Tag Archives: Physical Therapy Bachelors Degrees Near Me Williamston MI 48895

Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Williamston MI

How to Choose a Physical Therapist Degree Program near Williamston 48895

Williamston MI physical therapy school student with volunteerReceiving a physical therapy degree near Williamston MI is an essential first step to beginning a fulfilling career in the healthcare field. Physical therapists (PT) help individuals who have been incapacitated as a result of injury or illness regain function and mobility. But before they may legally practice and provide treatment for the rehabilitation of patients, they must get the appropriate education and training. A PT must also become licensed in every state, a large number mandating that the licensee receive a physical therapy degree from an accredited college. So before choosing a physical therapy school, it’s important to evaluate those you are looking at to make sure they will furnish a superior education and meet your state’s licensing requirements. What you should not do is select a school simply because it happens to be the closest to your residence or it has the lowest tuition. There are other significant qualifications that need to be considered along with location and cost. But before we discuss what those qualifications are and the questions you should be asking, we’ll cover what a physical therapist does and what the educational options are.

What is a Physical Therapist?

Williamston MI physical therapist helping patient walkPhysical therapists practice in diverse settings, such as Williamston MI private practices, hospitals, assisted living facilities, rehab centers and sports facilities. What the facilities all have in common is that they are equipped for diagnosing and rehabilitating patients. As earlier mentioned, physical therapists help people that are suffering from a lack of mobility and frequently pain due to illness or injury. After diagnosing a patient, they develop a course of treatment to address the mobility issues and lessen or eradicate any pain. They also try to prevent any progression of the disability. Though the causes of disability necessitating physical therapy are abundant, they include:

  • Arthritis or Osteoporosis
  • Car or motor cycle accidents
  • Strokes.
  • Heart attacks.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
  • Burn injuries.
  • Hip Replacement.
  • Fibromyalgia.
  • Multiple Sclerosis.

Licensed physical therapists practice in close affiliation with other Williamston MI medical specialists, including doctors, chiropractors, dentists and nurses. They can also supervise several physical therapy assistants who work for them assisting with diagnosing and treating their patients. One thing to keep in mind for anyone considering getting into the physical therapy profession, it is rather physically demanding. Physical therapists often lift patients and heavy equipment, and stand, crouch and kneel for extended periods of time on a daily basis.

Physical Therapy Degrees

Williamston MI physical therapist applying acupuncture to patientThere are 3 physical therapist degree options offered for students to pursue at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Of these choices, the one degree that is attainable to become a physical therapist is the doctorate. Undergraduate degrees target either preparing students to become a physical therapy assistant (PTA) or prepping them to advance to the doctoral level. Below are short summaries of degrees that are available in the Williamston MI area:

  • Associate Degrees train students to practice as physical therapy assistants, or may be the first step toward earning a more advanced degree. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent to be accepted for enrollment. The programs are most often made available by junior or community colleges, and require 2 years for completion. An internship or other form of clinical training is typically a component of the course of study.
  • Bachelor’s Degrees are developed as pre-physical therapy education to prep students to move up to the doctoral level. While they are not a requirement to be eligible for the doctoral program, they are an important preliminary step to practicing as a PT. As with most bachelor’s degrees, they typically require four years to complete and often incorporate an internship program of at least 500 hours.
  • Doctorate Degrees are mandated in order to become a licensed practicing physical therapist. The degree program also must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). In addition to the bachelor’s degree, the doctoral takes three years to complete, making the overall investment of time seven years in most cases. Practical or clinical training is an important element along with the extensive classroom and lab instruction. Consequently the fulfillment of an internship is mandated, not only for graduation but in several states for licensing as well.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) has taken the place of the Master’s of Physical Therapy (MPT), which has been phased out and is no longer attainable in the USA. A number of licensed physical therapists holding a master’s or even a bachelor’s degree were “grandfathered” in prior to the present licensing mandate for a doctorate was implemented.

