Tag Archives: Physical Therapy School Requirements Lowell MI 49331

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

How to Choose a Physical Therapist Training Program near Lowell 49331

Lowell MI physical therapy school student with volunteerReceiving a physical therapist degree near Lowell MI is an important first step to beginning a rewarding career in the medical care industry. Physical therapists (PT) help people who have been incapacitated as a result of illness or injury gain back mobility and function. But before they can practice and provide treatment for the rehabilitation of patients, they need to get the proper training and education. A PT must also become licensed in all states, a large number requiring that the licensee receive a physical therapy degree from an accredited college. So before selecting a physical therapy school, it’s important to investigate those you are considering to make sure they will furnish a superior education and meet your state’s licensing standards. What you should not do is select a school just because it happens to be the nearest to your home or it has cheapest tuition. There are other relevant qualifications that must be evaluated in addition to location and cost. But before we discuss what those qualifications are and what questions you should ask, we’ll address what a physical therapist does and the options for education.

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

Lowell MI physical therapist helping patient walkPhysical therapists practice in diverse locations, such as Lowell MI private practices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and health clubs. What the facilities all share in common is that they are equipped for the diagnosis and rehabilitation treatment of patients. As previously touched on, physical therapists help individuals that are suffering from a lack of mobility and often pain due to illness or injury. After diagnosing a patient, they develop a course of treatment to deal with the mobility problems and reduce or eradicate any pain. They also strive to stop any progression of the disability. Although the causes of disability necessitating physical therapy are abundant, they include:

  • Osteoporosis and Arthritis
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Strokes.
  • Cardiac arrest.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
  • Fire injuries.
  • Knee Replacement.
  • Fibromyalgia.
  • Multiple Sclerosis.

Licensed physical therapists practice in close affiliation with other Lowell MI medical professionals, including chiropractors, physicians, dentists and nurses. They can also supervise one or more physical therapy assistants who work under them in diagnosing and treating their patients. One thing to bear in mind for anyone thinking about getting into the physical therapy profession, it is rather physically demanding. Physical therapists routinely lift patients and heavy equipment, and kneel, crouch and stand for extended periods of time on a daily basis.

Physical Therapy Degrees Offered

Lowell MI physical therapist applying acupuncture to patientThere are 3 physical therapist degrees available for individuals to pursue at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Of these choices, the single degree that is offered to practice as a physical therapist is the doctorate. Undergraduate degrees focus on either preparing students to become a physical therapy assistant (PTA) or readying them to advance to the doctoral level. Following are brief descriptions of degree levels that are offered in the Lowell MI area:

  • Associate Degrees prepare students to become physical therapy assistants, or may be the first step toward earning a more advanced degree. Applicants must have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent to be accepted for enrollment. The programs are most often offered by community or junior colleges, and require 2 years to complete. An internship or other form of clinical training is typically a component of the curriculum.
  • Bachelor’s Degrees are developed as pre-physical therapy education to ready students to progress to the doctoral level. Although they are not a requirement to be qualified for the doctoral program, they are an integral initial step to practicing as a PT. Similar to the majority of bachelor’s degrees, they normally require four years to complete and often incorporate an internship program of a minimum of 500 hours.
  • Doctorate Degrees are mandated if you want to become a licensed practicing physical therapist. The degree program must also be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). After earning the bachelor’s degree, the doctoral takes three years to finish, making the total commitment 7 years in most cases. Clinical or practical training is an essential element along with the considerable lab and classroom instruction. Therefor the fulfillment of an internship is mandated, not only for graduation but in a number of states for licensing also.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) has replaced the Master’s of Physical Therapy (MPT), which has been phased out and is no longer offered in the United States. Some practicing physical therapists having a master’s or even a bachelor’s degree were “grandfathered” in prior to the existing licensing requirement for a doctorate was instituted.

Physical Therapist Online Schools

woman attending physical therapy school online in Lowell MIAlthough not as prevalent as the more traditional options, there are some accredited online physical therapy programs offered, even more at the graduate level. Because of the hands-on structure of the training, clinical lab work and internships are combined with the online classes. This requires that the student live near the school campus or nearby a sponsored internship. However, the online segment of the program can be accessed within the convenience and comfort of the student’s Lowell MI home. Online programs are not only to some extent more accessible, but in a number of instances more economical. Tuition might be significantly less than similar on campus alternatives, and costs for commuting are reduced. And a number of the online schools are accredited by the CAPTE, assuring a quality education. These benefits may make the online option the best choice for those students that are dedicated enough to attend classes at home.

What to Ask Physical Therapist Colleges

By now you most likely have come to decision regarding several of your preliminary queries, including the kind of physical therapy degree you want to earn, where you prefer to attend classes, and how much you can afford to invest in your education. But considering there are numerous PT colleges within the Lowell MI area and across Michigan, you’ll need to explore other qualifications also in order to further reduce your list of school choices. Moreover, you need to be sure that you choose the college that is best for you. That’s why we have collected a list of essential questions that you must ask the physical therapy programs you are thinking about. Ask all of the potential schools these questions before making an ultimate selection.

Is the Physical Therapist School Accredited?  Find out if the schools you are reviewing have earned accreditation from a national or a regional organization. As previously stated, if you are pursuing a doctoral degree the program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). If you enroll in an online college, it can 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, check that the accreditation is through a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Besides guaranteeing that you receive an excellent education, accreditation may be required for state licensing and even for securing student loans or financial assistance.

