Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Clifton CO

How to Enroll In a Physical Therapy College near Clifton 81520

Clifton CO physical therapy school student with volunteerObtaining a physical therapy degree near Clifton CO is an important first step to starting a rewarding career in the medical care field. Physical therapists (PT) help patients who have been incapacitated due to injury or illness regain function and mobility. But before they may legally practice and work with the rehabilitation of patients, they need to get the proper education and training. A PT must also become licensed in every state, many requiring that the licensee earn a physical therapy degree from an accredited school. So before enrolling in a physical therapy school, it’s essential to evaluate the ones you are thinking about to make certain they will deliver a superior education and comply with your state’s licensing standards. What you do not want to do is select a school just because it happens to be the closest to your home or it has the most affordable tuition. There are other relevant qualifications that need to be evaluated besides cost and location. But before we discuss what those qualifications are and the questions you should be asking, we’ll address what a physical therapist does and what the educational options are.

What Do Physical Therapists Do?

Clifton CO physical therapist helping patient walkPhysical therapists work in diverse locations, such as Clifton CO private practices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and health clubs. What the facilities all have in common is that they have the equipment for the diagnosis and rehabilitation treatment of patients. As previously stated, physical therapists help individuals that are struggling with a lack of mobility and in many cases pain due to injury or illness. After patient diagnosis, they design a program of treatment to address the mobility problems and reduce or eliminate any pain. They also strive to prevent any progression of the disability. Although the causes of disability requiring physical therapy are abundant, they include:

  • Osteoporosis and Arthritis
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Strokes.
  • Heart attacks.
  • Sports injuries.
  • Fire injuries.
  • Hip Replacement.
  • Sciatica.
  • Multiple Sclerosis.

Licensed physical therapists work in close partnerships with other Clifton CO medical professionals, including chiropractors, physicians, registered nurses and dentists. They may also oversee one or more physical therapy assistants who work for them in diagnosing and treating their patients. Something to keep in mind for anyone thinking about getting into the physical therapy field, it is rather physically demanding. Physical therapists often lift patients and heavy equipment, and kneel, crouch and stand for prolonged periods of time on a daily basis.

Physical Therapy Degrees Offered

Clifton CO physical therapist applying acupuncture to patientThere are 3 physical therapy degrees offered for individuals to pursue at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Of these choices, the only 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 progress to the doctoral level. Following are brief descriptions of degrees that are offered in the Clifton CO area:

  • Associate Degrees train students to be physical therapy assistants, or can be used as a stepping stone to a more advanced degree. Candidates must have earned a high school diploma or GED to qualify for enrollment. The programs are usually provided by junior or community colleges, and take about 2 years to complete. An internship or other form of clinical training is usually part of the course of study.
  • Bachelor’s Degrees are designed as pre-physical therapy training to prepare candidates to advance to the doctoral level. While they are not required to be eligible for the doctoral program, they are an important first step to becoming a PT. Similar to the majority of bachelor’s degrees, they typically take four years to finish 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 3 years to complete, making the total commitment seven years in most cases. Clinical training is an essential element in addition to the substantial lab and classroom instruction. Therefor the completion of an internship is required, not only for graduation but in some states for licensing also.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) has replaced the Master’s of Physical Therapy (MPT), which has been eliminated and is no longer offered in the USA. Some practicing physical therapists holding a master’s or even a bachelor’s degree were “grandfathered” in before the current licensing requirement for a doctorate was implemented.

Physical Therapy Colleges Online

woman attending physical therapy school online in Clifton COAlthough not as prevalent as the on-campus alternatives, there are a number of accredited online physical therapist programs offered, even more at the graduate level. Because of the hands-on structure of the training, internships and clinical lab work are combined with the online classes. This necessitates that the student live close to the college campus or in proximity of a sponsored internship. Fortunately, the online portion of the course of study may be accessed within the convenience and comfort of the student’s Clifton CO residence. Online schools are not only to some extent more accessible, but in many instances more economical. Tuition may be somewhat less than similar on campus alternatives, and expenses 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 alternative the right choice for those students that are disciplined enough to learn at home.

What to Ask Physical Therapy Programs

By now you probably have come to decision regarding several of your initial queries, like the kind of physical therapy degree you want to attain, where you want to attend classes, and how much money you can afford to invest in your education. But considering there are numerous PT schools within the Clifton CO area and across Colorado, you’ll need to look into other qualifications also so as to further narrow your list of college choices. Also, you need to be sure that you enroll in the school that is ideal for you. That’s the reason we have compiled a list of important questions that you must ask the physical therapy schools you are thinking about. Ask all of the potential colleges these questions before making a final decision.

Is the Physical Therapist Program Accredited?  Find out if the colleges you are reviewing have earned accreditation from a regional or a national 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 choose an online program, it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council. It’s imperative that both the physical therapy school and program you select are accredited, not just the school. Also, make sure that the accreditation is through a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Along with guaranteeing that you obtain a quality education, accreditation might be required for state licensing as well as for securing student loans or financial aid.

