3 Paths to Become a Physical Therapist | Which is the BEST FIT for you?

[@MrForddude4]

I'm 36 years old and just starting my CC journey with hopes of being DPT. This video was very helpful in me deciding the path I'm going to take. Thank you!

[@ItsJennNotJenny]

I'm 36 and also on the cc route to become a pta to dpt! We've got this!

[@ginaluv7228]

Good luck y’all ! I’m 26 and stil trying to figure things out lol

[@ItsJennNotJenny]

@ginaluv7228 I have 10 years on you, and I'm figuring things out somewhat now. Lol.

[@jazzya7383]

I’m 31 trying to figure things out too. I have a bachelor’s degree in something that has nothing to do with medical. So I still have prerequisites to take feels like starting over. 🥹

[@albertocampos9593]

@@jazzya7383you got this! I’m barely trying to get into a pta program at 31 to be able to afford a house and make connections then get my bachelors to get into a DPT program.

[@armandodnieves]

I’m a PTA and about to start working while finishing up my bachelors for DPT school. It’ll take me two extra semesters but it’ll be worth it! Definitely the way to go!

[@Judgemental_Crow]

Thats smart

[@JohnDoe-mt6gb]

Same here!!! I’m only nervous about science pre reqs lol it’s been a while since I took pre reqs

[@patriciagoizueta9989]

Hi there! I'm also a PTA and I'm considering getting my bachelor for DPT. What bachelor did you pic?

[@vincentkingsdale8334]

@armandodnieves good luck. Most of us burn out pretty quick. Become a perfusionist

[@josephpelto1438]

As a 24 year old who is looking to get into the physical therapy field, this was very helpful. Just curious if anyone else wants to work as a PTA or DPT because of an injury they have experienced.

[@Kazamm]

I’m 24 as well, and I’m currently pursuing a bachelors in anthropology. I’ve recently been inspired to switch my major to Health Science or Kinesiology to pursue becoming a DPT. To answer your question, what inspired me wasn’t an injury, lol. But my job currently is working with people, which I like to do and within the last couple of years I’ve been interested in movement and how important it is. Good luck on your journey!

[@sarahlynn8914]

I am 27 and want to be a PTD. Not because of an injury but because I want to teach people how to strengthen their bodies.

[@40mmcomboplatter]

TBI PATIENT NOW PROCEEDING INTO THE MEDICAL FIELD

[@terradargana3301]

Anyone interested in. Networking as PTA to DPT current or aspiring students?

[@alanavila1271]

​@@terradargana3301 Hi, yes yes it is a good idea. I am from Panama. On my way to DPT in the USA

[@semiprohey7872]

I took the Green route and now i am a month away from completion. Can't believe it's the most common one. Love your content !

[@ericdoan4041]

Completed PTA on April 2021 > Completed my BSPTA March 2024 > Accepted to DPT School April 2024. Yes, it was longer and probably going to be more expensive. However, the hands-on experience and exposure to the profession are priceless and invaluable. I am anxious to start DPT school in the Fall of 2024, but because of my journey, I feel ready and super confident I will understand the material much faster than others.

[@Esphys]

Good luck!

[@adubzzz]

How is it going so far??

[@SneakerHeadz330]

Still at the starting point but your videos have helped so much. I don’t have to wing it. Thank you so much for this video especially but the other videos that helped so far. A little scary journey but I know it’ll be worth it. 30 years young and finally know what I wanna do in this lifetime. Everyone journey is different, take that leap of faith no matter your age !!!

[@vaiishxo]

thankyou for your comment! ♥️ I'm 23 feeling like it's too late for me to start anything new

[@elodiecharlorin5527]

I feel you too !! So anxious to take that leap of faith

[@dakyac19]

I’m 23 and just now figured out what I want to do with pursuing a career, I found that DPT is the best for me because of my high interest level towards it with passion. Really don’t know how to navigate a path when it comes to education on this career but you give me better understanding and less stress on making the game plan to becoming one. Thank you for making these videos and keep going please

[@BlueRoseYordan]

I am currently a Correctional Officer and I'm hate my job. I am 25 years old looking for something new. I would like to get my DPT due to an injury that inspired me to take this path. I'll be starting on the CC path, I have just a small amount of college and I flunked out when I was 18 so Ill be starting fresh trying to get my GPA up. This video was very helpful because I had no clue where to start! Thank you so much!

