Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Sewanee TN

How to Find the Right Physical Therapy College near Sewanee 37375

Sewanee TN physical therapy school student with volunteerEarning a physical therapist degree near Sewanee TN is an essential first step to starting a rewarding career in the healthcare field. Physical therapists (PT) help people who have been disabled due to illness or injury regain function and mobility. But before they can practice and work with the rehabilitation of patients, they need to obtain the necessary education and training. A PT must also become licensed in every state, a large number mandating that the licensee receive a physical therapy degree from an accredited school. So before enrolling in a physical therapy school, it’s important to research the ones you are thinking about to make certain they will supply a quality education and satisfy your state’s licensing standards. What you should not do is choose a college just because it happens to be the closest to your home or it has the most affordable tuition. There are other relevant qualifications that need to be evaluated besides 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 is a Physical Therapist?

Sewanee TN physical therapist helping patient walkPhysical therapists practice in varying settings, such as Sewanee TN private practices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and health clubs. What the facilities all have in common is that they are equipped for diagnosing and rehabilitating patients. As previously mentioned, physical therapists help patients that are suffering from a lack of mobility and frequently pain caused by injury or illness. After patient diagnosis, they create a course of treatment to deal with the mobility issues and lessen or eradicate any pain. They also try to prevent any advancement of the disability. While the causes of disability necessitating physical therapy are numerous, they include:

  • Osteoporosis and Arthritis
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Head injuries.
  • Heart attacks.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
  • Fire injuries.
  • Knee Replacement.
  • Sciatica.
  • Multiple Sclerosis.

Licensed physical therapists practice in close partnerships with other Sewanee TN health professionals, including doctors, chiropractors, dentists and nurses. They can also oversee several physical therapy assistants who work under them in diagnosing and treating their patients. One thing to bear in mind for anyone thinking about going into the physical therapy profession, it is quite 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 Therapy Degrees Offered

Sewanee TN physical therapist applying acupuncture to patientThere are three physical therapy degrees offered for students to pursue at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Of these alternatives, the one degree that is available to become a physical therapist is the doctorate. Undergraduate degrees target either training students to become a physical therapy assistant (PTA) or prepping them to advance to the doctoral level. Following are brief explanations of degree levels that are available in the Sewanee TN area:

  • Associate Degrees educate students to be physical therapy assistants, or can be the first step toward earning a more advanced degree. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED to be accepted for enrollment. The programs are usually provided by community colleges, and take about two years for completion. An internship or other form of clinical training is usually part of the curriculum.
  • Bachelor’s Degrees are created as pre-physical therapy training to prepare students to progress to the doctoral level. Although they are not required to be eligible for the doctoral program, they are an important first step to practicing as a PT. As with most bachelor’s degrees, they generally require 4 years to complete and often include an internship program of a minimum of 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). In addition to the bachelor’s degree, the doctoral takes three years to complete, making the total investment of time seven years in most cases. Clinical training is an important component in addition to the extensive lab and classroom instruction. Consequently the completion of an internship is required, not just for graduation but in several states for licensing as well.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) has replaced the Master’s of Physical Therapy (MPT), which has been phased out and is no longer attainable in the United States. Some practicing physical therapists holding a master’s or in some cases a bachelor’s degree were “grandfathered” in prior to the existing licensing mandate for a doctorate was instituted.

Physical Therapist Degrees Online

woman attending physical therapy school online in Sewanee TNAlthough not as common as the more traditional alternatives, there are many accredited online physical therapy degrees offered, more so at the graduate level. Due to the hands-on nature of the training, clinical lab work and internships are combined with the online classes. This requires that the student live close to the college campus or nearby a sponsored internship. However, the online segment of the program can be accessed within the convenience and comfort of the student’s Sewanee TN home. Online programs are not only to some extent more accessible, but in a number of instances more affordable. Tuition might be somewhat lower than comparable on campus options, and expenses for commuting are reduced. And many of the online schools are accredited by the CAPTE, guaranteeing a quality education. These benefits can make the online alternative the best choice for those students that are disciplined enough to learn at home.

Questions to Ask Physical Therapist Colleges

At this point you probably have come to decision regarding a few of your initial questions, like the type of physical therapy degree you want to attain, where you prefer to attend classes, and how much you can afford to spend for your education. But considering there are so many PT colleges within the Sewanee TN area and across Tennessee, you’ll need to explore other qualifications also so as to further narrow your list of college options. Also, you want to make certain that you pick the school that is right for you. That’s the reason we have put together a list of important questions that you must ask the physical therapist colleges you are thinking about. Ask all of the competing colleges these questions before making a final decision.

Is the Physical Therapy Program Accredited?  Ask if the programs you are looking at have received accreditation from a regional or a national agency. 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 choose an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council. It’s essential that both the physical therapist program and school you select are accredited, not just the school. Additionally, verify that the accreditation is through a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Along with ensuring that you obtain a quality education, accreditation might be required for state licensing and even for getting student loans or financial assistance.

