Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Prescott WI

How to Find the Right Physical Therapy School near Prescott 54021

Prescott WI physical therapy school student with volunteerReceiving a physical therapy degree near Prescott WI is an important first step to beginning a fulfilling career in the healthcare industry. Physical therapists (PT) help people who have been disabled due to illness or injury regain function and mobility. But before they can practice and provide treatment for the rehabilitation of patients, they must get the proper training and education. A PT must also be licensed in all states, a large number requiring that the licensee receive a physical therapy degree from an accredited school. So before selecting a physical therapy school, it’s important to research the ones you are looking at to make certain they will provide a quality education and meet your state’s licensing criteria. What you do not want to do is enroll in a school just because it happens to be the closest to your home or it has the lowest tuition. There are other relevant qualifications that must be considered along with location and cost. But before we discuss 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?

Prescott WI physical therapist helping patient walkPhysical therapists work in diverse locations, including Prescott WI hospitals, health clinics, assisted living facilities, rehab centers and health clubs. What the facilities all share in common is that they are equipped for diagnosing and rehabilitating patients. As previously touched on, physical therapists help people that are struggling with a lack of mobility and in many cases pain due to injury or illness. After diagnosing a patient, they create a program of treatment to resolve the mobility problems and lessen or eliminate any pain. They also strive to stop any advancement of the disability. Although the causes of disability necessitating physical therapy are abundant, they include:

  • Osteoporosis and Arthritis
  • Car or motor cycle accidents
  • Strokes.
  • Cardiac arrest.
  • Sports injuries.
  • Burn injuries.
  • Knee Replacement.
  • Fibromyalgia.
  • Cerebral Palsy.

Licensed physical therapists practice in close association with other Prescott WI health specialists, including doctors, chiropractors, registered nurses and dentists. They may also manage one or more physical therapy assistants who work under them in the diagnosis and treatment of their patients. Something to bear in mind for anyone thinking about going into the physical therapy field, it is quite physically demanding. Physical therapists routinely lift heavy equipment as well as patients, and kneel, crouch and stand for prolonged periods of time on a daily basis.

Physical Therapist Degree Options

Prescott WI physical therapist applying acupuncture to patientThere are 3 physical therapist degree options available for students to pursue at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Of these options, 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 readying them to advance to the doctoral level. Below are brief summaries of degree levels that are offered in the Prescott WI area:

  • Associate Degrees train students to become physical therapy assistants, or may be the first step toward earning a more advanced degree. Applicants must have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent to be accepted for enrollment. The degrees are usually made available by community or junior colleges, and require two years for completion. An internship or other form of clinical training is usually part of the curriculum.
  • Bachelor’s Degrees are developed as pre-physical therapy training to prepare candidates to advance to the doctoral level. Although they are not a requirement to be a candidate for the doctoral program, they are an integral first step to practicing as a PT. Similar to most bachelor’s degrees, they normally take 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 three years to finish, making the total investment of time 7 years in the majority of cases. Clinical training is an intregal element along with the considerable classroom and lab instruction. Consequently the completion of an internship is mandated, 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. A number of practicing physical therapists having a master’s or even a bachelor’s degree were “grandfathered” in before the current licensing mandate for a doctorate was implemented.

Physical Therapist Online Colleges

woman attending physical therapy school online in Prescott WIWhile not as common as the on campus options, there are a number of accredited online physical therapist programs offered, even more at the graduate level. Due to the hands-on structure of the training, internships and clinical lab work are incorporated with the online classes. This necessitates that the student live close to the school campus or nearby an available internship. Fortunately, the online portion of the program may be accessed within the comfort and convenience of the student’s Prescott WI residence. Online schools are not only partially more accessible, but in many cases more economical. Tuition can be somewhat less than comparable on-campus options, and costs for commuting are reduced. And many of the online programs are accredited by the CAPTE, ensuring a quality education. These benefits may make the online alternative the ideal choice for those students that are disciplined enough to learn at home.

Subjects to Ask Physical Therapist Schools

By now you undoubtedly have come to decision concerning a few of your initial questions, including the type of physical therapy degree you want to attain, where you want to attend classes, and how much money you can afford to spend for your education. But since there are so many PT schools within the Prescott WI area and across Wisconsin, you’ll have to look into additional qualifications also so as to further reduce your list of college options. Moreover, you want to make certain that you pick the college that is ideal for you. That’s why we have put together a list of important questions that you need to ask the physical therapy schools you are considering. Ask all of the potential schools these questions prior to making an ultimate selection.

Is the Physical Therapy College Accredited?  Find out if the programs you are looking at have earned 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 choose an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council. It’s important that both the physical therapist school and program you enroll in are accredited, not simply the school. Also, make sure that the accreditation is through a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Along with guaranteeing that you receive a quality education, accreditation may be required for state licensing and even for getting student loans or financial aid.

What is the Program’s Standing? In addition to accreditation, it’s imperative that the school and program you pick have exceptional reputations within the physical therapy community. There are a number of ways you can research a PT college’s reputation, starting with asking for references from employers that they refer their students to. You may also search for online rating services and reviews and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. Call a few Prescott WI physical therapist centers or other medical care facilities that you may be interested in working for and ask if they can give you any recommendations about your school selections. It may also be a good idea to check with the Wisconsin Attorney General and school licensing authority to see if any complaints have been filed against the schools.