What is the School’s Standing? In addition to accreditation, it’s imperative that the school and program you select have exceptional reputations within the physical therapy community. There are multiple ways you can investigate a PT school’s reputation, beginning with requesting references from employers that they refer their students to. You may also check online reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. Contact a few Clifton CO physical therapist centers or other health care facilities that you might be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any recommendations about your school selections. It may also be prudent to contact the Colorado 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 relevant statistics that you should know about all of the physical therapy colleges you are looking at. One is their graduation rate. A lower rate may suggest that students dropped out because of dissatisfaction with the program, the teachers, or both. Once the students have graduated, what percentage of them are being hired with the assistance of the college’s job placement program, particularly in the Clifton CO area? If a program has a high job placement rate, it’s an indication that its reputation within the healthcare community is good or perhaps excellent. It also confirms that the school has a large network of contacts to assist students get internships or jobs after graduation.

Does the College Support Licensing Requirements? It’s important that the program you choose provides both exceptional training and a curriculum that satisfies the licensing requirements for Colorado or the state where you will be working. In each state a passing score is required on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) in addition to a degree from an accredited physical therapist school. While licensing requirements differ state by state for PTA and PT graduates, many states require a minimum number of clinical hours be performed and passing scores on additional tests.

Are Internships Offered? Ask if the physical therapist schools you are reviewing have relationships with Clifton CO clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a requirement for the majority of PT programs and state licensing. As a secondary benefit, they can help students and graduates form professional relationships in the Clifton healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment once licensed.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the physical therapist colleges you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the pharmacy technician program as well.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the physical therapy school they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Clifton CO residence. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

Is Financial Assistance Offered? Most DPT schools supply some type of financial aid to their prospective students. Inquire if the colleges you are reviewing have a financial aid office and see what type of help is obtainable. At a minimum they should help in securing a student loan or any grants you might qualify for. Some physical therapist colleges provide scholarships, while others provide work programs. So before you eliminate a college because the tuition is beyond your budget, ask what financial assistance might be available.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the physical therapist college you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Clifton CO area, make sure that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, find out 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 Clifton Colorado?

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

Kevin Clifton

Kevin Clifton (born 13 October 1982) is an English professional dancer born in Waltham, near Grimsby, Lincolnshire. He is a professional dancer on the BBC TV series Strictly Come Dancing, having previously worked as an assistant choreographer.[1] He has also featured on Burn the Floor. He was given the nickname called "Kevin from Grimsby".[2][3]

Clifton started dancing ballroom and Latin as a child in his home village of Waltham near Grimsby taught by his parents, former World Champions Keith and Judy Clifton.[4] He competed nationally and internationally as a child initially partnering his sister Joanne.[5] Later, when they both chose to move on to different partners he chose Latin as his primary dance style so as not to directly compete against his sister.[6] He was a Youth World Number 1 and four time British Latin Champion and won International Open titles in Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Japan, France, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland and Belgium. At the time of his retirement from competitive dancing in 2007, he was ranked 7th in the world.

In 2010 Clifton made his musical theatre debut in Dirty Dancing The Musical at the Aldwych Theatre in London’s West End, where he partnered BBC1′s So You Think You Can Dance winner, Charlie Bruce. From January 2008 to June 2013, Clifton and his wife Karen Hauer were principal dancers of the Burn The Floor Dance Company, performing in the show’s record breaking Broadway run as well as starring at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London’s West End. He also performed with the show in Japan, Australia, South Africa and the United States, as well as making guest appearances on Dancing with the Stars in the United States and So You Think You Can Dance in the Netherlands.[7] They rejoined Burn The Floor as principal dancers for a short tour of Australia and Japan in Spring 2014.

Select the Right Physical Therapy Training Program near Clifton CO

Picking the ideal physical therapy college is an important first decision you must make to begin a gratifying career in the healthcare profession. As we have discussed in this article, the DPT or PT degree program and college you choose should both have excellent reputations and accreditation. However there are additional important questions that you need to ask pertaining to your college of choice also. As you commence your search for a physical therapist school, keep in mind that a number of variables will lead you toward your ultimate decision. You may want to visit each of the schools to view their facilities and talk with active DPT students. While there, ask yourself this important question: will this school help me realize my goal of becoming a licensed practicing physical therapist? By following our list of additional questions, you will be able to narrow down the options so you can make the appropriate choice. And with the proper training and education, you can accomplish your dream to become a licensed physical therapist in Clifton CO.

A Few More Interesting Locations in Colorado

  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Mancos CO
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Deer Trail CO
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Nunn CO
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Peetz CO
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Platteville CO
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Monte Vista CO
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Merino CO
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Central City CO
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Berthoud CO
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Yuma CO
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 7

    SOAR Physical Therapy
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    2497 Power Rd, Unit 10, Grand Junction, CO 81507

    Olsson Physical Therapy
    2 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Orthopedists
    Phone:
    403 Kennedy Ave, Ste 3, Grand Junction, CO 81501

    The Center at Foresight
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    606 E Foresight Cir, Grand Junction, CO 81505

    Rocky Mountain Orthopaedic Associates
    7 Reviews
    Orthopedists, Sports Medicine, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    627 25 1/2 Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81505

    Brady Chiropractic Group
    3 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Acupuncture, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    514 28 1/4 Rd, Ste 1, Grand Junction, CO 81501

    Healing Horizons Integrated Health Solutions
    2 Reviews
    Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, Chiropractors
    Phone:
    2139 N 12th St, Ste 7, Grand Junction, CO 81501

    Redlands Chiropractic & Wellness Center
    2 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Nutritionists, Orthotics
    Phone:
    2148 Broadway, Grand Junction, CO 81507