Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Willingboro NJ

How to Select a Physical Therapist Degree Program near Willingboro 08046

Willingboro NJ physical therapy school student with volunteerReceiving a physical therapy degree near Willingboro NJ is an important first step to starting a fulfilling career in the healthcare industry. Physical therapists (PT) help individuals who have been incapacitated as a result of illness or injury regain mobility and function. But before they may legally practice and provide treatment for the rehabilitation of patients, they need to acquire the necessary training and education. A PT must additionally be licensed in every state, many requiring that the licensee hold a physical therapy degree from an accredited college. So before enrolling in a physical therapy school, it’s necessary to investigate the ones you are looking at to make sure they will supply a superior education and comply with your state’s licensing standards. What you should not do is choose a college simply because it happens to be the closest to your residence or it has the lowest tuition. There are other important qualifications that must be considered in addition to location and cost. But before we talk about what those qualifications are and what questions you should ask, we’ll address what a physical therapist does and what the educational options are.

What is a Physical Therapist’s Job Description?

Willingboro NJ physical therapist helping patient walkPhysical therapists work in varying locations, such as Willingboro NJ hospitals, health clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and health clubs. What the facilities all share in common is that they have the equipment for diagnosing and rehabilitating patients. As previously touched on, physical therapists help patients that are experiencing a lack of mobility and in many cases pain due to illness or injury. After patient diagnosis, they create a program of treatment to deal with the mobility issues 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 numerous, they include:

  • Osteoporosis and Arthritis
  • Car or motor cycle accidents
  • Head injuries.
  • Heart attacks.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
  • Burn injuries.
  • Knee Replacement.
  • Sciatica.
  • Multiple Sclerosis.

Licensed physical therapists practice in close affiliation with other Willingboro NJ health specialists, including doctors, chiropractors, dentists and nurses. They can also supervise several physical therapy assistants who work for them in diagnosing and treating their patients. One thing to take note of for anyone considering going into the physical therapy profession, it is rather physically demanding. Physical therapists regularly lift heavy equipment as well as patients, and kneel, crouch and stand for prolonged periods of time on a daily basis.

Physical Therapist Degrees Offered

Willingboro NJ physical therapist applying acupuncture to patientThere are 3 physical therapist degrees offered for students to pursue at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Of these alternatives, the single degree that is offered to become a physical therapist is the doctorate. Undergraduate degrees focus on either training students to become a physical therapy assistant (PTA) or readying them to progress to the doctoral level. Below are brief explanations of degree levels that are available in the Willingboro NJ area:

  • Associate Degrees prepare students to practice as physical therapy assistants, or can be used as a stepping stone to a more advanced degree. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent to be accepted for enrollment. The programs are most often offered by community colleges, and take about 2 years to complete. An internship or other form of clinical training is usually part of the program.
  • Bachelor’s Degrees are designed as pre-physical therapy training to prepare students to move up to the doctoral level. While they are not a requirement to be qualified for the doctoral program, they are an essential first step to practicing as a PT. As with most bachelor’s degrees, they normally take 4 years to complete and often include an internship program of a minimum of 500 hours.
  • Doctorate Degrees are mandated if you want to become a practicing licensed 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 overall commitment seven years in the majority of cases. Practical or clinical training is an intregal component along with the substantial lab and classroom instruction. Consequently the completion of an internship is mandated, not just 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 phased out and is no longer offered in the United States. Some licensed 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 Therapy Online Colleges

woman attending physical therapy school online in Willingboro NJWhile not as prevalent as the on-campus alternatives, there are a number of accredited online physical therapy degrees offered, more so at the graduate level. Due to the hands-on structure of the training, internships and clinical lab work are integrated with the online classes. This necessitates that the student live close to the school campus or in proximity of an available internship. Fortunately, the online portion of the program may be accessed within the convenience and comfort of the student’s Willingboro NJ home. Online schools are not only partially more accessible, but in a number of cases more affordable. Tuition might be somewhat less than similar on campus options, and expenses for commuting are reduced. And a number of the online programs are accredited by the CAPTE, ensuring a quality education. These advantages can make the online option the ideal choice for those students that are disciplined enough to attend classes at home.

Subjects to Ask Physical Therapy Colleges

By now you undoubtedly have made a decision concerning a few of your preliminary queries, like the kind of physical therapy degree you intend to earn, where you prefer to attend classes, and how much you can afford to spend for your education. But considering there are numerous PT colleges within the Willingboro NJ area and throughout New Jersey, you’ll have to research additional qualifications as well so as to further reduce your list of school choices. Moreover, you need to make certain that you enroll in the college that is ideal for you. That’s why we have compiled a list of important questions that you need to ask the physical therapy colleges you are considering. Ask all of the competing colleges these questions before making an ultimate decision.

Is the Physical Therapist Program Accredited?  Find out if the schools you are looking at have received accreditation from a national or a regional organization. As previously 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 receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council. It’s essential that both the physical therapist program and school you choose are accredited, not simply the school. Additionally, verify that the accreditation is from a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. In addition to ensuring that you receive a quality education, accreditation might be mandated for state licensing and even for securing student loans or financial assistance.

