Physiotherapy is a demanding and competitive field of work whose main purpose is to treat various ailments and pains through exercise or other corrective methods. As health care professionals, physical therapists must understand anatomy, biology, medical diagnosis and physics, as well as treatments for common diseases. Prospective physiotherapy students should try to pinpoint their direction as soon as possible and tailor the curriculum with a great education focused on medical sciences. They should also be prepared to work hard because of the mentally and physically exhausting lessons. Many schools only accept 30 students out of 200 or 600 applicants, so experience, perseverance and hard work are required in order to be accepted into a graduate physiotherapy program. This article will tell you how to get admitted to such an institution.
Steps
Step 1. Begin your preparation while attending high school or community college by taking advanced science courses
If you have known for a long time that you want to work in the healthcare industry, you will have the opportunity to prove your interest through a certain dedication to science, physical well-being and your GPA.
Step 2. You must train to gain knowledge about physical activity
Physiotherapy is an active profession that requires you to show your clients how to complete their exercises. Sports or hobbies of this type will enrich your application to specialize in physiotherapy, because they will demonstrate your passion for health care in general.
Step 3. Apply to college or university to receive a Bachelor of Science (BS)
This undergraduate degree can be in pre-health, pre-med or pre-physical therapy or even a course to become an assistant in physiotherapy. Having studied science subjects is a prerequisite for being accepted into the physiotherapy program of a graduate school.
- Prepare to enroll in a graduate school after taking your undergraduate degree. Most institutions do not offer a degree in physiotherapy to undergraduates.
- Most graduate programs in physiotherapy require prerequisites, which is to have taken courses such as those in biology, anatomy, physics, statistics, chemistry, and psychology, with an emphasis on laboratory work. You should also have excellent communication skills, as this profession involves a certain relationship with patients.
Step 4. Maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0
Most physiotherapy schools require an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, but higher averages are preferred. Almost all institutions believe that a GPA is good proof of the hard work you did before joining their program.
Step 5. Apply and participate in programs that allow you to follow physiotherapists at work or do an internship in this sector
Spend any extra hours you have in the summer or after school working in the physiotherapy environment. These programs, paid or unpaid, will also help you network closely with professionals, who can provide you with references for your application for the purpose of entering physiotherapy school.
Step 6. Make a great impression on the physiotherapists you work with because they will write your recommendation letters
Work hard, give 100% to stand out in comparison with others. Print out the letters of recommendation and study the typical traits of the profession, which will come in handy in the future.
You will usually need at least three references when applying for a physiotherapy school. One of them should be a physiotherapist. You may be able to use all your references for all the institutions you choose. Before engaging a professional or professor, ask them if they know you well enough to write a great letter
Step 7. Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) after completing your BS degree
Until recently, most schools required a score of at least 450 in the quantitative and verbal sections and a high score in the writing part. Now the scoring has changed and you need 150 points for quantitative and verbal reasoning, to which is added a 4.0 for analytical writing. You can decide to take the GRE through your school or click on ets.org/gre/ to find local testing centers.
Step 8. Identify which colleges or universities in your area and cost range offer graduate degrees in physiotherapy
This course is not universally present, so aim for the ones you have the opportunity to enter. Ask about the physiotherapy department or go online to see if you need to apply to join university or college before entering physiotherapy school.
Each physiotherapy school is slightly different. All institutions make a list of their application requirements online or in their brochures. You should choose a school that suits your experiences and qualifications
Step 9. Apply to different schools
While each institution will likely charge an application fee, you will increase your chances of entering at least one if you apply to three or five schools. If you can get in more than one, you can choose the one you prefer.
Be meticulous in your application program. Avoid spelling mistakes and ask your friends to correct your work. You may also want to seek advice from the physical therapists you have worked for. Provide all necessary documents, or your application may be rejected
Step 10. Work as an Assistant in Physiotherapy (PTA) if you can't get into a school right away
Two-year associate degrees are available at many schools or community colleges. Physiotherapist assistants work with patients and help these professionals, so this experience could help you enter a school in a few years.
If you've already earned a pre-health degree, you may be able to complete a PTA qualification in less than two years. You may also have the opportunity to get a job in a physiotherapy office, taking care of secretarial management and billing
Step 11. Re-apply if you are unable to access any graduate program
Don't be discouraged, you need to know that most programs reject hundreds of students every year. You could broaden the base of schools you apply to each year, with the idea of increasing your chances of being admitted.
Keep in touch with physical therapists if you can't get in the first year. Try to gain experience and ask for suggestions from students who have successfully applied and earned a degree through the program
Step 12. Make a sketch of your plan on paper and check off the steps after completing them
- The work involved in getting into a physiotherapy school is worth it, so don't beat yourself up. Work harder and your chances will increase exponentially.
- Keep researching the steps and tips for entering a physiotherapy school. Amazon and / or Google have texts and e-books on the subject.
Advice
- Search Amazon's and Google's books and e-books on the subject. On the internet you will find other good information to supplement this article.
- You should always speak to the Physiotherapy faculty and professionals in the field for suggestions regarding what they recommend.
- Some students prepare for the prerequisites by enrolling in a community college for a few years and then applying to a university to complete a bachelor's degree. Community colleges often cost less, and this could help you afford the extra years at graduate school. You also need to make sure that the college and related courses are fully recognized.
