Jordan Said:

Is there a Phd in Physical Therapy?? (not Doctorates)?

We Answered:

why does it matter? a phd and a doctorate is basically the same thing, it is a terminal degree

Anita Said:

Career in Animal Physical Therapy?

We Answered:

.this might help.



What is Animal Physical Therapy?

Animal physical therapy is a new and rapidly developing field of health care for animals. The benefits of physical therapy have long been recognized in humans. More recently, research in the veterinary field has shown the same benefits of physical therapy to be true for animal patients.

Performing orthopedic or neurological surgery or fitting an animal with a cast or splint, and then discharging the patient without proper rehabilitative care are outdated approaches. Similarly, if an animal has an injury, chronic pain, or arthritis, he/she should be referred for physical therapy.

Physical therapy intervention plays an enormous role in the recovery and maintenance of numerous conditions. If your animal has been injured or requires surgery, physical therapy can speed the healing time and result in a better recovery. If your animal is experiencing pain or neurological symptoms, begins to limp, is overweight, or is just physically "out-of-shape," physical therapy, along with proper veterinary care, can help to improve your animal's condition, well being, and quality of life!

Who should perform my pet's physical therapy?

The best and most qualified professional to perform animal physical therapy is a licensed physical therapist that specializes in the treatment of animals. It is important for the physical therapist to work closely with the veterinarians. Be cautious about the "therapist's" credentials and experience - only a licensed physical therapist (PT) or licensed physical therapist assistant (PTA) working under the supervision of a physical therapist are allowed by law to perform physical therapy.

Veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians are legally able to do physical therapy with animals; however, education on physical therapy is not routinely a part of their schooling. Although there is currently no formal training, there are weekend courses available for PTs, PTAs, vets, and vet techs to study animal physical therapy. Also available to these professionals is a certification program in canine rehabilitation.

It is important for the consumer to understand that being certified in "canine rehabilitation" or "canine massage" does not necessarily mean the individual is qualified to be providing this type of service. The ideal model of animal physical therapy is for veterinarians to refer their patients to licensed physical therapists for evaluation and treatment, with the PTA and vet tech assisting the PT in the treatment of the animal.

Education levels...

Physical therapists receive a Master of Science in Physical Therapy degree and then must pass a state licensing exam to practice physical therapy. (In earlier years, PTs received Bachelor degrees. However, all physical therapy programs are required to be at the Masters level now.) Physical therapy programs are approximately 3 years in length at the graduate level.

Physical therapist assistants receive an Associate's degree and most programs are approximately 2 years in length. PTAs may treat patients under the supervision of a physical therapist and are not allowed to do evaluations or make changes in treatment plans without approval of the supervising PT.

Veterinarians receive a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and must pass a licensing exam to practice veterinary medicine. Their education is 4 years in length at the graduate level. As with most professions, to become a specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon, more extensive education is required. Many vets have openly admitted to me that they learned nothing about physical therapy in their programs.

Veterinary technician education varies from state to state. Many "vet techs" are trained on-the-job and have had no formal training. Others who are licensed veterinary technicians graduated with an Associate's degree - approximately 2 years of training. Veterinary technicians also do not learn physical therapy as part of their schooling.

http://www.pt4animals.com/

Joy Said:

Could I get an PHD in physical Therapy ?

We Answered:

The doctoral degree for physical therapy is usually DPT.

Have you considered going to medical school and then specializing in physical and rehabilitative medicine or orthopedic surgery. You might want to major in some branch of kinesiology as an undergraduate.

Many medical schools offer combined MD/PhD degrees, but the Ph.D. is usually in some branch of medical science such biochemistry, pathology, etc.

Alma Said:

Is physical therapist a good career? I know it's going to be in demand. But is it a rewarding career? And Fun?

We Answered:

There are plenty of jobs. It is a lot of fun. I really enjoy what I do. The school is 6-7 years.

www.apta.org

Sandra Said:

Is it better to have a masters or PhD in physical therapy?

We Answered:

First, the entry level degree is either a master's degree or what's called a DPT, not a PhD. PhDs are available, but this is an advanced degree usually in rehabilitation sciences and denotes a specific area of specialty.

However, between the MS and DPT, there is no difference in salary or career advancement...they are both entry level degrees. Yet, the DPT is designed to make one a cliician better prepared for direct access.

Most programs in the US are already DPT programs and only about 16 MS programs remain.

Stephanie Said:

Phd in Physical therapy, worth it?

We Answered:

First, it is not a PhD, but a DPT. The DPT is basic, entry level degree for PTs that goes beyond the entry level MS degree...but is still considered an entry level degree. PhD would denote an area of expertise complete with doctoral dissertation. This is reserved for a "seasoned" PT.

The job market in PT is still very good. According to the APTA survery in 2005, unemployment rate was about 3%. Average salaries range from $50,000-$70,000 (about half of PTs earning about this). Of course, starting salary was somewhat lower around $42,000. PT has the #2 highest job satisfaction according to a survery done by the University of Chicago.

If have completed most of your general education and even some of the prerequsite courses, completion of the remaining prerequisites could potentially be completed in about 1-2 years. The professional phase of the program is usually about 3 years, although it depends on the structure of the program where you attend.

At this time, you can still complete the entry level master's degree and practice...the APTA's vision is to change all programs to DPT by 2020, but it is not necessary at this time to get the DPT.