What is the Program’s Standing? Along with accreditation, it’s imperative that the school and program you choose have outstanding reputations within the physical therapist community. There are several ways you can look into a PT school’s reputation, beginning with asking for references from employers that they place their graduates with. You can also search for online reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. Get in touch with a few Lowell MI physical therapist clinics or other medical care facilities that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can provide any advice about your school options. It might also be prudent to contact the Michigan Attorney General and school licensing authority to see if any complaints have been filed against the schools.

What is the School’s Job Placement Rate? There are a couple of important statistics that you should know about all of the physical therapist programs you are reviewing. One is their graduation rate. A lower rate may suggest that students left because of displeasure with the program, the instructors, or both. Once the students have graduated, how many of them are being hired with the support of the school’s job placement program, particularly in the Lowell MI area? If a program has a high job placement rate, it’s an indication that its reputation within the healthcare field is good or even excellent. It also verifies that the college has a large network of contacts to assist students get internships or employment upon graduation.

Does the Program Support Licensing Requirements? It’s important that the college you enroll in furnishes both exceptional training and a curriculum that satisfies the licensing criteria for Michigan or the state where you will be working. In every state a passing score is required on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) along with a degree from an accredited physical therapy program. Although licensing requirements vary state by state for PTA and PT graduates, some states require a minimum amount of clinical hours be performed and passing scores on additional exams.

Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the physical therapist colleges you are reviewing have partnerships with Lowell MI clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a requirement for the majority of PT programs and state licensing. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Lowell health care community and help with obtaining employment after licensing.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the physical therapist colleges you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the pharmacist technician program as well.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the physical therapy college they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Lowell MI residence. Individuals who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

Is Financial Assistance Provided? Most DPT schools offer some form of financial aid to their potential students. Inquire if the schools you are looking at have a financial aid department and find out what kind of assistance is offered. At a minimum they should help in obtaining a student loan or any grants you might qualify for. Some physical therapy schools offer scholarships, while others provide work programs. So before you eliminate a school because the tuition is beyond your budget, learn what financial aid may be available.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the physical therapy program you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Lowell MI area, make certain 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 carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Earning Your Physical Therapy Degree near Lowell Michigan?

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

Lowell, Michigan

Lowell is a city in Kent County of the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 3,783 at the 2010 census. The city is in the northern portion of Lowell Township, but is politically independent. Lowell's economy is a mix of manufacturing, restaurants and locally owned businesses.

Lowell was founded as a trading post on the south bank of the Grand River in 1831 by Daniel Marsac. In 1847, he purchased land on the north side of the river and platted it as "Dansville". In 1851, a post office was established there named "Lowell" after the township. The community was replatted in 1854 and renamed after the post office. It incorporated as a village in 1861.[7] Lowell is the home of a retired showboat.

As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 3,783 people, 1,457 households, and 962 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,313.5 inhabitants per square mile (507.1/km2). There were 1,581 housing units at an average density of 549.0 per square mile (212.0/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 94.1% White, 1.3% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 1.1% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.0% of the population.

Enroll in the Best Physical Therapy Training Program near Lowell MI

Picking the ideal physical therapy college is a necessary first decision you have to make to begin a gratifying career in the health care field. As we have discussed in this article, the PT or DPT degree program and school you pick should both have excellent reputations and accreditation. But there are additional critical questions that you need to ask pertaining to your college of choice also. As you commence your search for a physical therapist program, keep in mind that a number of factors will guide you to your final decision. You may want to visit different colleges to see their facilities and speak to current DPT students. While there, ask yourself this important question: will this school help me realize my goal of becoming a practicing licensed physical therapist? By following our list of supplemental questions, you will be able to narrow down the field so you can make the appropriate choice. And with the proper training and education, you can accomplish your dream of becoming a licensed physical therapist in Lowell MI.

A Few More Interesting Locations in Michigan

  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Rogers City MI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Benton Harbor MI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Evart MI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Morenci MI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Pointe aux Pins MI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Marine City MI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Vicksburg MI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Fenton MI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Belmont MI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Foster City MI
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 28

    The Center For Physical Rehabilitation
    3 Reviews
    Sports Medicine, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    5060 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

    Cascade Physical Therapy
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    4930 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

    shirley kleiman, PT
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    2816 E Beltline Ln NE, Spine Sport Biomechanical Rehabilitation Ctr, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

    Owens Physical Therapy Specialists
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    2849 Michigan St NE, Ste 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

    Generation Care
    2 Reviews
    Sports Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    4095 Park East Ct SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

    Athletico Physical Therapy - Grand Rapids Knapp's Corner
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    1600 E Beltline Ave NE, Ste 301, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

    Health Motion Physical Therapy Services
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    3826 44th St SE, Kentwood, MI 49512

    Comprehensive Physical Therapy Center
    2 Reviews
    Weight Loss Centers, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    1525 E Beltline Ave NE, Ste 101, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

    Discover Soft Tissue and Spine
    1 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Massage, Health Coach
    Phone:
    6740 Cascade Rd SE, Ste 4, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

    Chiropractic Unlimited
    2 Reviews
    Chiropractors
    Phone:
    5060 Cascade Rd SE, Ste E, Grand Rapids, MI 49546