What is the College’s Job Placement Percentage? There are a two relevant statistics that you should know about all of the physical therapy schools you are considering. One is their graduation rate. A low rate might suggest that students left because of displeasure with the program, the instructors, or both. After 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 Prescott WI area? If a college has a high job placement rate, it suggests that its reputation within the medical care field is good or perhaps outstanding. It also affirms that the school has a wide network of contacts to assist students gain internships or employment after graduation.

Does the School Prepare You For Licensing Requirements? It’s essential that the school you enroll in provides both exceptional training and a curriculum that supports the licensing criteria for Wisconsin or the state where you will be practicing. In each state a passing score is required on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) as well as a degree from an accredited physical therapist school. Although licensing requirements differ 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 supplemental exams.

Are Internships Sponsored? Inquire if the physical therapy programs you are reviewing have associations with Prescott WI clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a requirement for most PT programs and state licensing. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional connections in the Prescott health care community and assist with job placement after licensing.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the physical therapy colleges you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the pharmacy tech program also.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the physical therapy school they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Prescott WI residence. Students who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally 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 Assistance Provided? Most DPT schools supply some form of financial support to their potential students. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid department and see what kind of assistance is offered. At a minimum they should help in obtaining a student loan or any scholarships you may qualify for. A number of physical therapist colleges offer scholarships, while others offer work programs. So before you eliminate a college because the tuition is beyond your budget, find out what financial assistance may be available.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the physical therapist school you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Prescott WI area, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

Earning Your Physical Therapy Degree near Prescott Wisconsin?

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

Prescott, Wisconsin

Prescott is a city in Pierce County, Wisconsin at the confluence of the St. Croix River and Mississippi River. The population was 4,258 at the 2010 census, making it the second-largest city in the county after River Falls, and the largest entirely within Pierce County.

Prescott is located at 44°45′6″N 92°47′35″W / 44.75167°N 92.79306°W / 44.75167; -92.79306 (44.751567, -92.793141).[6] It is the westernmost incorporated community in Wisconsin, although rural portions of Burnett and Polk counties are further west. Prescott, along with the rest of Pierce County, is officially a part of the Minneapolis-St Paul-Bloomington MN-WI Metropolitan Statistical Area, with many residents of Prescott commuting to Minneapolis or Saint Paul for employment or education.

Prescott is served by US 10, WIS 35 and WIS 29. US 10 runs west to the Twin Cities and east to the county seat in Ellsworth. WIS 35 runs along Wisconsin's western border. From Prescott, it runs north toward River Falls and Hudson, although County Road F provides a more direct connection to Hudson. WIS 35 runs south along the Mississippi River through rural areas all the way to La Crosse, although the highway provides easy access to Red Wing, Minnesota via US 63. WIS 29 has its western terminus at Prescott. It runs east to River Falls, Menomonie, Chippewa Falls, Wausau, and Green Bay before ending in Kewaunee.

Choose the Right Physical Therapy Training Program near Prescott WI

Selecting the best physical therapy program is a necessary initial decision you have to make to start a fulfilling career in the medical profession. As we have covered in this article, the PT or DPT degree program and college you choose should both have excellent reputations and accreditation. However there are other critical questions that you need to ask pertaining to your college of choice as well. As you commence your search for a physical therapy school, keep in mind that numerous variables will lead you toward your final decision. You might want to go to each of the schools to view their facilities and speak with current DPT students. While there, ask yourself this critical question: will this college 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 options so you can make the ideal selection. And with the necessary education and training, you can fulfill your dream of becoming a practicing physical therapist in Prescott WI.

A Few More Interesting Locations in Wisconsin

  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Evansville WI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Fontana WI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – New London WI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Chippewa Falls WI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Mazomanie WI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Cedar Grove WI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Camp Douglas WI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Holcombe WI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Waterloo WI
  • Physical Therapist Schools | Get Your Physical Therapy Degree – Kaukauna WI
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 41

    Courage Kenny Sports & Physical Therapy - Cottage Grove
    2 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    8811 92nd Street S, Suite 101, Cottage Grove, MN 55016

    Catalyst Sports Medicine
    2 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy, Sports Medicine
    Phone:
    1830 Hanley Rd, Hudson, WI 54016

    Rosemount Chiropractic Clinic
    2 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Acupuncture, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    14450 S Robert Trl, Rosemount, MN 55068

    OSI Physical Therapy
    3 Reviews
    Sports Medicine, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    2515 White Bear Ave, Maplewood, MN 55109

    Orthology
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine
    Phone:
    707 Bielenberg Dr, Ste 108, Woodbury, MN 55125

    Summit Orthopedics
    4 Reviews
    Orthopedists, Sports Medicine, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    280 Smith Ave N, Ste 500, Saint Paul, MN 55102

    Woodbury Family Chiropractic
    4 Reviews
    Chiropractors, Acupuncture, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    8160 Coller Way, Woodbury, MN 55125

    Institute for Athletic Medicine - Rosemount
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine
    Phone:
    15075 Cimarron Ave, Ste 20, Rosemount, MN 55068

    Twin Cities Orthopedics - Woodbury
    3 Reviews
    Orthopedists, Sports Medicine, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    4040 Radio Dr, Woodbury, MN 55129

    Physicians Neck & Back Clinics
    4 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Orthopedists
    Phone:
    1000 Radio Dr, Ste 120, Woodbury, MN 55125