Physical therapists help ill or injured people manage pain and improve range of movement after injuries or illnesses, or when they’re experiencing a chronic condition. Physical therapists develop individualized care plans so patients can increase mobility and prevent further injury and pain, through rehabilitation and exercises, stretching and therapy.
To become a physical therapist, also known as a PT, a PT doctorate is often required. In fact, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has proposed that physical therapy should be provided by physical therapists who have earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy. If you’re interested in the human body and in helping patients recover from mobility issues, you may be considering a Doctor of Physical Therapy online program. Read on to learn if a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is worth the investment and find out what PT doctorate alternatives are available to you.
If you’re considering a career in physical therapy, you’re likely wondering – is it worth all the education, exams, late nights, and hard work required to become a PT?
This comprehensive guide examines the pros and cons of being a physical therapist to help you determine if this demanding yet rewarding profession is the right fit for you.
What is a Physical Therapist?
Physical therapists (PTs) are healthcare professionals who help patients regain mobility and manage pain and disability from injury, illness, surgery, or disease. Their goal is to restore function and improve patients’ quality of life.
PTs examine patients and develop customized treatment plans that may include:
- Manual exercises and stretches
- Use of equipment and assistive devices
- Modalities like heat, ice, ultrasound
- Pain relief techniques
- Gait training
- Patient education
PTs work closely with patients to help them meet mobility goals through tailored therapeutic exercises and activities.
They practice in a range of settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, nursing homes, and sports facilities. While most PTs work full time during regular business hours, some work evenings or weekends to accommodate patients.
Educational Requirements to Become a PT
Becoming a licensed PT requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and passing a national exam
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Earn a Bachelor’s degree – Complete prerequisite science courses and obtain a bachelor’s in a related field like exercise science or biology.
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Get accepted to a DPT program – These are highly competitive 3-year grad programs that include clinical rotations.
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Obtain state licensure – Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) then apply for a state license.
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Pursue continuing education – PTs in most states must complete ~30 hours of continuing ed every 2 years.
The substantial education makes PT one of the highest paying allied health careers, But it requires a major time and financial commitment – is it worth it?
Pros of Being a Physical Therapist
1. Job growth and security
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PT job growth is projected at 21% through 2030, much faster than average.
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PT roles are recession-proof – people need rehab regardless of the economy.
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The aging population will drive demand for PTs’ services.
2. High earning potential
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The median annual salary for PTs is $92,8704.
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PTs earn among the highest salaries of allied health professionals.
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Those with specialty certifications can earn over $100,000.
3. Ability to help people
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PTs enable people to regain movement and live their lives.
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Seeing patients progress is extremely rewarding.
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PTs build rapport and empower patients.
4. Career flexibility and variety
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PTs can work in clinical, educational, research, or administration roles.
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Flex schedules, part-time work, and telehealth options are available.
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You can specialize in areas like pediatrics, geriatrics, sports, neurology.
5. Respect and growth opportunities
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PTs are viewed as essential healthcare practitioners.
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With a clinical doctorate, PTs can advance to leadership roles.
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PTs can own a private practice for more autonomy.
Cons of Being a Physical Therapist
1. High educational costs
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Pursuing a DPT can cost $80,000+ in tuition and fees alone.
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3 years with no/little income from a paid job while in school.
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Continuing education and licensing expenses.
2. Competitive admissions
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Top DPT programs only accept 10-20% of applicants.
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You need excellent grades, test scores, observation hours, and references.
3. Rigorous curriculum
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DPT programs involve intense full-time study plus clinical work.
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Programs average 90+ credits and 1000+ clinical hours.
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Licensure exam has high fail rates if unprepared.
4. Physically demanding
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PTs are on their feet all day and actively demonstrate exercises.
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Therapists must safely maneuver patients and equipment.
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Risk of injury from bending, lifting, stretching.
5. Stress and burnout
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High productivity quotas and packed schedules lead to pressure and fatigue.
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Empathy fatigue is common when dealing with patients in pain.
