Online Physical Therapy Schools

For students who have never enrolled in an online course online physical therapy schools can be daunting. Prospective students might want to know how an online degree or certificate compares to one received at an institution which offers this course in class.

For students to expect to be successful at online schools, they must be prepared for their studies and able to manage their time well in online courses. Whereas in regular classroom instruction, there are reminders to finish projects or assignments, or attendance is part of the overall grade, in online courses this is not the case. In an online course, you must log into the site and complete your assignments and submit them on time. These are excellent skills for the workforce.

Okay, that said, let's look at what this course actually involves. Physical therapists work in the health industry. They measure, assess, and treat medical issues related to a patient's physical mobility. They possess a degree in physical therapy are must be members in good standing in their certification program. Many possess master's or doctorate degrees. The cost of their degrees vary widely with the schools they attend.

Whatever school you choose whether it is in-class, online or a combination, the school must be accredited as Physical Therapy Education by the American Physical Therapy Association so you can write your national boards. This is a crucial first step in choosing online schools.

Of the over 200 physical therapy degree programs in US, almost all grant doctoral degrees. These take three years of post-graduate studies to complete. They build on what was learned in an undergraduate education. Courses most often include: neuroscience, biomechanics, and pharmacology. The courses also offer clinical or "hands on" training. This training would normally include: tests and measures, medical screening and therapeutic interventions. The graduate of the doctoral program can then write the National Physical Therapy Examination. Passing this licenses the graduate in every American state. Often if they move to another country physical therapists will be required to become licensed in that country before being employed there.

Advantages to online schools include: working at your own pace, holding down a job and having a family life are all doable. They are also less expensive if only for the fact that travel and accommodation costs are non-existent with online study.

Online learning has disadvantages: You are working alone. You have limited access to your instructor and/or your fellow students. Time management and mature self-pacing are crucial to your success. Attendance and participation are not even considered in marking. Since physical therapy most often uses a team approach, online study is nothing like the environment in which you will be working.

Online physical therapy schools have increased in both popularity and number since widespread availability of the Internet became a reality. Given your work and home situation, online learning may be the best option for you.