If you are unaccustomed to taking courses online, the concept of online physical therapy schools must be puzzling. Before you consider enrolling I’ll bet you want to know practical things like: Is my degree or diploma from online physical therapy schools as credible? How does the cost of online physical therapy schools compare to tuition at in-class facilities?
For students to expect to be successful at online physical therapy schools, they must be prepared for their studies and able to manage their time well in online courses. Whereas in regular classroom instruction, there are reminders to finish projects or assignments, or attendance is part of the overall grade, in online courses this is not the case. In an online course, you must log into the site and complete your assignments and submit them on time. These are excellent skills for the workforce.
What does a physical therapist do and how does he/she get qualified? Physical therapists are members of the healthcare professionals. They identify, and treat issues related to a patient’s lack of mobility. Physical therapists have a degree in physical therapy. They are members of physical therapist’s certification program which certifies them and grants them the degree in physical therapy. This may be a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree in physical therapy. The cost of physical therapy education varies widely with the schools they attend.
Whether you choose an online physical therapy school or an in-classroom facility or combinations of the two methods of instruction, your vital first step is to make sure this is an accredited institution. The school must be accredited as Physical Therapy Education facility by the American Physical Therapy Association. If it is not, you will not be allowed to write your national board exams and will thus never be accredited for a certificate. This is far more important than cost in choosing a physical therapy school.
There are about two hundred accredited physical therapist schools in USA. Most grant doctoral degrees. These programs involve in-class or online theoretical studies of areas like: neuroscience, biomechanics, and pharmacology. In addition, there is a practical component including: tests and measures, medical screening and therapeutic interventions. Upon graduation the physical therapy student is illegible to write the National Physical Therapists’ exam which allow them to work anywhere in American. Working in a different country usually involves passing that country’s national boards as well.
Online physical therapy schools have several advantages: you can study anywhere and at any time of day, making it possible to combine a degree and a job; you can still have a family life; costs are non-existent in travel and accommodation.
Online learning has disadvantages: You are working alone. You have limited access to your instructor and/or your fellow students. Time management and mature self-pacing are crucial to your success. Attendance and participation are not even considered in marking. Since physical therapy most often uses a team approach, online study is nothing like the environment in which you will be working.
Online physical therapy schools have increased in both popularity and number since widespread availability of the Internet became a reality. Given your work and home situation, online learning may be the best option for you.
I specialize in online colleges. For more resources and information, check out http://www.petap.org.