How do you become a physical therapist?

Question

I'm looking around the massachusett area. In order to become a physical therapist do you have to graduate from a school and go to grad school to be a physical therapist. Where do you start to become a physical therapist. What do you major in?

Answer 1

You can get your bachelor's degree in anything you wish, but you must also complete the prerequisite programs for the school to which you hope to apply. Since this involves a lot of bio, chem, physics, etc. most people choose a major that encompasses those classes such as kinesiology, movement sciences, etc.  

After that, yes, you need to go to graduate school which will culminate in either a masters or doctorate level degree.  

Go to the APTA website to learn more: www.apta.org

Answer 2

Hello,

I have 2 friends that are physical therapists.  Both of them got their degrees in pre-med and then went to Physical Therapy school.  You can ask your school counselors what are good schools around you.

So...to answer your question specifically.  Get your Bachelors and then go to Physical Therapy school.  It will take you 6 or 7 years to finish everything.

Good luck!!!