What is the College’s Reputation? Along with accreditation, it’s imperative that the college and program you pick have exceptional reputations within the physical therapy profession. There are multiple ways you can research a PT program’s reputation, beginning with requesting references from employers that they place their graduates with. You may also check online reviews and rating services and ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews also. Call several Sewanee TN physical therapy centers or other healthcare facilities that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any insight about your college selections. It may also be prudent to check with the Tennessee Attorney General and school licensing authority to find out if any complaints have been submitted against the schools.

What is the College’s Job Placement Percentage? There are a two useful statistics that you should find out about all of the physical therapy schools you are looking at. First is their graduation rate. A lower rate may mean that students left due to 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 college’s job placement program, particularly in the Sewanee TN area? If a school has a higher job placement rate, it suggests that its reputation within the medical care field is good or even outstanding. It also verifies that the school has a large network of contacts to assist students get internships or employment after graduation.

Does the School Prepare You For Licensing Requirements? It’s imperative that the college you enroll in furnishes both superior training and a curriculum that satisfies the licensing criteria for Tennessee or the state where you will be practicing. In every state a passing score is required on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) in addition to a degree from an accredited physical therapist school. While licensing requirements vary state by state for PTA and PT graduates, many states require a minimum amount of clinical hours be performed as well as passing scores on supplemental tests.

Are Internships Offered? Find out if the physical therapist programs you are interested in have associations with Sewanee TN hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to obtain practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a requirement for most PT programs and state licensing. As a supplemental benefit, they may help students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Sewanee medical community and assist with obtaining employment once licensed.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the physical therapy colleges you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the pharmacy tech program as well.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the physical therapist college they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Sewanee TN residence. Students who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to keep 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 might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

Is Financial Help Offered? The majority of DPT colleges offer some form of financial aid to their potential students. Find out if the colleges you are considering have a financial assistance office and see what kind of aid is offered. They at least should help in securing a student loan or any scholarships you might be eligible for. Some physical therapist colleges offer scholarships, while others provide work programs. So before you eliminate a college because the tuition is too expensive, ask what financial aid may be available.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the physical therapy program you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Sewanee TN area, check that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.

Earning Your Physical Therapy Degree near Sewanee Tennessee?

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

Sewanee: The University of the South

Sewanee: The University of the South, also known as Sewanee, is a private, residential, coeducational liberal arts college located in Sewanee, Tennessee, United States. It is owned by 28 southern dioceses of the Episcopal Church, and its School of Theology is an official seminary of the church. The university's School of Letters offers graduate degrees in American Literature and Creative Writing. The campus (officially called "The Domain" or, affectionately, "The Mountain") consists of 13,000 acres (53 km2)[4] of scenic mountain property atop the Cumberland Plateau, with the developed portion occupying about 1,000 acres (4.0 km2).

The school was ranked 41st in the 2017 U.S. News & World Report list of liberal arts colleges.[5] In 2016, Forbes ranked it 94th on its list of Top Colleges in the United States.[6] Sewanee is a member of the Associated Colleges of the South.

On July 4, 1857, delegates from ten dioceses of the Episcopal Church in the United States — Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas—were led up Monteagle Mountain by Bishop Leonidas Polk — an ardent defender of slavery[7] — for the founding of their denominational college for the region. The goal was to create a Southern university free of Northern influences. As one of its founders, Bishop James Otey of Tennessee, put it: the new university will "materially aid the South to resist and repel a fanatical domination which seeks to rule over us."[8]John Armfield, at one time co-owner of Franklin and Armfield, "the largest and most prosperous slave trading enterprise in the entire country,"[9] was by far the most influential in bankrolling the new university.[10] His purchase of the site where the university continues to exist today and his promise of $25,000 per year far exceeded any other donations and was considered a "princely offer" by a Nashville newspaper.[citation needed] Today, Sewanee admits students from all backgrounds and downplays the role of this slave trader in the University's founding.[8]

Select the Right Physical Therapy College near Sewanee TN

Choosing the best physical therapy college is an important first decision you have to make to begin a rewarding career in the healthcare field. As we have covered in this article, the PT or DPT degree program and school you select should both have exceptional reputations and be accredited. However there are additional important questions that you should ask regarding your college of choice also. As you commence your search for a physical therapist college, keep in mind that numerous variables will lead you toward your final decision. You may want to visit different campuses to view their facilities and speak 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 following our list of additional questions, you will have the ability to narrow down the field so you can make the appropriate selection. And with the proper training and education, you can fulfill your dream to become a licensed physical therapist in Sewanee TN.

A Few More Interesting Locations in Tennessee

  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Woodbury TN
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Columbia TN
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Mount Juliet TN
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Ashland City TN
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Pickwick Dam TN
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Powell TN
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Orlinda TN
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Minor Hill TN
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Kodak TN
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – New Market TN
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 2

    STAR Physical Therapy
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine
    Phone:
    2111 North Jackson Street, Suite 114, Tullahoma, TN 37388

    Grandview Medical Center
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Hospitals
    Phone:
    1000 Highway 28, Jasper, TN 37347