Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Trenton NC

How to Choose a Physical Therapy Degree Program near Trenton 28585

Trenton NC physical therapy school student with volunteerObtaining a physical therapy degree near Trenton NC is a critical first step to launching a rewarding career in the medical care field. Physical therapists (PT) help people who have been disabled as a result of injury or illness regain function and mobility. But before they may legally practice and provide treatment for the rehabilitation of patients, they must acquire the proper training and education. A PT must also become licensed in every state, many mandating that the licensee hold a physical therapy degree from an accredited college. So prior to choosing a physical therapy school, it’s important to investigate those you are thinking about to make certain they will provide a superior education and satisfy your state’s licensing requirements. What you should not do is choose a college simply because it happens to be the nearest to your residence or it has cheapest tuition. There are other significant qualifications that need to be evaluated along with location and cost. But before we talk about what those qualifications are and the questions you should be asking, we’ll address what a physical therapist does and the options for education.

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

Trenton NC physical therapist helping patient walkPhysical therapists work in a variety of settings, such as Trenton NC private practices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and health clubs. What the facilities all share in common is that they are equipped for diagnosing and rehabilitating patients. As previously mentioned, physical therapists help patients that are struggling with a lack of mobility and often pain due to injury or illness. After diagnosing a patient, they design a program of treatment to resolve the mobility issues and lessen or eliminate any pain. They also endeavor to stop any advancement of the disability. While the causes of disability requiring physical therapy are abundant, they include:

  • Osteoporosis and Arthritis
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Strokes.
  • Heart attacks.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
  • Burn injuries.
  • Hip Replacement.
  • Fibromyalgia.
  • Multiple Sclerosis.

Licensed physical therapists practice in close association with other Trenton NC health professionals, including chiropractors, physicians, registered nurses and dentists. They can also supervise several physical therapy assistants who work for them assisting with the diagnosis and treatment of their patients. Something to bear in mind for anyone thinking about entering the physical therapy profession, it is quite 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 Therapist Degrees Offered

Trenton NC physical therapist applying acupuncture to patientThere are three physical therapist degree options available for students to enroll in at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Of these choices, the single degree that is attainable 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 progress to the doctoral level. Below are brief descriptions of degree levels that are offered in the Trenton NC area:

  • Associate Degrees prepare students to become physical therapy assistants, or may be the first step toward earning a more advanced degree. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED to qualify for enrollment. The degrees are usually made available by community or junior colleges, and take about two years for completion. An internship or other form of clinical training is normally a portion of the program.
  • Bachelor’s Degrees are created as pre-physical therapy training to ready candidates to advance to the doctoral level. Although they are not a requirement to be qualified for the doctoral program, they are an essential preliminary step to becoming a PT. Similar to most bachelor’s degrees, they generally require 4 years to complete and commonly include an internship program of at least 500 hours.
  • Doctorate Degrees are a requirement in order to become a licensed practicing physical therapist. The degree program must also be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). In addition to the bachelor’s degree, the doctoral takes three years to finish, making the overall investment of time 7 years in the majority of cases. Practical or clinical training is an essential element along with the extensive lab and classroom instruction. Therefor the fulfillment of an internship is required, not solely for graduation but in several states for licensing as well.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) has taken the place of 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 in some cases a bachelor’s degree were “grandfathered” in prior to the current licensing mandate for a doctorate was instituted.

Physical Therapy Degrees Online

woman attending physical therapy school online in Trenton NCAlthough not as common as the on campus alternatives, there are many accredited online physical therapist programs available, more so 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 near the school campus or in proximity of a sponsored internship. However, the online portion of the curriculum may be accessed within the comfort and convenience of the student’s Trenton NC home. Online schools are not only to some extent more accessible, but in a number of cases more affordable. Tuition may be somewhat lower than similar on campus alternatives, and expenditures for commuting are minimized. And a number of the online programs are accredited by the CAPTE, assuring a quality education. These benefits can make the online alternative the best choice for those students that are motivated enough to learn at home.

Subjects to Ask Physical Therapy Schools

By now you probably have made a decision regarding some of your preliminary queries, like the kind of physical therapist degree you intend to attain, where you prefer to attend classes, and how much money you can afford to spend for your education. But since there are so many PT colleges within the Trenton NC area and throughout North Carolina, you’ll need to look into other qualifications also in order to further narrow your list of school options. Furthermore, you want to make sure that you enroll in the college that is best for you. That’s the reason we have collected a list of critical questions that you need to ask the physical therapist programs you are considering. Ask each of the competing schools these questions before making a final selection.

Is the Physical Therapy School Accredited?  Ask if the schools you are considering 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 school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council. It’s essential that both the physical therapist program and school you enroll in are accredited, not just the school. Additionally, verify that the accreditation is through a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. In addition to ensuring that you obtain a quality education, accreditation may be mandated for state licensing as well as for getting student loans or financial assistance.