[@ethanwinkfield8059]

Started late in school, I’m 22 being a rehab aide and start school in the fall on a PTA->DPT track. Your videos have been helpful in deciding my path

[@5_C_G]

Thank you for this. I'm currently in the Army and im trying to pursue a new career. I'm so lost with how to navigate college.Your videos will keep me on track and motivated.

[@audreykuhn2724]

PTA curriculum is intense and many DPT programs require lots of science courses that PTA doesn’t include. The one I am in doesn’t have an option for part time PTA courses. I will be taking more science classes on breaks and likely when I start to work if I decide to go on to DPT. Then I need a bachelors too since there are only 2 bridge programs in this country.

[@garrettfunke2044]

Currently 19 in a community college. Only need 27 credits to graduate with my associates and now you’ve given me insight to pursue pta! Also working as a para educator so hopefully that looks good on resumes and gives me experience in the field I am going into

[@B14ZE44]

I’m in high school and graduating this year and this is the career I wanna do.

[@richiecee6186]

Im a kinesiology graduate with experience as a 4 months experience as a physiotherapist and chiropractic assistant, and 3 years of experience as a ergonomic project coordinator in industrial plants and offices. I always wanted to be a physiotherapist but i got side tracked and trying to re-align myself. Im 24 right now and live in Toronto Canada, im reviewing my options

[@garretthopkins4214]

You forgot to mention that PTA school can be fairly expensive. If you want to be a Dpt it’d be hard for me to recommend PTA first. I’m starting Dpt school this summer btw! Love your content

[@manuelubillus1075]

congrats on getting accepted man, well done

[@JohnDoe-mt6gb]

PTA school cost just as much as any other undergraduate program I feel like?

[@alanperez3579]

No lol way cheaper the graduate. Especially if you find one at a community college. Mine cost 9$k

[@katydid5088]

It depends. (Have friends in the field). As an undergrad direct track on the 3 year undergrad three year specialization track, they're more willing to kick in incentives for financial aide depending on your state. Otherwise, some programs are more expensive than others, think different average cost of living prices. One friend went to a travel abroad program as an undergrad (they are an immigrant so they qualified for special tuition assistance) in Bath, U.K with the local Uni there. Total fees after 3 years of DPT is $30,000 U.S.D with over half paid off because they worked as a PT aide, which makes more money than any other minimum wage job over there. It still means living like a broke college student for more years than average, but it's what you have to do if your goal is to save money.

[@bella1312009]

I'm 52 and want to become a Dpt

[@BlackWidowMom]

My son is a senior and this was so helpful to us!

[@JoseGarcia-ce5rn]

Currently in community college !! Thinking about going to through that PTA school !

[@Caroline-r3p1i]

I agree that that path is really the best way to go! I am in my first year of undergrad at a 4-year university, getting an exercise science degree from Grove City College and transferring in some of my gen eds from community college (I did dual enrollment in my senior year of High School and am taking some gen eds over the summer). The plan is to go to PT school after I get my bachelor's. A little scared about finances though, given I can't gain much extra money with my exer sci degree until I get a graduate education. I figured I could work as an aide for a gap year after undergrad, but one of my professors advised against a gap since most people don't go back to school after "taking a break." I already am working as an aide, but my pay is low, and I'm getting barely any hours because of other student aides and only working seasonally. May need to work multiple jobs or just seasonal retail to earn enough money. I am the first member of my family going into the medical field, so I'm pretty clueless. Justin and folks in the comments, what would be your two cents?

[@drjustinleedpt]

I think the student loan debt for PT school can seem overwhelming, but I wouldn’t use that as an excuse to not pursue your dreams. When you apply for financial aid, you will be able to get 100% of your tuition covered through graduate student loans. What I mean by that, is that You don’t have to have all of the money saved up. Now, of course, it would be wise to take out as little loans as possible and try to pay for tuition with whatever money that you have saved up. But getting into student loan debt is completely normal and you are in full control of how much you take out.

