Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Islip Terrace NY

How to Pick a Physical Therapy School near Islip Terrace 11752

Islip Terrace NY physical therapy school student with volunteerObtaining a physical therapist degree near Islip Terrace NY is an essential first step to beginning a fulfilling career in the health care field. Physical therapists (PT) help patients who have been debilitated due to illness or injury gain back function and mobility. But before they can practice and work with the rehabilitation of patients, they need to get the appropriate training and education. A PT must also be licensed in every state, a large number requiring that the licensee receive a physical therapy degree from an accredited college. So before enrolling in a physical therapy school, it’s important to research the ones you are thinking about to make certain they will deliver a quality education and meet your state’s licensing requirements. What you do not want to do is select a school simply because it happens to be the closest to your home or it has cheapest tuition. There are other important qualifications that must be considered in addition to cost and location. But before we cover what those qualifications are and what questions you should ask, we’ll cover what a physical therapist does and the options for education.

What is a Physical Therapist’s Job Description?

Islip Terrace NY physical therapist helping patient walkPhysical therapists practice in a variety of locations, including Islip Terrace NY hospitals, health clinics, assisted living facilities, rehab centers and health clubs. What the facilities all have in common is that they are equipped for diagnosing and rehabilitating patients. As earlier touched on, physical therapists help patients that are suffering from a lack of mobility and in many cases pain due to injury or illness. After diagnosing a patient, they design a program of treatment to deal with the mobility problems and reduce or eliminate any pain. They also endeavor to prevent any advancement of the disability. While the causes of disability necessitating physical therapy are abundant, they include:

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

Licensed physical therapists practice in close association with other Islip Terrace NY medical professionals, including chiropractors, physicians, registered nurses and dentists. They can also supervise several physical therapy assistants who work under them in diagnosing and treating their patients. One thing to take note of for anyone considering entering the physical therapy field, it is quite physically demanding. Physical therapists often lift heavy equipment as well as patients, and kneel, crouch and stand for prolonged periods of time on a daily basis.

Physical Therapy Degrees

Islip Terrace NY physical therapist applying acupuncture to patientThere are 3 physical therapist degree options offered for individuals to enroll in at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Of these options, the single degree that is available to practice as a physical therapist is the doctorate. Undergraduate degrees emphasize either training students to become a physical therapy assistant (PTA) or readying them to progress to the doctoral level. Following are brief descriptions of degrees that are offered in the Islip Terrace NY area:

  • Associate Degrees train students to be physical therapy assistants, or can be used as a stepping stone to a more advanced degree. Applicants must have earned a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify for enrollment. The programs are typically made available by community colleges, and take about 2 years for completion. An internship or other form of clinical training is usually a portion of the course of study.
  • Bachelor’s Degrees are developed as pre-physical therapy training to ready students to move up to the doctoral level. While they are not required to be a candidate for the doctoral program, they are an important preliminary step to practicing as a PT. Similar to the majority of bachelor’s degrees, they typically take four years to finish and usually 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 7 years in the majority of cases. Clinical training is an intregal component in addition to the considerable classroom and lab instruction. Therefor the fulfillment of an internship is required, not solely for graduation but in several 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 attainable in the USA. Some licensed physical therapists having a master’s or in some cases a bachelor’s degree were “grandfathered” in prior to the present licensing mandate for a doctorate was instituted.

Physical Therapist Programs Online

woman attending physical therapy school online in Islip Terrace NYWhile not as prevalent as the on campus alternatives, there are some accredited online physical therapist degrees offered, more so at the graduate level. Due to the hands-on structure of the training, clinical lab work and internships are incorporated 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 part of the curriculum may be accessed within the comfort and convenience of the student’s Islip Terrace NY home. Online programs are not only partially more accessible, but in many cases more economical. Tuition can be significantly less than comparable on-campus alternatives, and costs for commuting are minimized. And a number of the online schools are accredited by the CAPTE, ensuring a quality education. These advantages can make the online alternative the best choice for those students that are disciplined enough to learn at home.

Subjects to Ask Physical Therapy Schools

At this point you undoubtedly have made a decision regarding a few of your preliminary queries, including the kind of physical therapy degree you intend to obtain, where you prefer to attend classes, and how much money you can afford to invest in your education. But since there are so many PT schools within the Islip Terrace NY area and throughout New York, you’ll have to research other qualifications also in order to further narrow your list of school options. Moreover, you need to be sure that you select the college that is right for you. That’s why we have put together a list of essential questions that you must ask the physical therapy schools you are considering. Ask all of the competing schools these questions before making a final selection.

Is the Physical Therapist College Accredited?  Ask if the schools you are considering have earned accreditation from a national or a regional organization. As earlier stated, if you are pursuing a doctorate the program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). If you choose an online school, it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council. It’s imperative that both the physical therapy program and school you select are accredited, not simply the school. Additionally, check that the accreditation is through a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Besides guaranteeing that you obtain an excellent education, accreditation may be mandated for state licensing as well as for getting student loans or financial aid.

