Physiotherapy – How to Become a Physical Therapist in USA

Physiotherapy or physical therapy is one of the lucrative career options
in America. The scope of this career is increasing leap and bounds and the
saturation point is far from reaching. As per the 2021 data from the US Bureauof Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of a physiotherapist was
$86,620. The enormity of its scope can be understood with the fact that as per a report published in Technavio – a market research company – the global physiotherapy market will grow by USD 6 billion during 2022-2026. Due to its popularity, job
satisfaction and perks, a large number of students want to make a career in
this field. Here we offer valuable tips on how to become a physiotherapist in
the USA.

Know the Eligibility

You need to do a course in physiotherapy in order to become a
physiotherapist. But before this, you are required to meet the eligibility
criteria. The list of eligibility is as follows.

• You need to have completed a bachelor’s degree program in a relevant
  subject from a university in the USA or other countries.
• Foreign students are required to have IELTS or TOEFL scores.
• Aspirants should have volunteered for PT or some relevant field.
• The candidates are required to submit an online application through
  Physical Therapy Centralised Application Service (PTCAS) portal.
• The candidates should submit proof of the institution they have
  attended.
• Know the Admission Process
• Once you have checked the eligibility, you should know the admission
  process that varies from college to college and university to university.
• As most of the colleges and universities accept applications through
  PTCAS, you need to create your profile there.
• You should fill in the requisite application forms and upload your
  document there.
• As you will get shortlisted, your university or college will contact you
  for further process.

Select an Institution

Based on your skills, eligibility and tuition fees, you should choose an
institution. Here you should always go for a reputed institution. Some of the
reputed universities where you can study Physiotherapy in America are as
follows.

• University of Delaware
• Northwestern University
• University of Washington
• University of Pittsburgh  
• University of South California
• University of Iowa

Know the Tuition Fees

As you are getting calls from different universities for physiotherapy
courses, you should also know the fee structure of these universities. The fee
structure is different for the US national and overseas students for DPT and
MPT courses.

Complete Physiotherapy Course

An aspiring physiotherapist must complete a Bachelor’s Degree in
Physiotherapy which is a four years program. However, this program could be
reduced to 3 years if the aspirant has a relevant undergraduate degree.

Some candidates also complete the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Program. Both these programs should be accredited by the Commission onAccreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Secure Employment as a Physiotherapist

After getting the requisite degree you should seek employment with a
hospital or organizations that offer opportunity to work as a physiotherapist.
There are several institutions that specialize in the prevention and management
of pain and injury. Some institutions also work with people with disability.
So, you should keep scouting for an opportunity that offers you good pay and
experience.

There are countless opportunities for physiotherapists in the US. A
physiotherapist can seek employment with hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation
centres, spas, gyms and sports training centres.

Set up Your Own Clinic

After a few years of experience, you may set up your own physiotherapy
facility. Most professionals these days want to be an entrepreneur instead of
seeking a job. You may set up a physiotherapy centre, a fitness centre, a gym,
or even a rehabilitation centre.

Further Scope

The scope of physiotherapy is not just limited to working with some
organization or setting up your own business. There are several other options
you can exercise. Depending on your skills, experience and teaching ability you
may join some institute as a faculty for physiotherapists.

Also Read

Physiotherapist – Meaning, Types and Tips to Select a Physio