What is the School’s Standing? Along with accreditation, it’s imperative that the school and program you pick have outstanding reputations within the physical therapist profession. There are several ways you can look into a PT program’s reputation, starting with requesting references from employers that they place their graduates with. You can also search for online rating services and reviews and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. Call several Trenton NC physical therapist clinics or other medical care facilities that you may have an interest in working for and ask if they can provide any advice about your program selections. It may also be a good idea to check with the North Carolina Attorney General and school licensing authority to find out if any complaints have been filed against the schools.

What is the School’s Job Placement Rate? There are a two useful statistics that you should know about each of the physical therapy schools you are reviewing. One is their graduation rate. A lower rate may mean that students left due to dissatisfaction with the program, the instructors, or both. Once the students have graduated, what percentage of them are being hired with the help of the college’s job placement program, particularly in the Trenton NC area? If a program has a higher job placement rate, it’s an indication that its reputation within the healthcare field is good or perhaps exceptional. It also affirms that the program has a large network of contacts to assist students gain internships or jobs after graduation.

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

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the physical therapist colleges you are reviewing have relationships with Trenton NC hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to receive hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a requirement for most PT programs and state licensing. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist students and graduates form professional relationships in the Trenton medical community and assist with job placement after licensing.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the physical therapist colleges you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the pharmacist tech program also.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the physical therapy college they select will need to be within travelling distance of their Trenton NC residence. Students who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have 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 Help Offered? The majority of DPT colleges provide some form of financial assistance to their prospective students. Find out if the schools you are considering have a financial assistance office and find out what kind of aid is obtainable. At a minimum they should help in securing a student loan or any grants you might be eligible for. A number of physical therapist colleges offer scholarships, while others offer work programs. So before eliminating a program because the tuition is too expensive, find out what financial aid might be available.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the physical therapist college you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Trenton NC area, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Earning Your Physical Therapy Degree near Trenton North Carolina?

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

Trenton, North Carolina

As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 206 people, 95 households, and 66 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,075.0 people per square mile (418.6/km²). There were 125 housing units at an average density of 652.3 per square mile (254.0/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 69.90% White, 26.70% African American, 0.97% Asian, 0.49% Pacific Islander, 1.46% from other races, and 0.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.46% of the population.

There were 95 households out of which 23.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.5% were married couples living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.5% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.51.

In the town, the population was spread out with 20.4% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 22.3% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 25.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.6 males.

Pick the Right Physical Therapist School near Trenton NC

Selecting the right physical therapy college is an important first decision you must make to begin a gratifying career in the health care profession. As we have addressed in this article, the DPT or PT degree program and college you decide on should both have exceptional reputations and accreditation. However there are other relevant questions that you should ask concerning your college of choice also. As you begin your search for a physical therapist school, keep in mind that many factors will guide you toward your final decision. You might want to go to different colleges to view their facilities and talk with active DPT students. While there, ask yourself this important question: will this program help me realize my goal of becoming a licensed practicing physical therapist? By following our list of supplemental questions, you will have the ability to narrow down the options so you can make the ideal selection. And with the proper education and training, you can accomplish your dream to become a licensed physical therapist in Trenton NC.

A Few More Interesting Locations in North Carolina

  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Laurinburg NC
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Oxford NC
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Canton NC
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Tyner NC
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Jamestown NC
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Holly Springs NC
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Thomasville NC
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Creedmoor NC
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Belews Creek NC
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Newland NC
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 10

    New Bern Chiropractic Care
    4 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Physical Therapy, Nutritionists
    Phone:
    2871 Trent Rd, New Bern, NC 28562

    Peak Performance Sports and Physical Therapy
    2 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    122 Branchwood Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546

    Carolina Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.
    9 Reviews
    Sports Medicine, Physical Therapy, Orthopedists
    Phone:
    738 Newman Rd, New Bern, NC 28562

    Synergy Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine
    2 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine
    Phone:
    233-E Bell Fork Rd, Jacksonville, NC 28540

    Axis Physical Therapy
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    26 Office Park Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546

    Thornton Chiropractic Life Center
    1 Reviews
    Chiropractors
    Phone:
    2404 Dr M L King Jr Blvd, New Bern, NC 28562

    Peak Performance Sports
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    2009 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC 28560

    Schilsky Chiropractic
    5 Reviews
    Chiropractors
    Phone:
    312 Dolphin Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546

    J Z Mann Pediatric Therapy
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapy
    Phone:
    410 New Bridge St, Jacksonville, NC 28540

    Keefer Chiropractic
    2 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Massage
    Phone:
    521 Yopp Rd, Ste 107, Jacksonville, NC 28540