What is the School’s Ranking? Along with accreditation, it’s imperative that the college and program you select have outstanding reputations within the physical therapist profession. There are several ways you can look into a PT college’s reputation, starting 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 also. Contact several Islip Terrace NY physical therapist clinics or other healthcare facilities that you might have an interest in working for and ask if they can give you any recommendations about your school selections. It might also be a good idea to contact the New York Attorney General and school licensing authority to see if any complaints have been submitted against the colleges.

What is the College’s Job Placement Rate? There are a couple of important statistics that you should know about each of the physical therapy schools you are considering. One is their graduation rate. A lower rate may indicate that students dropped out because of displeasure with the program, the instructors, or both. Once the students have graduated, how many of them are being hired with the help of the school’s job placement program, particularly in the Islip Terrace NY area? If a college 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 verifies that the school has a broad network of contacts to assist students get internships or employment after graduation.

Does the School Prepare You For Licensing Requirements? It’s essential that the college you choose furnishes both excellent training and a curriculum that supports the licensing criteria for New York or the state where you will be practicing. In every state a passing score is required on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) along with a degree from an accredited physical therapy school. Although licensing requirements vary state by state for PTA and PT graduates, some states require a minimum number of clinical hours be completed as well as passing scores on additional tests.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the physical therapist programs you are interested in have relationships with Islip Terrace NY clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to receive hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a requirement for the majority of PT programs and state licensing. As a secondary benefit, they can assist graduates and students form professional connections in the Islip Terrace health care community and help with obtaining employment after licensing.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the physical therapy schools 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 ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the pharmacist tech program as well.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the physical therapist college they pick will have to be within driving distance of their Islip Terrace NY home. Those who have chosen to attend online classes naturally 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 keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

Is Financial Support Provided? The majority of DPT colleges provide some form of financial assistance to their prospective students. Ask if the colleges you are examining have a financial aid department and find out what type of help is offered. They at least should help in obtaining a student loan or any grants you may qualify for. A number of physical therapy colleges offer scholarships, while others provide work programs. So before you eliminate a school because the tuition is too expensive, learn what financial assistance might be available.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the physical therapist program you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Islip Terrace NY area, verify that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Earning Your Physical Therapy Degree near Islip Terrace New York?

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

Islip Terrace, New York

In 1914, a New York City real estate agent developed houses in the woods between East Islip and Central Islip State Hospital. Many who worked in the hospital lived here. The hamlet was originally called Germantown to attract people of German origin, but was renamed Islip Terrace because of German involvement in World War I.

As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 5,641 people, 1,755 households, and 1,463 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 3,985.3 per square mile (1,533.8/km²). There were 1,784 housing units at an average density of 1,260.4/sq mi (485.1/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.82% White, 0.50% African American, 0.04% Native American, 1.49% Asian, 1.08% from other races, and 1.08% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.61% of the population.

There were 1,755 households out of which 43.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.6% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.6% were non-families. 13.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.21 and the average family size was 3.51.

Enroll in the Best Physical Therapist Training Program near Islip Terrace NY

Choosing the best physical therapist school is a necessary first decision you have to make to start a fulfilling career in the medical field. As we have addressed in this article, the PT or DPT degree program and college you select should both have exceptional reputations and accreditation. But there are additional relevant questions that you need to ask concerning your school of choice also. As you start your search for a physical therapist program, keep in mind that numerous factors will lead you toward your ultimate decision. You might decide to go to different campuses to view their facilities and talk to active DPT students. While there, ask yourself this important question: will this school help me reach 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 options so you can make the best choice. And with the proper education and training, you can fulfill your dream of becoming a licensed physical therapist in Islip Terrace NY.

A Few More Interesting Locations in New York

  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Glen Oaks NY
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Chittenango NY
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Water Mill NY
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Hamlin NY
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – East Syracuse NY
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Portageville NY
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Hartsdale NY
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Horseheads NY
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Greenlawn NY
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Niagara University NY
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 254

    XCEL ART
    5 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    181 Freeman Ave, Gold's Gym, Islip, NY 11751

    Sunshine Physical Therapy
    19 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine, Orthopedists
    Phone:
    297 Commack Rd, Commack, NY 11725

    Maximum Motion Physical Therapy
    4 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    1470 Sunrise Hwy, Bay Shore, NY 11706

    Island Shore Physical Therapy
    4 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    174 E Main St, East Islip, NY 11730

    The Physical Therapy Experience
    5 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    222 E Main St, Ste 105, Smithtown, NY 11787

    Performax Physical Therapy and Wellness
    7 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    16 Van Cott Rd, Deer Park, NY 11729

    Panetta Physical Therapy
    4 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    225 Howells Rd, Bay Shore, NY 11706

    James Greico Dpt, Ocs, Pc
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    2221 Sunrise Hwy, Paritsky Chiropractic Building, Islip, NY 11751

    Panetta Physical Therapy
    2 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    3385 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Ste I, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

    Metro Physical & Aquatic Therapy
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Pilates
    Phone:
    322 W Main St, Patchogue, NY 11772