What is the College’s Standing? Along with accreditation, it’s imperative that the college and program you pick have exceptional reputations within the physical therapist profession. There are a number of ways you can research a PT college’s reputation, beginning with requesting references from employers that they refer their students to. You may also search for online reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. Call several Willingboro NJ physical therapist centers or other healthcare facilities that you may have an interest in working for and ask if they can offer any advice about your college selections. It might also be a good idea to check with the New Jersey Attorney General and school licensing authority to find out if any complaints have been submitted against the colleges.

What is the School’s Job Placement Percentage? There are a couple of relevant statistics that you should find out about each of the physical therapist schools you are looking at. First is their graduation rate. A lower rate may suggest that students left because of dissatisfaction with the program, the teachers, or both. Once the students have graduated, what percentage of them are being placed in jobs with the help of the college’s job placement program, particularly in the Willingboro NJ area? If a school has a higher job placement rate, it suggests that its reputation within the healthcare community is good or even outstanding. It also verifies that the program has a broad network of contacts to help students obtain internships or jobs upon graduation.

Does the Program Support Licensing Requirements? It’s essential that the college you enroll in provides both exceptional training and a course of study that supports the licensing criteria for New Jersey or the state where you will be practicing. In each state a passing score is needed on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) as well as a degree from an accredited physical therapy school. Although licensing requirements differ state by state for PT and PTA graduates, a number of states require a minimum amount of clinical hours be performed as well as passing scores on supplemental tests.

Are Internships Provided? Find out if the physical therapist schools you are reviewing have associations with Willingboro NJ hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to obtain 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 graduates and students develop professional connections in the Willingboro healthcare community and assist with job placement after licensing.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the physical therapy schools you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the pharmacy tech program also.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the physical therapist college they pick will need to be within driving distance of their Willingboro NJ residence. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you choose 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 typically charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Most DPT colleges supply some form of financial aid to their potential students. Inquire if the colleges you are reviewing have a financial aid department and find out what type of help is obtainable. At a minimum they should help in acquiring a student loan or any grants you might qualify for. Some physical therapy schools provide scholarships, while others provide work programs. So before you eliminate a program because the tuition is too expensive, ask what financial assistance may be available.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the physical therapist program you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Willingboro NJ area, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check 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 because of work, illness or family obligations.

Earning Your Physical Therapy Degree near Willingboro New Jersey?

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

Willingboro Township, New Jersey

Willingboro Township is a township in Burlington County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township's population was 31,629[9][10][11] reflecting a decline of 1,379 (-4.2%) from the 33,008 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn declined by 3,283 (-9.0%) from the 36,291 counted in the 1990 Census.[20]

Abraham Levitt and Sons purchased and developed Willingboro land in the 1950s and 1960s as a planned community in their Levittown model. With residential development, the 1950 population of 852 rapidly climbed to 11,861 in 1960; and 43,386 in 1970. The community used the name "Levittown, New Jersey" in 1958, and "Levittown Township" from 1959 to 1963.[21]

Willingboro was one of the original nine divisions in the organization of Burlington County within West Jersey, and was originally formed as the "Constabulary of Wellingborrow" on November 6, 1688.[22] At the time, it included present day Delanco Township, New Jersey. The original name of Wellingborough was after the community in England,[23] which was the hometown of Thomas Ollive, who led the original settlers into what would become Willingboro Township. Other spellings were used at different times.

Enroll in the Ideal Physical Therapist Degree Program near Willingboro NJ

Picking the ideal physical therapist college is an important initial decision you must make to launch a rewarding career in the healthcare profession. As we have discussed in this article, the DPT or PT degree program and college you pick should both have exceptional reputations and accreditation. But there are additional critical questions that you need to ask concerning your school of choice also. As you start your search for a physical therapy school, bear in mind that numerous variables will guide you toward your ultimate decision. You might want to visit each of the schools to view their facilities and talk with active DPT students. While there, ask yourself this critical question: will this school help me realize my goal of becoming a licensed practicing physical therapist? By following our list of supplemental questions, you will be able to narrow down the field so you can make the best choice. And with the proper education and training, you can accomplish your dream of becoming a practicing physical therapist in Willingboro NJ.

A Few More Interesting Locations in New Jersey

  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Scotch Plains NJ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Iselin NJ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Parsippany NJ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Waldwick NJ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Princeton NJ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Franklinville NJ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Allentown NJ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Belle Mead NJ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Palmyra NJ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Lincroft NJ
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 362

    Cornerstone Physical Therapy Associates
    4 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    1338 Bristol Pike, Ste 203, Bensalem, PA 19020

    Restore Physical Therapy
    4 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    230 N Maple Ave, Ste B10, Marlton, NJ 08053

    South Jersey Physical Therapy
    2 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    1299 Rt 38, Ste 9, Hainesport, NJ 08036

    Fortius Physical Therapy
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    110 Marter Ave, Ste 409, Moorestown, NJ 08057

    Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy
    4 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine, Occupational Therapy
    Phone:
    127 Ark Rd, Ste 23, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054

    Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy
    2 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine, Occupational Therapy
    Phone:
    200 Campbell Dr, Ste 107, Willingboro, NJ 08046

    Rehab Connection
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    2800 US Hwy 130 N, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077

    Apple Physical Therapy
    4 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    5000 Sagemore Dr, Ste 202, Marlton, NJ 08053

    Strive Physical Therapy - Burlington
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    1900 Burlington-Mount Holly Rd, Ste 4 C, Burlington Township, NJ 08016

    Willow Grove Physical Therapy
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    1003 Easton Rd, Willow Grove, PA 19090