What are the qualifications to be a physical therapist?

The qualifications to be a physical therapist are an education in physical therapy, state licensure, and clinical experience. Here is a closer look at these physical therapist qualifications and others:

• Education in physical therapy

Physical therapists require advanced education. This means in addition to a bachelor's degree in physical therapy, they must also gain a graduate doctoral degree in the field. Bachelor degree programs in physical therapy are fairly uncommon, so most opt for a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as biology, physiology, or kinesiology.

Other common bachelor's degrees in physical therapy include ones in athletic training and exercise science. No matter the particular degree, aspiring physical therapists must be sure to develop foundational knowledge in the areas of anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and physics.

By law, all prospective physical therapists must obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy or DPT qualification in order to work as a physical therapist. The doctoral program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Students seeking to gain their doctoral degree in physical therapy must apply through the Physical therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).

Students in DPT programs must complete a full-time clinical practice internship, working under a licensed physical therapist.

• Physical therapy state licensure

Every state requires aspiring physical therapists to obtain a license; however, the requirements for this will vary from state to state. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) gives the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which is required in all states.

Depending on your state, candidates may also need to pass a criminal background check and an exam on law and ethics to qualify for a license.

• Physical therapy clinical experience

To gain clinical experience, a licensed physical therapist must undertake a clinical residency program or fellowship. These programs provide hands-on experience and clinical knowledge advancement in the field.

They also provide the opportunity for the physical therapist to gain skills and knowledge in a specialized area of physical therapy. Most physical therapy residencies and fellowships last one year or longer.

• Becoming a board-certified physical therapist

This is not a required qualification but an optional step a physical therapist can take to become a board-certified clinical specialist. There is a range of specialized areas a physical therapist can become board certified, such as: