Can a nurse become a physical therapist?

Question

Kate Swindlehurst · Accepted Answer

Yes, a nurse can become a physical therapist. Becoming a physical therapist can be a great transition as nurses already have a strong background in the medical field and, therefore, can have a higher chance of succeeding as physical therapists.

No programs take you from an RN to a physical therapist, so you do have to go the traditional route of earning a doctorate in physical therapy.

If you hold a bachelor's degree, you may need to take some prerequisite courses before applying. If you hold an associate's degree, you do need to complete a bachelor's degree before applying.

Once you have finished school, you need to pass the licensing exams, and then you can begin practicing as a physical therapist. While there is no direct link between being a nurse and becoming a physical therapist, the foundation nursing gives you can be extremely beneficial while working to become a physical therapist.