Renee Said:

Nursing school to become a physical therapist?

We Answered:

You can major in anything. You need to take the proper pre reqs. The only classes in common is A and P and psy. You will also need one year of gen chem, gen physics, and gen bio. You will also need math potentially up to calc.

OT and PT are both grad programs. 95% of the PT programs are DPT. The remaining masters programs are being phased out.

http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Sect…

http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Sect…

Erika Said:

what do i look for when i'm searching for a school that offers a bachelor's in sports therapy?

We Answered:

This is because it no longer exists as a bachelor's degree. Those who hope to become physical therapists (or "sports therapists") require at least a master's degree education. However, one can still be an athletic trainer (ATC) with a BS degree.

Andy Said:

What are my chances of getting into a physical therapy (DPT) program? Here are my stats....?

We Answered:

You have a chance. Certtainly apply. Do not limit you schools. Your a little low on the grade end of it. You may want to retake a course or two. Go to a school that uses an interview. That will help your chances.

I would take stats, exercise physiology or gross anatomy with cadaver disection.

www.apta.org

Tommy Said:

what will be the best college that i can attend that offers physical therapy?

We Answered:

First, realize that you can do your undergraduate work anywhere. Once you are ready to apply for PT school, you can go to a different school. However, if you wish to do your undergraduate work and gradudate work in the same school these are the programs in IL:

1. UIC (Chicago)
2. Northwestern (the graduate program would be downtown, but your undergraduate work would be in Evanston)
3. Rosland Franklin University (graduate school only) (North Chicago)
4. Midwestern (graduate school only) (Downer's Grove)
5. Northern Illinois University (DeKalb)
6. Govenor's state (University Park?)
7. Bradley (Peoria)

Anne Said:

For Therapy assistants!?

We Answered:

I hate to contradict Ally, but PTA schools are quite different from PT schools. PTA programs focus much of their education simply how to perform treatments safely. It's procedural knowledge. As a PT, the focus is on problem solving, critical analysis of the patient, of research, differential diagnosis, and a deeper understanding of medical issues...designing treatment programs becomes intuitive with the the level of comprehension that a PT has to have. In otherwords, PT education is far less procedural, and is far more cognitive and analytical. I have co-workers who teach in PTA programs and I have taught in a PT program; therefore, I have first hand knowledge about the fundamental differences between the two curricula. I also had a colleague who went first to PTA school at SIU and then to PT school at NIU...she told me right away that nothing she learned in PTA school was much benefit to her in PT school.

I'm not trying to be condescending to PTAs...they are great and we need them. But I don't think Ally truely understands the difference between the two professions nor the needs between someone who needs to go to PTA school vs. PT school. The fact that you are looking for education that is a fast track, therefore, it makes no sense to even mention PT school which is a long and expensive investment (but worth it in my opinion). What I would like to emphasize, though, is that if you ARE ever planning on becoming a PT in the future, don't go to PTA school first. None of the coursework you do gives you any credit towards the PT degree...this would generally mean 9 years of education.

To you real question, however. All the PTA schools in IL are housed at community colleges...except the program at SIU. (Which incidentally, if you DID want to eventually become a PT, going to SIU to get your PTA degree and concurrently work on a bachelor's degree would put you a little ahead of the game and save you a couple years. However, again, this would take you 4 years). If you actually live IN the city, you are unfortunately going to have to travel outside the district to attend either College of Dupage, Oakton, Morton or Elgin Community College unless you plan on relocating. There are no PTA programs within the city of Chicago. If you live on the North side, I'd recommend Oakton. If you live on the West side, I'd recommend College of DuPage. If you live on the South side, I'd recommend Morton...in terms of commuting. Unfortunately, you will have to pay out of district fees which will raise your rates.

Terry Said:

Anyone know of a good charity organization to help a child?

We Answered:

You can try MDA, which is a national organization that helps people with cerebral palsy. Also, you can do a event where the community is involved, and you can do benefit car washes, bake sales. Be creative and I am certain you can come up with something. Your heart is in a good place and therefore, God bless you.