BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who diagnose and treat people of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform everyday activities including: walking, eating, dressing, blow drying hair, playing sports, gardening, etc.

PTs examine each patient and create a specialized plan using treatment methods that help people to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with people to stop loss of mobility before it happens by creating fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

HOW DO I BECOME A PHYSICAL THERAPIST?

To become a professional physical therapist, you must obtain a doctoral degree in physical therapy (DPT) from a CAPTE accredited program after completion of a bachelor’s degree. A physical therapist must complete at least 7 years of college/professional education: four or more years of college education/pre-physical therapy coursework and three years of the professional DPT program. In order to be accepted to a DPT school, you will need to take prerequisite courses in the fields of biological science, general chemistry, mathematics, general physics, English composition, and speech communications. A certain grade-point average (GPA) is usually required for the prerequisite courses. Most schools will also want the applicant to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Physical therapy study is difficult and admission to a DPT program is extremely competitive.

WHAT WILL I LEARN IN PHYSICAL THERAPY SCHOOL?

Once accepted into a physical therapy school, the courses will consist of classwork in biomechanics, anatomy and physiology, neuroscience, and pharmacology. The program also provides clinical experience and education in the direct care of patients in a health care facility. This includes how to perform an appropriate examination and evaluation of patients of a variety of disorders, treatment interventions, and manual therapy techniques. Most programs include 3 years of classroom, laboratory, and clinical work. Physical therapy students get supervised experience in areas such as acute care and orthopedic care.

LIFE AFTER GRADUATION

Licenses and Certifications

  • After finishing education requirements, graduates must pass a state licensure examination. Several states also require a law exam and a criminal background check. Continuing education is typically required for physical therapists to keep their license.
  • After gaining work experience, some physical therapists choose to become a board-certified specialist. The American Board of Physical Therapist Specialties offers certification in 8 clinical specialty areas, including orthopedic and geriatric physical therapy. Board specialist certification requires passing an exam and at least 2,000 hours of clinical work or completion of an APTA-accredited residency program in the specialty area.

o   Where do PTs Practice?

  • Outpatient clinics
  • Inpatient rehabilitation facilities
  • Skilled nursing, extended care, or subacute facilities
  • Home Health
  • Education or research centers
  • Schools
  • Hospice
  • Industrial, workplace, or other occupational environments
  • Fitness centers and sports training facilities

Most PTs work full time and most work during normal business hours. Some PTs may work evenings or weekends.

SALARY INFORMATION*

Mean annual wage for LA: $81, 280

Mean annual wage by region:
Northwest
            Shreveport/Bossier and surrounding area: $62,270
Northeast
            Winnsboro and surrounding area: $70,650
North Central
            Monroe: $92,620
Midwest
            Natchitoches and surrounding area: $87,120
Central
            Alexandria: $90,360
Southwest
            Lake Charles and surrounding area: $77,120
            New Iberia and surrounding area: $77,900
South Central
            Lafayette: $72,140
            Baton Rouge: $86,280
Southeast
            Houma/Thibodeaux: $87,310
            New Orleans/Metairie/Kenner: $83,300
            Hammond: $81,120

Note: salary can change depending on the what area of physical therapy a person works in such as acute care, outpatient, travelling, home health, etc.

LOUISIANA SCHOOLS

Minimum Requirements to be Accepted

LSUHSC – New Orleans:

  • Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university
  • At least 60 hours of volunteer or work experience in physical therapy
  • GPA of 3.0 or above in all undergraduate science/math courses (such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and social sciences)
  • GRE score of at least 296 (new test)

LSUHSC – Shreveport:

  • Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university
  • At least 60 hours of volunteer or work experience in physical therapy
  • GPA of 3.20 or higher in all undergraduate science/math courses
  • GRE score of at least 285 (new test)

PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION SOURCES

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
1-800-999-2782
apta.org

Louisiana Physical Therapy Association (LPTA)
8550 United Plaza Boulevard, Suite 1001
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809
225-408-4422
lpta.org

 

*Salary information taken from http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_la.htm#00-0000