Physical Therapy Online Degrees

woman attending physical therapy school online in Williamston MIAlthough not as common as the on campus alternatives, there are a number of accredited online physical therapy degrees offered, even more at the graduate level. Because of the hands-on structure of the training, internships and clinical lab work are integrated with the online classes. This requires that the student live close to the college campus or in proximity of an available internship. However, the online segment of the curriculum can be accessed within the comfort and convenience of the student’s Williamston MI residence. Online programs are not only partially more accessible, but in many instances more affordable. Tuition might be somewhat less than similar on-campus alternatives, and costs for commuting are reduced. And a number of the online schools are accredited by the CAPTE, ensuring a quality education. These advantages may make the online option the best choice for those students that are dedicated enough to learn at home.

Subjects to Ask Physical Therapy Programs

At this point you undoubtedly have come to decision regarding a few of your preliminary queries, such as the type of physical therapist degree you intend to attain, where you prefer to attend classes, and how much you can afford to spend for your education. But since there are so many PT colleges within the Williamston MI area and across Michigan, you’ll need to look into other qualifications as well in order to further narrow your list of college choices. Also, you want to be sure that you select the program that is ideal for you. That’s why we have collected a list of essential questions that you need to ask the physical therapist schools you are thinking about. Ask each of the potential schools these questions before making a final decision.

Is the Physical Therapist Program Accredited?  Ask if the schools you are reviewing have received accreditation from a regional or a national organization. As earlier mentioned, if you are pursuing a doctorate the program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). If you enroll in an online school, it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council. It’s essential that both the physical therapist school and program you choose are accredited, not just the school. Also, verify that the accreditation is through a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. In addition to ensuring that you receive a quality education, accreditation may be mandated for state licensing and even for getting student loans or financial assistance.

What is the School’s Reputation? Along with accreditation, it’s imperative that the college and program you select have outstanding reputations within the physical therapist community. There are several ways you can investigate a PT program’s reputation, beginning with requesting references from employers that they place their graduates with. You may also search for online rating services and reviews and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. Get in touch with some Williamston MI physical therapy clinics or other health care facilities that you may have an interest in working for and ask if they can give you any insight about your program options. It might also be prudent to check with the Michigan Attorney General and school licensing authority to see if any complaints have been submitted against the colleges.

What is the School’s Job Placement Rate? There are a couple of useful statistics that you should know about all of the physical therapist schools you are considering. One is their graduation rate. A lower rate might indicate that students dropped out due to dissatisfaction with the program, the instructors, or both. Once the students have graduated, what percentage of them are being hired with the help of the college’s job placement program, particularly in the Williamston MI area? If a program has a high job placement rate, it’s an indication that its reputation within the health care community is good or perhaps exceptional. It also confirms that the school has a broad network of contacts to help students gain internships or employment after graduation.

Does the College Support Licensing Requirements? It’s imperative that the college you enroll in provides both excellent training and a curriculum that satisfies the licensing criteria for Michigan or the state where you will be practicing. In each state a passing score is required on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) as well as a degree from an accredited physical therapy school. Although licensing requirements fluctuate state by state for PT and PTA graduates, a number of states require a minimum amount of clinical hours be completed and passing scores on additional tests.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the physical therapist programs you are interested in have partnerships with Williamston MI hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to receive practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a requirement for the majority of PT programs and state licensing. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist students and graduates form professional connections in the Williamston medical community and help with job placement after licensing.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the physical therapy schools you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the pharmacy tech program also.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the physical therapist school they select will need to be within travelling distance of their Williamston MI home. Students who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

Is Financial Assistance Offered? Most DPT schools supply some form of financial aid to their potential students. Ask if the schools you are considering have a financial aid department and find out what type of assistance is offered. At a minimum they should help in securing a student loan or any scholarships you may be eligible for. A number of physical therapy colleges offer scholarships, while others offer work programs. So before you eliminate a school because the tuition is too expensive, find out what financial aid might be available.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the physical therapy school you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Williamston MI area, make sure that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

Earning Your Physical Therapy Degree near Williamston Michigan?

