Category Archives: New Jersey

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

How to Find the Right Physical Therapy Program near Wildwood 08260

Wildwood NJ physical therapy school student with volunteerObtaining a physical therapy degree near Wildwood NJ is an important first step to beginning a fulfilling career in the healthcare field. Physical therapists (PT) help patients who have been disabled due to illness or injury gain back function and mobility. But before they can practice and provide treatment for the rehabilitation of patients, they need to acquire the necessary training and education. A PT must also be licensed in every state, a large number mandating that the licensee receive a physical therapy degree from an accredited college. So prior to selecting a physical therapy school, it’s essential to investigate those you are considering to make sure they will deliver a quality education and comply with your state’s licensing requirements. What you should not do is select a college simply because it happens to be the nearest to your home or it has the most affordable tuition. There are other significant qualifications that need to be considered along with cost and location. But before we talk about what those qualifications are and what questions you should ask, we’ll address what a physical therapist does and the options for education.

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

Wildwood NJ physical therapist helping patient walkPhysical therapists work in diverse settings, including Wildwood NJ hospitals, health clinics, assisted living facilities, rehab centers and sports facilities. What the facilities all have in common is that they are equipped for diagnosing and rehabilitating patients. As earlier mentioned, physical therapists help individuals 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 deal with the mobility issues and reduce or eradicate any pain. They also try to stop any advancement of the disability. Although the causes of disability necessitating physical therapy are numerous, they include:

  • Arthritis or Osteoporosis
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Head injuries.
  • Cardiac arrest.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
  • Fire injuries.
  • Hip Replacement.
  • Sciatica.
  • Multiple Sclerosis.

Licensed physical therapists practice in close affiliation with other Wildwood NJ health professionals, including doctors, chiropractors, dentists and nurses. They can also manage several physical therapy assistants who work for them assisting with diagnosing and treating their patients. Something to keep in mind for anyone thinking about getting into the physical therapy profession, it is rather physically demanding. Physical therapists routinely lift patients and heavy equipment, and stand, crouch and kneel for long periods of time on a daily basis.

Physical Therapist Degree Options

Wildwood NJ physical therapist applying acupuncture to patientThere are 3 physical therapy degree options offered for students to pursue at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Of these options, the only degree that is offered to become a physical therapist is the doctorate. Undergraduate degrees concentrate on either preparing students to become a physical therapy assistant (PTA) or prepping them to advance to the doctoral level. Below are brief explanations of degrees that are available in the Wildwood NJ area:

  • Associate Degrees educate 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 typically provided by community colleges, and require 2 years for completion. Clinical training, which may be in the form of an internship is normally a portion of the course of study.
  • Bachelor’s Degrees are developed as pre-physical therapy training to prepare students to progress to the doctoral level. Although they are not required to be qualified for the doctoral program, they are an important initial step to practicing as a PT. Similar to the majority of bachelor’s degrees, they generally require four years to complete 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 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 finish, making the overall commitment seven years in most cases. Clinical training is an intregal element in addition to the substantial classroom and lab instruction. Consequently the completion of an internship is mandated, not solely 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 offered in the United States. Some licensed physical therapists holding a master’s or in some cases a bachelor’s degree were “grandfathered” in before the present licensing requirement for a doctorate was instituted.

Physical Therapy Programs Online

woman attending physical therapy school online in Wildwood NJWhile not as prevalent as the on campus alternatives, there are some accredited online physical therapy degrees offered, more so at the graduate level. Due to the hands-on nature 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. However, the online portion of the curriculum may be accessed within the convenience and comfort of the student’s Wildwood NJ residence. Online schools are not only partially more accessible, but in a number of instances more economical. Tuition can be significantly less than comparable on campus options, and costs for commuting are minimized. And a number of the online programs are accredited by the CAPTE, ensuring a quality education. These benefits may make the online option the best choice for those students that are disciplined enough to learn at home.

Questions to Ask Physical Therapy Programs

By now you probably have come to decision regarding several of your initial questions, such as the kind of physical therapy degree you would like to obtain, where you want to attend classes, and how much money you can afford to invest in your education. But considering there are so many PT schools within the Wildwood NJ area and throughout New Jersey, you’ll need to look into other qualifications also so as to further reduce your list of school choices. Moreover, you need to make sure that you pick the college that is right for you. That’s the reason we have put together a list of important questions that you must ask the physical therapy programs you are considering. Ask all of the competing schools these questions prior to making a final selection.

Is the Physical Therapist School Accredited?  Ask if the schools you are looking at have earned accreditation from a national or a regional agency. As previously stated, if you are pursuing a doctorate the program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). If you select an online college, it can also obtain 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. Additionally, check that the accreditation is from a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. In addition to guaranteeing that you obtain a quality education, accreditation might be mandated for state licensing and even for securing student loans or financial aid.

