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Physical Therapy Programs in Indiana - IN
By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February 5th, 2010
Physical therapy is a demanding profession, and potential physical therapists must pursue a rigorous program of academic and clinical coursework. In Indiana, a graduate degree from an accredited institution is required for licensure. Master’s degree programs in physical therapy take two to two-and-a-half years to complete. More and more accredited physical therapy schools are offering the degree of DPT or Doctor of Physical Therapy, which requires three years of full-time coursework. There are a variety of Indiana physical therapy schools offered in an online modality.
It is not necessary to major in physical therapy to gain admission to a physical therapy graduate program. Indeed, few colleges offer undergraduate programs of study that focus exclusively on physical therapy. However, the aspiring physical therapist should take courses that will lay a solid foundation for graduate level studies in the health sciences, such as biology, anatomy, chemistry, and physics.
Graduate programs in physical therapy generally include course offerings in biomechanics, exercise physiology, human development, orthopedics, neurology, and pathology. In addition to traditional academic classes, students also take clinical courses in therapeutic procedures and examination techniques. Some programs offer students the opportunity to specialize in particular areas of physical therapy such as pediatric or geriatric physical therapy, or sports rehabilitation. Physical therapy programs often include a fieldwork component comprised of four- to eight-week rotations in hospitals, outpatient clinics, sports rehab centers and other facilities. These rotations provide physical therapy students with valuable hands-on experience.
Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Physical Therapists in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Evansville, Indiana may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Deaconess Hospital, Community Hospital East, and Parkview Hospital.©2012 Alliedhealthworld.com All rights reserved.