Physical Therapy Programs in Alaska - AK

Many Physical Therapists obtain an undergraduate degree in fields related to the types of issues they will be addressing. Therefore, degrees in Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, or even Biology are very helpful in preparing a student for the requirements and topics of study required to earn a degree from one of the Alaska physical therapy schools. Most PT programs have limited enrollment, so they can have stringent requirement regarding the types of students they admit. A high grade point average, especially in science-based courses, extracurricular activities, volunteer experience, and strong letters of recommendation can help applicants be admitted to schools that offer Physical Therapy degrees.

Most Physical Therapy programs require science-based courses such as chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology, cell biology, pathology, and kinesiology. Other courses may include physics, humanities, medical terminology, English, and social science.

The field of Physical Therapy has developed over the last several decades to the point that most licensed therapists have at least a master’s degree. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) expects that most practicing Physical Therapists will hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree by the year 2020. Many schools have transitioned into offering exclusively a doctoral program. Depending on the program, students can expect to spend between six and nine semesters pursuing their degree. Clinical experience is also an important part of a Physical Therapist’s education; some programs include up to a year of internship as part of the degree requirement.

A Physical Therapist must have excellent “people�? skills in addition to being highly educated in the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery processes the human body needs in order to return to a healthy state. Not only will the therapist have to be able to know what treatment will work best for each patient, but also how to encourage the patient to do what is best for recovery and future mobility.

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Physical Therapists in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and Sitka, Alaska may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including Providence Alaska Medical Center, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, Alaska Regional Hospital, and Central Peninsula Regional Hospital.