What Degree Do You Need for Physical Therapy?

Steps To Launch Your Physical Therapy Career

Interested in entering the growing field of physical therapy? Here’s information about the degree you need from MCPHS to secure a role in this industry.

Time changes many career paths, but one job that has stayed the course—and even grown in demand—is physical therapy. Whether it's assisting older adults with rehabilitation for age-related conditions and injuries, helping young athletes improve mobility after an accident, or issuing preventative care exercises for continued healthy living, these professionals provide necessary medical attention to a wide range of patients.

If this sounds like a job you’d be interested in pursuing, it’s important to understand the degree requirements and what you can expect from your education. At Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), we provide a clear and direct path to becoming a physical therapist, helping you flourish during college and beyond. 

This guide will give you the tools to navigate degree needs, admissions requirements, licensure expectations, and career preparation. 

What Degree Do You Need for Physical Therapy?

To become a physical therapist, you must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). This doctoral physical therapy program is the standard-level requirement for practicing and is mandated for licensure in all states. 

Unlike the occupational therapy field, which currently only requires a master’s degree, the DPT replaced the bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical therapy as the required educational level to reflect the profession’s growing clinical complexity and job expectations. Today’s physical therapists are trained to evaluate patients, diagnose movement disorders, develop treatment plans, and collaborate closely with other healthcare providers. The increased education requirements were implemented in 2016 to ensure graduates are ready and able to provide the best possible care for patients. 

However, not all DPT programs are created equal. To be eligible for licensure, you must graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). CAPTE accreditation ensures the program meets nationally recognized standards for curriculum, faculty, clinical training, and student performance. 

Steps To Becoming a Physical Therapist

With the understanding that physical therapist hopefuls must get a DPT, here are the specific steps to follow to ensure you stay moving in the correct direction:

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree or Entry-Level Pathway

Traditionally, students must complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in a related field before getting into a physical therapy doctorate program, taking a total of seven years to get this physical therapy degree. This pathway ensures that you have a solid foundation of biology, chemistry, and health sciences before diving into more complex topics. 

At MCPHS, students can opt for our direct-entry pathway, which involves three years of undergraduate studies and three years of doctoral studies, taking a year off from traditional pathways and getting them into the field quicker. 

If you’re considering a four-year undergraduate path, typical majors include:

• Kinesiology.
• Exercise science.
• Biology.
• Health sciences.
• Psychology.

Step 2: Complete Prerequisite Coursework

From physics and anatomy to sociology, chemistry, and statistics, you’ll take important prerequisites to prepare you for the next phase of your physical therapist education. Not only will you need to complete these classes, but you’ll also need to maintain a good GPA to secure your spot in a doctoral program. While it depends on the physical therapy school, typically, you’ll need a minimum 3.0 GPA. However, competitive programs often accept students with GPAs of 3.5 or higher. 

You’ll also be expected to bolster your resume with observation hours and clinical experience, giving you hands-on interactions with the field. 

Step 3: Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy

Now for the main event: getting your Doctor of Physical Therapy. During your three-year program, you’ll study human movement, including physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, and clinical sciences like musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary therapy. 

MCPHS prides itself on offering classroom, lab, and hands-on education from experts in their field. You’ll interact with patients in clinical settings and at our on-campus Balance, Movement, and Wellness Center. You’ll also get to participate in three full-time off-campus clinical education experiences, ensuring you know exactly what’s expected of you once you graduate. 

As an aspiring physical therapist, you'll need a university by your side that can offer every prerequisite course while supporting your goals and having your back. MCPHS can be that physical therapy school for you. Admission requirements for the DPT program at MCPHS include:

• Academic expectations (GPA, prerequisite completion).
• Clinical observation hours.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Personal statements and interviews.

Our admissions advisors are always available to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the application process. Don’t hesitate to reach out!

Step 4: Pass the NPTE and Obtain Your Licensure

After you finish your studies at PT school, you’ll be prepared to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). This test is offered four times a year, giving you time to study and prepare accordingly. The last action item is to obtain your state license, allowing you to legally practice in your area. You’ll need to be aware of your location’s specific requirements. 

Your Roadmap to a Career in Physical Therapy

When it comes to your future as a licensed physical therapist, careful consideration of your education is essential, and choosing the right path can help you meet your career goals. Whether you opt for a traditional seven-year physical therapy degree or choose the convenient MCPHS direct entry degree, you’ll be prepared to work in a growing field ripe with opportunities. 

Ready to dive in and start your physical therapy education on the right foot? Apply to MCPHS today and join the legacy that our 200-year-old institution offers students.