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#1: Earn my diploma from Avon High School

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#1: Earn my diploma from Avon High School

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The first important part towards becoming a physical therapist is to graduate high school and to earn your high school degree. I worked especially hard to earn all As throughout the four years of high school, so that I would receive scholarships for college.

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#2: Attend Miami University in Oxford, OH, and to major in kinesiology.

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#2: Attend Miami University in Oxford, OH, and to major in kinesiology.

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The second step in working towards becoming a PT is chosing a university with a good kinesiology program. I chose to attend Miami University and to declare my major as kinesiology.

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#3: Join a physical therapy based club at Miami University.

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#3: Join a physical therapy based club at Miami University.

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As a freshman at Miami University, I can plan to join a few organizations that are avaliable to join on campus. One specifically is called the "Pre-Physical/Occupational Therapy Club" or Pre-PT/OT. Joining a club helps to expand my experience, especially in the field of physical and occupational therapy.

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#4: Become a member of the American Physical Therapy Association.

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#4: Become a member of the American Physical Therapy Association.

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The fourth thing to be done to become a physical therapist is to join the American Physical Therapy Association as a college student. Becoming a member of this national organization will give me the opportunities to earn scholarships, networking opportunities, and discounts on PT-based services.

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#5: Complete required pre-requisite courses throughout my four years at Miami Univeristy.

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#5: Complete required pre-requisite courses throughout my four years at Miami Univeristy.

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The next important thing to complete is to take the required kinesiology-based classes and labs throughout the four years of undergraduate. Classes that begin with "KNH" and include topics of anatomy, physiology, etc., are required to be taken to earn a bachelor's degree in kinesiology.

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#6: Earn a bachelor's degree in kinesiology.

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#6: Earn a bachelor's degree in kinesiology.

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One of the most important parts of becoming a physical therapist is to earn a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. My hope would be to graduate from Miami University with this degree in May of 2027.

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#7: Begin an internship at a local hospital.

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#7: Begin an internship at a local hospital.

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A vital part of becoming a physical therapist is gaining hands-on experience and exposure to the field. Having the opportunity to intern at a hospital would be a great choice to gain said experience.

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#8: Use the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service to apply for DPT programs. 

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#8: Use the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service to apply for DPT programs. 

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After finishing undergraduate and receiving your bachelor's in kinesiology, to become a physical therapist you have to go through a "doctor of physical therapy" or DPT program. Once you have applied, using the PTCAS, and been accepted, the program is typically around 3 years to complete.

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#9: Become a part of research opportunities as you progress through the DPT program.

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#9: Become a part of research opportunities as you progress through the DPT program.

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As mentioned before, gaining hands-on experience and exposure is critical when on the path to becoming a physical therapist. I would definitely take any research opportunity that comes up throughout the three year DPT program.

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#10: Complete the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, pass clinical requirements, and graduate with a DPT degree.

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#10: Complete the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, pass clinical requirements, and graduate with a DPT degree.

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As the DPT program continues, I will have completed clinical internships, all required coursework, and clinical rotations. Finishing the DPT programs will result in graduating and receiving your Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

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#11: Take the National Physical Therapy Examination and pass.

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#11: Take the National Physical Therapy Examination and pass.

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After I graduate with my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, the next step is to apply to take the National Physical Therapy Examination. The NPTE is a standardized exam that is done by the FSBPT that is required to be taken by individuals that are becoming physical therapists or physical therapist assistants. It is a five hour exam with 225 questions and passing is required to get licensed.

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#12: Obtain state licensure to practice as a physical therapist and find a practice to work at.

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#12: Obtain state licensure to practice as a physical therapist and find a practice to work at.

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The very last step in becoming a physical therapist, after the 8-9 years of schooling, is to gain state licensure so you are able to practice as a PT. To become licensed as a physical therapist in Ohio, I would be required to take and pass the NPTE and OH JAM exams. This licensure also has to be renewed every two years to continue practicing. After being properly licensed, it is time to find a place to practice! Finding a place of practice could be a hospital, private practice, rehab center, school, and many more.