What is the School’s Standing? Along with accreditation, it’s imperative that the college and program you pick have exceptional reputations within the physical therapy community. There are multiple ways you can investigate a PT college’s reputation, starting with asking for references from employers that they refer their students to. You can also search for online reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. Get in touch with several Wildwood NJ physical therapy centers or other healthcare facilities that you may have an interest in working for and ask if they can provide any advice about your school selections. It may also be prudent 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 College’s Job Placement Rate? There are a couple of relevant statistics that you should know about each of the physical therapy schools you are looking at. First is their graduation rate. A low rate may indicate that students left due to dissatisfaction with the program, the teachers, or both. Once the students have graduated, what percentage of them are being placed in jobs with the support of the college’s job placement program, particularly in the Wildwood NJ area? If a program has a high job placement rate, it suggests that its reputation within the health care field is good or perhaps excellent. It also confirms that the program has a large network of contacts to assist students gain internships or jobs upon graduation.

Does the College Support Licensing Requirements? It’s essential that the college you enroll in furnishes both superior training and a course of study that satisfies the licensing criteria for New Jersey or the state where you will be working. 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 program. Although licensing requirements differ state by state for PTA and PT graduates, many states require a minimum number of clinical hours be completed as well as passing scores on supplemental exams.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the physical therapy colleges you are interested in have relationships with Wildwood NJ hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a requirement for the majority of PT programs and state licensing. As a secondary benefit, they may help graduates and students establish professional connections in the Wildwood medical community and assist with job placement once licensed.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the physical therapy colleges you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the pharmacy technician program as well.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the physical therapist school they pick will need to be within driving distance of their Wildwood NJ residence. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

Is Financial Aid Offered? The majority of DPT colleges supply some type of financial assistance to their prospective students. Find out if the schools you are considering have a financial aid office and see what type of assistance is offered. They at least should help in acquiring a student loan or any scholarships you may qualify for. A number of physical therapist schools offer scholarships, while others provide work programs. So before eliminating a school because the tuition is beyond your budget, find out what financial aid might be available.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the physical therapy college you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Wildwood NJ 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 need to enroll in. Also, ask 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 Wildwood New Jersey?

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

Wildwood, New Jersey

Wildwood is a city in Cape May County, New Jersey, United States. It is part of the Ocean City Metropolitan Statistical Area and is a popular summer resort destination along the Jersey Shore. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's year-round population was 5,325,[8][9][10] reflecting a decline of 111 (-2.0%) from the 5,436 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 952 (+21.2%) from the 4,484 counted in the 1990 Census.[19] With visitors, the population can swell to 250,000 during the summer months.[20] Wildwood was the first city in New Jersey to have a female mayor, Doris W. Bradway, who was ousted in a 1938 recall election.[21]

The Wildwoods is used as a collective term for the four communities located on Wildwood island that have "Wildwood" as part of the municipality name — the Borough of Wildwood Crest, City of Wildwood, Borough of West Wildwood and the City of North Wildwood — together with Diamond Beach, a portion of Lower Township situated on the island.[22] The city, and the surrounding communities that share the name, derives its name from the wild flowers found in the area.[23]

Wildwood was originally incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on May 1, 1895, from portions of Middle Township, based on the results of a referendum held the previous day. On January 1, 1912, Wildwood was incorporated as a city, replacing both Wildwood borough and Holly Beach City.[24]

Pick the Ideal Physical Therapist College near Wildwood NJ

Picking the ideal physical therapist school is an important first decision you have to make to start a rewarding career in the healthcare field. As we have discussed in this article, the PT or DPT degree program and college you select should both have outstanding reputations and be accredited. But there are other important questions that you should ask regarding your college of choice also. As you begin your search for a physical therapist college, bear in mind that many factors will guide you toward your ultimate decision. You may want to visit different colleges to see their facilities and talk to active DPT students. While there, ask yourself this important question: will this school help me accomplish 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 field so you can make the best selection. And with the proper training and education, you can accomplish your dream to become a licensed physical therapist in Wildwood NJ.

A Few More Interesting Locations in New Jersey

  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Lyndhurst NJ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Hackettstown NJ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Plainsboro NJ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Stirling NJ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Roselle Park NJ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Three Bridges NJ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Garwood NJ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Bedminster NJ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Milltown NJ
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Browns Mills NJ
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 17

    Robert S Olivieri, DC
    2 Reviews
    Chiropractors
    Phone:
    Olivieri Chiropractic And Rehabilitation, 1501 Rt 47, Rio Grande, NJ 08242

    Novacare Rehabilitation - Cape May Court House
    1 Reviews
    Sports Medicine, Physical Therapy, Pain Management
    Phone:
    1129 Route 9 S, Ste 100, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

    FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - Cape May
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Orthopedists, Sports Medicine
    Phone:
    650 Town Bank Rd, Ste 203, Cape May, NJ 08204

    Bacharach Outpatient Physical Therapy Center - Cape May
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy
    Phone:
    601 Rte 9 S, Court House Commons, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

    Massage
    3 Reviews
    Massage
    Phone:
    3320 Atlantic Ave, Wildwood Crst, NJ 08260

    The Well Center For Massage
    19 Reviews
    Massage
    Phone:
    110 Broadway, Cape May, NJ 08204

    Cape Regional Heath System
    17 Reviews
    Medical Centers
    Phone:
    2 Stone Harbor Blvd, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

    Aquacare
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine
    Phone:
    20684 John J Williams Hwy, Ste 2, Lewes, DE 19958

    Frank Mrazeck, DC - Cape Spine & Disc
    3 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    1540 Savannah Rd, Ste B, Lewes, DE 19958

    Eastern Shore Physical Therapy
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    1999 New Rd, Linwood, NC 08221