If i get a pre-physical therapy degree, am i a physical therapist? ?

Question

or i can only work as assistant phyisical therapist?

Answer 1

To practice as a physio you need to meet the requirements of where you practice.  These days that usually is a professional doctorate in physiotherapy.  You may not even be able to be an assistant without some kind of professional qual - but you probably would be OK.

Thanks

Bill

Answer 2

LovelyTu...makes a pretty close to accurate answer (although PTs become DPTs, not PhDs). The pre-PT comparison to the pre-med degree is a good analogy.  Even with a pre-PT degree you cannot work as an assistant because this is a completely different set of coursework and usually still requires a licensure exam.  The pre-PT degree is pretty useless in the real world if you don't get into grad school...that's why some students will get degrees such as biology, athletic training, etc...that way if PT doesn't work out, they still have degrees that can be applied towards other careers.  

Answer 3

I have never heard of a "pre-physical therapy degree."

Around here locally, you can go to school and become a PTA-"Physical Therapist Assistant" or you go to college to become a "Physical Therapist."

Both positions are licensed by the state. for more information you should check out your state's licensing board.

You did not say where you lived so I can not get you the link, but is it easy to find.goggle "physical therapy licensing, (your state)

Good luck

Answer 4

I believe this would only make you an assistant. If I am correct in assuming you mean the bachelor's degree.

A pre-physical therapy bachelor's degree to physical therapy school is the same as a pre-med degree is to medical school. After completing the pre-physical therapy degree you will need to apply to and complete additional years at a physical therapy school to receive a doctorate in physical therapy. pre-physical therapy won't actually teach you all of the hands on things you need to know to perform the job, it will set you up with the correct math, science, and specialty classes to best prepare you to complete a doctorates/PhD in Physical Therapy. Note doctors (including physical therapists) have PhD after their names - you will need the additional 3+ years of high level schooling to become a physical therapist.