inquire if the schools you are looking at have a financial assistance department and find out what type of assistance is obtainable. They at least should help in getting a student loan or any scholarships you might be eligible for. Some physical therapy schools offer scholarships, while others offer work programs. So before you eliminate a program because the tuition is too expensive, ask what financial aid may be available.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the physical therapy college you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Woodburn OR area, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Earning Your Physical Therapy Degree near Woodburn Oregon?

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

Woodburn, Oregon

Woodburn is a city in Marion County, Oregon, United States. Incorporated in 1889, the community had been platted in 1871 after the arrival of the railroad. The city is located in the northern end of the Willamette Valley between Portland and Salem. Interstate 5 connects it to major cities to the north and south. Oregon routes 211, 214, 219, and 99E also serve the city, as do Union Pacific and Willamette Valley Railway freight rail lines.

Woodburn is part of the Salem Metropolitan Statistical Area. With a population of 24,080 at the 2010 census, it is the third-most populous in that metropolitan area after Salem and Keizer.[7] Those who identify as Hispanic or Latino make up a majority of the population in the city. The Woodburn area also has a significant historic population of Russian Orthodox Old Believers, whose ancestors settled here after the October Revolution of 1917.

Originally, the area around Woodburn was inhabited by the Kalapuya Native Americans. After the Provisional Government of Oregon set-up land claims in the Oregon Country, the United States annexed much of the Pacific Northwest and established the Oregon Territory in 1848. Congress passed the Donation Land Claim Act in 1850 and many earlier land claims became donation land claims.

Pick the Right Physical Therapist College near Woodburn OR

Choosing the best physical therapy college is an important first decision you need to make to launch a fulfilling career in the healthcare profession. As we have discussed in this article, the DPT or PT degree program and college you pick should both have exceptional reputations and be accredited. However there are other critical questions that you should ask regarding your college of choice also. As you start your search for a physical therapy school, bear in mind that many variables will lead you toward your final decision. You may want to go to different colleges to view their facilities and speak to active DPT students. While there, ask yourself this critical question: will this college help me realize my goal of becoming a practicing licensed physical therapist? By following our list of additional questions, you will have the ability to narrow down the field so you can make the appropriate selection. And with the necessary training and education, you can accomplish your dream of becoming a practicing physical therapist in Woodburn OR.

A Few More Interesting Locations in Oregon

  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – New Pine Creek OR
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Sisters OR
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Seaside OR
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Silver Lake OR
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Joseph OR
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Lincoln City OR
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Cottage Grove OR
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Hillsboro OR
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Depoe Bay OR
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Tangent OR
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 281

    Advance Sports and Spine Therapy - Wilsonville
    8 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    25030 Parkway Ave, Ste 100, Wilsonville, OR 97070

    Therapeutic Associates Physical Therapy - Wilsonville
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    29100 SW Town Center Lp W, Ste 190, Wilsonville, OR 97070

    ActiveEDGE Physical Therapy and Wellness Center
    6 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine, Gyms
    Phone:
    2020 8th Ave, Ste D, West Linn, OR 97068

    Therapydia - Lake Oswego
    25 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine, Fitness & Instruction
    Phone:
    4811 Meadows Rd, Ste 105, Lake Oswego, OR 97035

    Evolve Physical Therapy
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine
    Phone:
    20510 SW Roy Rogers Rd, Ste 120, Sherwood, OR 97140

    Chehalem Physical Therapy
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    120C N Everest Rd, Newberg, OR 97132

    Tigard Physical Therapy
    10 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    18019 SW Lower Boones Ferry Rd, Bridgeport Integrative Health, Tigard, OR 97224

    Sanders Hand Therapy
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy
    Phone:
    8995 SW Miley Rd, Ste 109, Wilsonville, OR 97070

    North Lake Physical Therapy
    4 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    365 S Redwood St, Canby, OR 97013

    North Lake Physical Therapy
    18 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    9100 SE Sunnyside Rd, Clackamas, OR 97015