Becoming a Physical Therapist in The District of Columbia – DC

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February, 2 2010

Since statistics promote Physical Therapy as one of the best occupational choices, let’s look at the necessary preparation to reach the goal of becoming a physical therapist.

There are two ways to become a physical therapist in the District of Columbia.

How to Become a Physical Therapist in District of Columbia

1.  Enter an accredited 4-year university and major in a degree such as biology, social sciences and physical education.  Maintain a GPA of 3.0.  Volunteer to work in a physical therapy center, and if the door opens for you to work there, take the job.

When the student finishes the Bachelor of Science degree, it is time to apply to a Masters program in Physical Therapy in a Graduate school that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).  The program lasts for two years.  The first year deals with the concepts in physical therapy and the second year gives the students the opportunity to practice these concepts in a clinical setting.

2.  Enter a 4 year accredited university program and proceed as in number 1.  When he finishes his undergraduate degree, he can proceed directly into a Doctorate in Physical Therapy Degree.  This is a three year program.   The student has the opportunity to specialize in orthopedics, geriatrics, neurological therapy or pediatrics while getting his doctorate.

When the student finishes whichever degree he has chosen, the next step is to apply to be licensed by the Health Professional Licensing Administration Board of Physical Therapy.  These are the requirements for application:

• Must not have a criminal record
• Must be 18 or older
• Have a completed and signed application form which includes the following things:
•  2 passport pictures taken recently
• Social Security number
• Completed supplemental information form
• Be registered to take the NPTE (include confirmation of registration)
• An official transcript (sealed) from a school accredited by CAPTE (must include the degree and the conferred date)
• $264 fee