I am thinking about becoming a childrens physical therapist. What kind of school do you need?

Question

I will be a junior this year and i want to work with kids. I love special needs kids and helping people and thier families. So i am wondering what i need to do in order to become a physical therapist. I am taking a teaching class this year and io will learn how to be a teacher and work with kids. It will help me a lot. Plus it counts as a college class. Also how much do they make. Not that should matter but i want to make enough to support a family. Does it make a difference if you work in hospital????

Answer 1

Check in your state to see what schools offer PT Degrees.  Typically it will be a larger university or two.

Sad as it is you will make more money in private practice or in a medical field than in the schools where you are desperately needed. (same for OT's)

Each state has different requiremtents - some have the DR. program but quite honestly - that will result in one consultant and lots of Physical Therepy aides so I don't think that does the profession any good.

Minimum is going to be 5 years.

Good luck

Answer 2

Physical therapy, at least in the state of Washington, is a doctorate degree, heavy in math and science classes.  It takes about 7 years to complete the course going to school full-time.  

Working for a school district means less money then working in a hospital or in private practice.  However, in the school district, the hours are much better, you get all the school holidays off and if you have kids you don't have to figure out childcare during all the school breaks.  Each school district pay scale is different, so investigate that prior to making any commitments.

You have chosen a wonderful field and fabulous kids to focus on!