Physical therapy can be a rewarding career choice if you are interested in working in health care. You will be directly involved in helping others improve their mobility, strengthen their bodies and increase independence. Another plus to keep in mind is that the demand for physical therapists is rising. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of these health care professionals is expected to increase by more than 56,000 by 2018. Academic programs in this field should be accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education.
University of Southern California
U.S. News & World Report's 2008 graduate school rankings put the University of Southern California on the top of its list for physical therapy programs. The university began awarding the Doctor of Physical Therapy in 1998. The three-year program is for students wanting to become licensed physical therapists. USC also offers three clinical residencies for physical therapists desiring advanced training. Sports, neurologic and orthopedic residencies are available.
University of Pittsburgh
Students at the University of Pittsburgh have the opportunity to work within the university's medical center and the Centers for Rehab Services. The doctoral program prepares students for many career options in physical therapy including the specialties of women's health, spine care and industrial rehabilitation. The University of Pittsburgh program requires completion of a one-year internship in which students are awarded a monthly scholarship.
Washington University in St. Louis
Tied with the University of Pittsburgh for second place in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, the Washington University in St. Louis program requires 38 weeks of full-time clinical experience. Doctoral students in the university's physical therapy program have the opportunity to participate in research studies in addition to their coursework requirements. They have the option to work as assistants or as subjects for faculty conducting original research.
University of Delaware
Physical therapy students at the University of Delaware have an opportunity to gain experience in three university PT clinics. The clinics are dedicated to a certain specialization in the field: pediatrics, sports and orthopedic, and neurologic and older adult. Doctoral students also get plenty of firsthand practice -- the program requires four full-time internships and three part-time clinical experiences. Internships are available at over 500 locations throughout the nation, according to the university's website.
U.S. Army-Baylor University
The history of physical therapy education in the U.S. Army can be traced back to the 1920s at Walter Reed General Hospital. The U.S. Army-Baylor University master's degree program transitioned to a doctoral program in 2002. Several benefits are available to students who join the military and complete the program including free tuition, healthcare and job placement. Students who remain in the military after service obligations can apply for additional academic funding.
University of Iowa
The University of Iowa DPT program is tied with the U.S. Army-Baylor program for fifth place, according to the U.S. News & World Report rankings. Unlike most doctoral programs, this program is finished in two and a half years rather than three. Five full-time internships are required in addition to several short clinical experiences. The first full-time internship is in a hospital setting -- others are completed at approved locations throughout the country.
References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physical Therapists
- American Physical Therapy Association: Benefits of Physical Therapist Career
- US News & World Report: Rankings - Physical Therapy
- University of Southern California: Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Overview
- University of Pittsburgh: Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Washington University in St. Louis: Doctor of Physical Therapy
