How Do I Become A Physical Therapist in Florida?

Get an undergraduate degree

• Physical Therapy students must go through programs to meet the prerequisite of having basic knowledge of Math, Anatomy, Writing, etc. Some courses may include:
  Statistics, Biology, Psychology, Human Anatomy, English 101, Chemistry

Apply for PT School

• Volunteering

Having several different volunteering locations may be even preferable, as they can show varying experiences and give a student an idea of the different facets of physical therapy.

Aptitude Test

• GRE

The GRE, or Graduate Record Exam, is an aptitude test similar to the SAT or ACT that measures skills such as critical thinking, verbal and quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.

Recommendation

• LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Making connections and leaving an impression on volunteer preceptors, previous professors, and past employers will make asking for letters of recommendation much easier.

A DPT

Prerequisite courses and volunteer hours are just the stepping stones in how to become a physical therapist in Florida: PT school is as much or more of a challenge.

• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Neurological disorders
• Modalities

Take the NPTE

The NPTE is the National Physical Therapy Examination, a test which remains the same throughout the U.S. (making licensing between states easier to regulate) and determines whether students have adequate knowledge of physical therapy practices.

 

Get your license

Students who have taken the test and are waiting to be licensed in Florida must have their scores reported to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. In the meantime, official transcripts from a DPT program must be sent to the Florida Board of Physical Therapy, to show that schooling has been completed at an accredited program.

 

Which are the 6 Best Physical Therapy Programs in Florida?

1) University of Florida - Gainesville

2) University of Miami - Coral Gables

3) University of Central Florida - Orlando

4) University of South Florida - Tampa

5) Florida International University - Miami

6) Nova Southeastern University - Ft Lauderdale & Tampa