Physical Therapy
Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who work with people who have been in accidents or have disabling conditions such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, stroke, and cerebral palsy. They help patients who have had surgery or treatment restore function, improve balance and mobility, increase flexibility and coordination, and diminish pain. Physical therapists work in clinics, hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and many make home visits. They are known for improving and restoring mobility without expensive surgery and reducing the need for medications through pain management. PTs are required to complete a graduate degree, either a master’s or clinical doctorate.
Student Resources
Professional
Associations and Accreditation
Entrance Exam
Most physical therapy schools require the Graduate Record Exam as an entrance exam. Learn more about the GRE here.
Selected Regional Programs
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University of South Dakota - Graduate Physical Therapy
Vermillion, SD
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Briar Cliff University - DPT Program
Sioux City, IA
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Creighton University DPT Program
Omaha, NE
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Des Moines University DPT Program
Des Moines, IA
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Idaho State University DPT Program
Pocatello, ID
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University of Iowa - Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
Iowa City, IA
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University of Kansas - Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
Kansas City, KS
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University of Minnesota Program in Physical Therapy
Minneapolis, MN
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University of Montana School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
Missoula, MT
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University of Nebraska Medical Center, Physical Therapy Program
Omaha, NE
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University of North Dakota Dept. of Physical Therapy
Grand Forks, ND
Important Note:
Consult the admissions/application web pages of the professional programs for information on required pre-requisite courses and admissions tests, application procedures, and application deadlines. Some professional/graduate programs will not accept AP or CLEP credits, online courses, or correspondence courses for the core science and math pre-requisite requirements. Many programs also require that all pre-requisite coursework be completed within a certain period of time, e.g., within 5 years prior to application. Policies vary by school and program. Be sure you know the requirements