PrintPhysical Therapy
- What is physical therapy?
- Physical Therapy Timeline
- Educational requirements
- Professional school programs for a master's or doctoral degree in physical therapy
- Association and contact information for physical therapy
- Application requirements for UMB's DPT program bachelor's degree (any major)
- Pre-physical therapy web sites of interest
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical Therapists (PT) provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health. The main goal of a PT is to return the patient to their full functioning independence.
Pre-Physical Therapy Information Sheet
Definition taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook
Web Site: http://stats.bls.gov/
Educational Requirements
Student complete all prerequisite courses at an accredited college or university and then apply for admission to a professional school to complete the 2-year Masters or 3-year Doctoral professional coursework, which includes classroom laboratory, and clinical education. Admission to professional schools is competitive and is not guaranteed by the University of Maryland. Contact professional programs for most current requirements. NOTE: Pre-Physical Therapy is not a degree-granting program at the University of Maryland - College Park.
Professional School Programs for a Master's or Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy
University of Maryland at Baltimore (UMB)
410-706-7721
http://pt.umaryland.edu/
University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES)
410-651-6301
www.umes.edu/PT
Howard University
202-806-6100
www.cpnahs.howard.edu
University of Delaware
302-831-8910
www.udel.edu/PT
Association and Contact Information for Physical Therapy
Contact the American Physical Therapy Association for specific information about DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) or MPT (Master's of Physical Therapy) program prerequisites.
American Physical Therapy Association
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-684-2782
www.apta.org
Application Requirements for UMB's DPT program
Bachelor's Degree (any major)
- Successful completion (a grade of C or better) of 26 specified credit hours of prerequisite coursework.
- Submission of GRE (Graduate Record Exam) scores.
- Completion of at least 100 hours of documented work or volunteer experience in a PT setting.
- Documented volunteer community service. This is philanthropic volunteer service (i.e. helping the homeless, volunteering with the American Red Cross, teaching disadvantaged youth how to read, etc.) The philanthropy for which you volunteer does NOT have to be related to a career in physical therapy.
- Submission of 3 reference letters (including one from a PT employed at the applicant's work or volunteer site; one from a community service representative from a site listed on the applicant's personal date form).
- A current CPR certificate.
- Completion of a Personal Data Form (see the UMB-DPT admission application).
- Completion of a statement of "Professional Goals".
For information on UMB's Early Provisional Admission option, contact UMB at 410-706-7721.
Note: The professional DPT curriculum at UMB takes three years to complete.
Pre-Physical Therapy is not a degree-granting program at UM-College Park. The above prerequisites are required prior to matriculation into the professional curriculum for UMB. Admission to professional schools is competitive and is not guaranteed by UM. Note: Admission requirements vary depending upon the institution and prerequisites are subject to change. Contact programs directly for their most current requirements!
Pre-Physical Therapy Web Sites of Interest
University of Maryland Department of Kinesiology 301-405-2450
http://www.sph.umd.edu/KNES/
American Occupational Therapy Association
www.aota.org
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook
http://stats.bls.gov/
The US Department of Labor handbook on working conditions, employment, training, qualifications and advancement, job outlook, earnings, and related occupations.
About.com
http://www.about.com/
Descriptions of various career opportunities, including description of job, salary, training, and National contacts.
