Become a Physical Therapist?

[an aspiring doctor]

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With some contemplation I have decided that I would like to become a physical therapist. I would like to inquire from those with experience in the field as to how to obtain a masters in physical therapy in New York or in the North Eastern region. I have read that obtaining a masters requires less years than having to obtain a DPT. Is there any downside to getting a masters degree as opposed to a DPT?

 

[westcoastin]

"All PT education programs have transitioned to the DPT degree, except one. Both degrees currently prepare students to be eligible for the PT license examination in all 50 states. To maintain or be granted accreditation, programs will be required to award the DPT degree by 2015 and will have until 2017 to come into compliance with this decision. To practice as a physical therapist in the US, you must earn a PT degree from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapist education program and pass a state licensure exam"

Read more: http://www.apta.org/PTEducation/Overview/

 

[an aspiring doctor]

Which school is the only one left that gives you a masters degree in physical therapy?

 

[westcoastin]

I read that the only one left might be the University in Puerto Rico, though I am not 100% certain. Someone please chime in if they know. May I suggest looking into researching St. Augustine? Their DPT program is 2.3 years, which is only a few months longer than a traditional masters program and obviously less than the traditional 3-year PT program.

 

[an aspiring doctor]

Thank you for all of your help! Do you know of any two year DPT programs in New York or close by?

 

[westcoastin]

Sorry, I am not familiar with any PT programs in New York. You might consider going through APTA's list of PT schools in New York and looking at each schools website to find the length of their programs.

Here's the link: http://www.capteonline.org/apta/directories/accreditedschools.aspx?navID=10737421958&site=capte#NY

 

[scrawnyguy]

The University of Puerto Rico is transitioning to DPT right now. According to their site they haven't admitted any master's level students the last two classes.

 

[Azimuthal]

Army-Baylor is less than 2 years.