If you are planning on attending a Physical Therapy School in the Williamston MI area, the following information may prove to be both interesting and educational regarding the location of your future Alma Mater.

Williamston, Michigan

Williamston is a city in Ingham County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city is at the southeast corner of Williamstown Township, but is politically independent. A portion of Williamston was annexed from adjacent Wheatfield Township. Downtown Williamston is located at the intersection of Grand River Avenue (M-43) and Putnam Street (Williamston Road). The population was 3,854 at the 2010 census. Williamston is most notable for its antiques markets, and it has been promoted as a quaint, small town just outside the larger city of Lansing. It recently renovated McCormick Park, which borders the Red Cedar River in downtown Williamston.

The location that was later to become Williamston started as the cross-road of the Grand River and Saginaw Indian Trails. It was first occupied by a small band of the Saginaw tribe of the Chippewa People which by the mid-19th century used the area as a 'summer village' (it was not used by them year-round, but they 'wintered' in the area that is now Meridian Township). They used Williamston for planting crops, burying their dead, and holding an annual spring gathering, primarily using the land just north of the Red Cedar River.

The area was settled by Europeans in 1834 when Hiram and Joseph Putnam moved briefly to the area from Jackson. They spent less than one full year in the area, planting and then harvesting one crop of oats. Today, inside the city limits, Williamston Road becomes Putnam Street, having been named in their honor. (For many years, several street signs inside the city were misspelled as "Putman Street", leading to confusion about the correct spelling.)

Pick the Right Physical Therapy College near Williamston MI

Picking the right physical therapy college is an important initial decision you must make to start a gratifying career in the medical profession. As we have discussed in this article, the DPT or PT degree program and college you choose should both have exceptional reputations and be accredited. However there are other relevant questions that you should ask concerning your school of choice also. As you begin your search for a physical therapy school, bear in mind that a number of variables will lead you to your final decision. You may decide to go to each of the colleges to view their facilities and speak with active DPT students. While there, ask yourself this critical question: will this college help me realize my goal of becoming a practicing licensed physical therapist? By adhering to our list of additional questions, you will have the ability to narrow down the field so you can make the best selection. And with the necessary education and training, you can fulfill your dream of becoming a licensed physical therapist in Williamston MI.

A Few More Interesting Locations in Michigan

  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Stephenson MI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Kingsford MI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Paris MI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Romeo MI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Kalamazoo MI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Tipton MI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Douglas MI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Berrien Springs MI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Bentley MI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Dundee MI
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 30

    The Therapy Institute
    2 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    1660 Haslett Rd, Haslett, MI 48840

    Crossroads Physical Therapy
    2 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    3536 Meridian Crossings, Ste 260, Okemos, MI 48864

    MediLodge of Okemos
    1 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center, Skilled Nursing, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    5211 Marsh Road, Okemos, MI 48864

    Michael Shaheen - Compass Rehabilitation Center
    2 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Massage
    Phone:
    250 E Saginaw St, East Lansing, MI 48823

    Mindful Movement & Physical Therapy
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Special Education
    Phone:
    2740 E Lansing Dr, East Lansing, MI 48823

    Physical Therapy Services of Lansing
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    3937 Patient Care Way, Ste 105, Lansing, MI 48911

    Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists-Holt
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    2040 N Aurelius Rd, Ste 5, Holt, MI 48842

    ARM Assessment Rehabilitation Management
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy
    Phone:
    4660 S Hagadorn Rd, Lansing, MI 48823

    Compass Rehabilitation
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Pain Management, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    250 E Saginaw St, East Lansing, MI 48823

    iHealth Chiropractic Group
    1 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Nutritionists, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    2422 Jolly Rd, Ste 100, Okemos, MI 48864