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Paperwork and insurance regulations frustrate many PTs.
No career is perfect. But a passion for helping people through movement and exercise can make the challenges worth it.
Steps to Become a Physical Therapist
If you’re ready to pursue this demanding but rewarding field, here are the key steps:
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
Major in exercise science, biology, kinesiology, or related discipline. Take science prerequisites like anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics.
2. Complete PT observation hours
Get hands-on exposure by shadowing PTs across various settings. Most programs require at least 100 observation hours.
3. Take the GRE
Achieve competitive scores on the Graduate Record Examination to showcase academic readiness. Many programs require the GRE.
4. Apply to DPT programs
Research programs and apply 1-2 years in advance. Thoroughly prep for interviews.
5. Complete clinical rotations
DPT programs integrate ~30 weeks of full-time supervised clinical practice in various environments.
6. Pass the NPTE for licensure
This national exam tests your clinical knowledge. Prepare thoroughly as passage is required.
7. Find a PT job
With license in hand, start applying! Many grads receive job offers from sites where they interned.
Is Being a PT Worth It? Evaluating the Pros and Cons
Becoming a physical therapist requires major investments of time, money, and effort – but offers personal and professional fulfillment, strong job prospects, and a six-figure income.
While challenging, a career improving lives through movement can be incredibly worthwhile. Thoroughly assess both the pros and cons as you decide if this rewarding field is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How demanding is PT school?
PT school is rigorous. Programs involve full-time coursework plus nearly 30 weeks of supervised clinical work. Expect long hours studying complex science and techniques.
What undergraduate major is best to become a PT?
Majors like exercise science, kinesiology, and biology ready students for PT school prerequisites. less intense majors can allow more time to bolster GPAs.
Do I need work experience before applying to PT school?
While not required, healthcare exposure through volunteering, technician roles, or shadowing gives useful perspective and strengthens applications.
What GPA do I need to get into PT school?
The average GPA for accepted DPT students is 3.6. Strive for As in science courses and seek to maintain at least a 3.0-3.5 overall.
Can I work during PT school?
Working during a DPT program is extremely difficult given the heavy course load. Most students take out loans to cover living expenses and focus on studying.
How much debt will I have after PT school?
The average debt from a DPT program is around $80,000-$100,000. Carefully research schools and aid options to minimize loans needed.
Deciding if being a PT is worth the investment of time, money and effort is highly personal. Assess your motivations, career values, finances, and willingness to complete rigorous higher education. If becoming a physical therapist aligns with your passions, the rewards can outweigh the sacrifices.
You have an interest in fitness and exercise
One common form of physical therapy is exercise. This can range from squeezing a soft ball to regain full mobility in the hand, to using straps, free weights, balance boards or bikes to achieve increased mobility and strength. Physical therapy is one form of health care that goes hand-in-hand with exercise.
Many people become physical therapy patients because of sports-related injuries. Or, they’re in physical therapy with the goal of returning to the gym. Physical therapists get to integrate athleticism into treatment and work with athletes.
How Does Life Change After a PT Doctorate?
Obtaining a PT doctorate and beginning work as a physical therapist can be both exciting and rewarding. After you get your degree and become licensed, you can apply for work in a variety of settings with diverse patient populations.
As Heather Birely writes for the American Physical Therapy Association, getting her PT doctorate at the age of 40 has been fulfilling and gratifying. Birely mentions rewards like getting to meet new people, facing new challenges and helping patients find the strength to achieve goals and overcome setbacks.
Fifth Wheel Physical Therapist bloggers Dr. Jared Casazza and Dr. Whitney Eakin write about physical therapists having overall high work satisfaction and good work-life balance. While many medical doctors have demanding round-the-clock hours and experience heartbreak and tragedy in emergency medical situations, physical therapists are doctors who can look forward to more consistent schedules and who can work with patients over longer periods of time to achieve goals. Physical therapists get to build meaningful relationships with patients, which doctors in other fields may not experience.
