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

How to Find the Right Physical Therapist Degree Program near Ward 80481

Ward CO physical therapy school student with volunteerObtaining a physical therapist degree near Ward CO is a critical first step to starting a fulfilling career in the medical care field. Physical therapists (PT) help people who have been incapacitated due to illness or injury regain mobility and function. But before they can practice and provide treatment for the rehabilitation of patients, they need to receive the proper training and education. A PT must also become licensed in every state, many requiring that the licensee hold a physical therapy degree from an accredited college. So prior to selecting a physical therapy school, it’s essential to research those you are thinking about to ensure they will furnish a quality education and comply with your state’s licensing requirements. What you should not do is choose a school just because it happens to be the nearest to your home or it has the most affordable tuition. There are other important qualifications that need to be considered along with location and cost. But before we cover what those qualifications are and what questions you should ask, we’ll address what a physical therapist does and the options for education.

What Do Physical Therapists Do?

Ward CO physical therapist helping patient walkPhysical therapists practice in diverse settings, such as Ward CO hospitals, health clinics, 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 earlier touched on, physical therapists help individuals that are experiencing a lack of mobility and in many cases pain caused by illness or injury. After patient diagnosis, they create a program of treatment to address the mobility problems and lessen or eradicate any pain. They also try to stop any advancement of the disability. Though the causes of disability requiring physical therapy are numerous, they include:

  • Arthritis or Osteoporosis
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Head injuries.
  • Heart attacks.
  • Sports injuries.
  • Burn injuries.
  • Hip Replacement.
  • Fibromyalgia.
  • Cerebral Palsy.

Licensed physical therapists practice in close association with other Ward CO medical professionals, including doctors, chiropractors, registered nurses and dentists. They may also supervise several physical therapy assistants who work under them assisting with diagnosing and treating their patients. Something to keep in mind for anyone considering going into the physical therapy profession, it is rather physically demanding. Physical therapists often lift patients and heavy equipment, and stand, crouch and kneel for long periods of time on a daily basis.

Physical Therapy Degrees Offered

Ward CO physical therapist applying acupuncture to patientThere are 3 physical therapist degrees offered for individuals to enroll in at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Of these choices, the only degree that is attainable to practice as a physical therapist is the doctorate. Undergraduate degrees emphasize either training students to become a physical therapy assistant (PTA) or prepping them to progress to the doctoral level. Below are brief summaries of degree levels that are offered in the Ward CO area:

  • Associate Degrees train students to become physical therapy assistants, or can be used as a stepping stone to a more advanced degree. Candidates must have obtained a high school diploma or GED to be accepted for enrollment. The degrees are usually made available by junior or community colleges, and take about two years for completion. An internship or other form of clinical training is typically a component of the course of study.
  • Bachelor’s Degrees are designed as pre-physical therapist training to prep students to move up to the doctoral level. Although they are not required to be eligible for the doctoral program, they are an essential initial step to practicing as a PT. As with most bachelor’s degrees, they typically take four years to complete and commonly include 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). After earning the bachelor’s degree, the doctoral takes 3 years to complete, making the overall investment of time seven years in the majority of cases. Clinical or practical training is an essential element in addition to the considerable classroom and lab instruction. Consequently the completion of an internship is required, not only for graduation but in a number of states for licensing also.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) has taken the place of the Master’s of Physical Therapy (MPT), which has been eliminated and is no longer available in the USA. A number of practicing physical therapists holding a master’s or in some cases a bachelor’s degree were “grandfathered” in prior to the current licensing requirement for a doctorate was instituted.

Physical Therapist Online Degrees

woman attending physical therapy school online in Ward COAlthough not as prevalent as the on campus options, there are many accredited online physical therapist programs offered, even more at the graduate level. Because of the hands-on nature of the training, internships and clinical lab work are integrated with the online classes. This requires that the student live close to the school campus or in proximity of a sponsored internship. Fortunately, the online part of the program can be accessed within the comfort and convenience of the student’s Ward CO home. Online programs are not only to some extent more accessible, but in a number of cases more economical. Tuition might be somewhat lower than comparable on campus options, and expenses for commuting are minimized. And many of the online schools are accredited by the CAPTE, ensuring a quality education. These advantages may make the online option the right choice for those students that are dedicated enough to attend classes at home.

Questions to Ask Physical Therapist Schools

By now you probably have made a decision regarding a few of your initial queries, like 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 Ward CO area and throughout Colorado, you’ll need to explore additional qualifications also so as to further reduce your list of school choices. Moreover, you want to make sure that you pick the program that is right for you. That’s why we have collected a list of important questions that you need to ask the physical therapy colleges you are thinking about. Ask each of the competing schools these questions prior to making a final selection.

Is the Physical Therapist School Accredited?  Find out if the programs you are looking at 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 may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council. It’s imperative that both the physical therapy school and program you choose are accredited, not simply the school. Also, make sure that the accreditation is through a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. In addition to ensuring that you receive an excellent education, accreditation may be mandated for state licensing as well as for securing student loans or financial aid.

What is the Program’s Standing? In addition to accreditation, it’s essential that the school and program you pick have outstanding reputations within the physical therapy profession. There are a number of ways you can research a PT school’s reputation, beginning with requesting references from employers that they place their graduates with. You may also check online rating services and reviews and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. Get in touch with several Ward CO physical therapist clinics or other medical care facilities that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can provide any insight about your college selections. It might also be prudent to check with the Colorado Attorney General and school licensing authority to see if any complaints have been filed against the colleges.

