Top 10 Physician Therapist Schools
Physician Therapists are the qualified professionals who assist people with injuries or diseases to have better function and mobility. In order to be a registered therapist, one needs to obtain a master degree or a doctoral degree from the school of physical therapy. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there are approximately 209 accredited physical therapist education programs in United States.
In reality, this field is very competitive. If you would like to be the top therapist in the future, the very first step you should take is to maintain a strong GPA so that you stand a higher chance to enroll yourself to the best school in Unites States.
According to the formal survey done by U.S. News and World Report in 2008, here are the top 10 schools which are recognized by the public as well as the industry:
University of Southern California
It is ranked as the best school in United States for its well known physical therapy programs. It is compulsory for each student to complete an independent research project which focuses on clinical practice. The duration of their program is 3 ½ years and all students are required to complete 124 credit hours of coursework. Their small-sized classes are the added advantage for the students to receive individualized instructions.
University of Pittsburgh and Washington University in St. Louis
University of Pittsburgh has been rated second in the nation for its physical therapy program together with Washington University in St. Louis. It is famous for its 3-year full time program where the final year is a paid clinical internship. Its clinical education program is incorporated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the Centers for Rehab Services. In addition, it is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
On the other hand, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is famous for its advancement of diagnoses related to movement dysfunction. This university has a very strong commitment in conducting clinically relevant researches as well as engaging in critical analysis of evidence.
University of Delaware
This university is well known for its doctorate physical therapist program in the country. Its outstanding doctorate degree has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education since 1976. The mission of this particular program is to advance physical therapy practice through the integration of education, clinical practice and research.
University of Iowa and US Army-Baylor University
Having the same ranking with the US Army-Baylor University, the University of Iowa is ranked No. 5 among the public institutions for its physical therapy graduate program. Their students enjoy 100% passing rate in the physical therapy national licensure examination.
The doctoral program provided by the US Army-Baylor University is aimed to create graduates that are able to contribute to the body of knowledge that supports the practice of physical therapy.
The following four universities have the same ranking:
Arcadia University
The program offered by this university is ranked 7th among the 211 accredited graduate programs in the nation. It is the first university which offers both the entry level and transitional doctor of physical therapy programs in Pennyslvania.
MGH Institute of Health Professions Department
It provides students with contemporary clinical experience through the affiliation with world-class health care facilities such as Spaulding Rehabilitation, Massachusetts General and Brigham & Women’s hospitals in Boston.
Northwestern University Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences
Its program focuses on 3 main areas, i.e. core curriculum, clinical education and synthesis project. Besides, a series of courses dealing with the development of the professional roles of the physical therapist are provided too.
University of Miami
Its graduates are actively recruited by top employers in the industry. Historically, more than 90% of their students pass the licensing examination on the first attempt.