What is the Program’s Job Placement Percentage? There are a couple of important statistics that you need to know about each of the physical therapist programs you are looking at. One is their graduation rate. A lower rate may mean that students left due to dissatisfaction with the program, the teachers, or both. After the students have graduated, what percentage of them are being hired with the help of the college’s job placement program, particularly in the Ward CO area? If a college has a higher job placement rate, it’s an indication that its reputation within the medical care field is good or even outstanding. It also confirms that the college has a large network of contacts to assist students get internships or jobs upon graduation.

Does the Program Prepare You For Licensing Requirements? It’s important that the program you enroll in furnishes both excellent training and a curriculum that satisfies the licensing requirements for Colorado or the state where you will be practicing. In every state a passing score is needed on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) in addition to a degree from an accredited physical therapy college. While licensing requirements differ state by state for PT and PTA graduates, many states require a minimum amount of clinical hours be completed as well as passing scores on supplemental exams.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the physical therapist programs you are evaluating have partnerships with Ward CO hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a requirement for the majority of PT programs and state licensing. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Ward health care community and assist with obtaining employment after licensing.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the physical therapist schools you are reviewing what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the pharmacy tech program also.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the physical therapist college they decide on will have to be within driving distance of their Ward CO home. Those who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

Is Financial Help Offered? Most DPT colleges offer some form of financial aid to their prospective students. Find out if the colleges you are looking at have a financial assistance department and find out what kind of assistance is offered. They at least should help in obtaining a student loan or any grants you may be eligible for. Some physical therapist colleges offer scholarships, while others provide work programs. So before you eliminate a school because the tuition is beyond your budget, ask what financial assistance may be available.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the physical therapist program you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Ward CO area, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

Earning Your Physical Therapy Degree near Ward Colorado?

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

Montgomery Ward

Montgomery Ward Inc. is the name of two historically distinct American retail enterprises. It can refer either to the defunct mail order and department store retailer, which operated between 1872 and 2001, or to the current catalog and online retailer also known as Wards.

Montgomery Ward was founded by Aaron Montgomery Ward in 1872. Ward had conceived of the idea of a dry goods mail-order business in Chicago, Illinois, after several years of working as a traveling salesman among rural customers. He observed that rural customers often wanted "city" goods, but their only access to them was through rural retailers who had little competition and did not offer any guarantee of quality. Ward also believed that by eliminating intermediaries, he could cut costs and make a wide variety of goods available to rural customers, who could purchase goods by mail and pick them up at the nearest train station.

Ward started his business at his first office, either in a single room at 825 North Clark Street,[1] or in a loft above a livery stable on Kinzie Street between Rush and State Streets.[2] He and two partners used $1,600 they had raised in capital and issued their first catalog in August 1872. It consisted of an 8 in × 12 in (20 cm × 30 cm) single-sheet price list, listing 163 items for sale with ordering instructions for which Ward had written the copy. His two partners left the following year, but he continued the struggling business and was joined by his future brother-in-law, George Robinson Thorne.

Pick the Ideal Physical Therapy College near Ward CO

Picking the best physical therapist program is a necessary first decision you must make to begin a fulfilling career in the health care profession. As we have addressed in this article, the DPT or PT degree program and college you choose should both have excellent reputations and be accredited. But there are other critical questions that you need to ask regarding your school of choice as well. As you begin your search for a physical therapy program, keep in mind that numerous variables will guide you toward your final decision. You might decide to visit each of the campuses to view their facilities and talk with current DPT students. While there, ask yourself this important question: will this school help me achieve my goal of becoming a licensed practicing physical therapist? By adhering to our list of supplemental questions, you will have the ability to narrow down the field so you can make the ideal choice. And with the necessary education and training, you can accomplish your dream of becoming a practicing physical therapist in Ward CO.

A Few More Interesting Locations in Colorado

  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Hayden CO
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Glen Haven CO
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Montrose CO
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Eastlake CO
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Yuma CO
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Shawnee CO
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Gypsum CO
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Cheraw CO
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – De Beque CO
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Las Animas CO
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 106

    Altitude Physical Therapy
    19 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine
    Phone:
    933 Alpine, Boulder, CO 80304

    Pinnacle Physical Therapy & Pilates of Boulder
    10 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Pilates
    Phone:
    3434 47th St, Ste 107, Boulder, CO 80301

    Bruno Treves, Health, Fitness & Wellness
    20 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy, Yoga
    Phone:
    3625 Cholla Ct, Boulder, CO 80304

    Truebility Performance Clinic
    15 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Massage Therapy, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    2883 28th St, Ste A, Boulder, CO 80301

    Nicole Haas - PT Boulder
    17 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    2525 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302

    Heafner Health
    10 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    2727 29th St, Boulder, CO 80301

    Pace West Physical Therapy
    10 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    1800 30th St, Ste 215, Boulder, CO 80301

    Mountain States Hand & Physical Therapy
    9 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    400 McCaslin Blvd, Ste 208, Louisville, CO 80027

    In Motion Rehabilitation
    6 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    2775 Pearl St, Ste 201, Boulder, CO 80302

    Germaine Weaver, PT
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    2299 Pearl St, Ste 301, Boulder, CO 80302