[@PreciseIsGaming]

i graduated from undergrad and i’m taking a year off before starting pt school in the meantime i’m a personal trainer

[@drjustinleedpt]

NICE! Great job. Did you finish all your prerequisites? Being a personal training in the mean time is super nice. Rack that money in and save!

[@PreciseIsGaming]

@@drjustinleedpt yes! i’m super excited to start pt school soon 😭🎉

[@StepsToFollow]

Just went back to community college after army. I've been thinking about how to get the most for my work and have decided to not worry about the pace. I'm okay with taking it slow. I wasn't sure if PTA would be worth it ... but between the army tuition assistance and the reasonable progress financially, plus exposure to the field to see if I even like it enough to devote (essentially) the rest of my life to it, it is starting to sound like a good idea. I dont get the best grades but when it comes to practical learning there are few in the world who learn as quickly and as deeply as I do. Thanks for the video and tackling these questions. It helps to confirm my goals. I might not be as classy to flaunt being a young doctor or as wealthy as a graduated doctor but I don't think such things are worth choking down massive debt and instant noodles for half my life. Hee hee

[@q_6684]

perfect timing! Your information is so essential thanks man

[@rubencasanova6144]

I’m 40 and I really feel like it’s too late to do this! But it’s sounds great

[@Brandon-S-Federico]

Your so amazing thank you for putting out these videos. This information that your giving out is very helpful for planning out my future in school.

[@cosmicgirl7288]

Important time stamps for me 7:27 (btw thank you for this Dr!. Make it looks less intimidating than it feels.) ❤

[@Godspeed__96]

Im appreciate you brotha thank you for this

[@fuhnuq]

Thank you so much for this information ! helped me a lot

[@2Oen]

I started in community College, and now in a university, working towards DPT school.

[@edwarddonnelly5801]

Totally disregarding the third option to the top? I can't believe I watched this. I hear you work in admissions. Is that the incentive on avoiding the other path which actually makes a lot of sense, based on what you were saying about the experience with PTA. Get experience. Build money. Enjoy your early 20s without school .. oh yeah, and without more debt. And then bridge?? I did something very similar in nursing

[@James4lifer]

Thanks so much this video was super helpful ❤

[@thelonewolf2073]

Im in community college, but im graduating in a few days. I already applied to university but now after watching this video I thinking of PTA? I plan to volunteer at my local physical therapy place and get experience there (the physical therapy assistants there advised me to volunteer at a place with physical therapy, get experience, and get a job with them, and also finish school so I would easily transer my knowledge directly into the career). Ill figure it out!But defintely i want to be a Physical Therapist!

[@drjustinleedpt]

If I can go back, I would start out by becoming a PTA first. I would work as a PTA and then finish my bachelors degree while fulfilling my prerequisites. I would then go to DPT school while working part time as a PTA.

[@thelonewolf2073]

That is a genius idea though! Hm I will have to think about this. Thanks for the perspective!@@drjustinleedpt

[@jessicajackson5517]

I’m currently a PT Tech in Acute care. I’m currently working on my undergrad, but thinking about going back to become PTA so I can earn enough $ to pay for DPT school, or maybe find out I really like to stay as a PTA.

[@jamescrouse3779]

Hi Dr. Lee, I am just educating myself for my daughter. She is graduating HS this year with her AA Transfer degree and is thinking about becoming a physical therapist specializing in hand injury. Interesting route through becoming a PTA and working her way through University and then onto DPT School.

[@niconavarro687]

Thanks for the clarification 💯

[@alanavila1271]

Hi How are you all? I am currently starting my 2nd year of PTA, I am 19 years old, I am from Panama. I want to be a DPT. I want to study the DPT in the United States. But I don't know if I should take the bachelor's degree or Right now, DPT in the United States... that's my question.

[@SamBWinning]

I’m seriously considering pta it seems rewarding and exciting not to mention the pay I’m not trying to listen to all the negativity about how other professions might pay more or cuts and stuff to me ptas are still compensated well above average other jobs in America that don’t require a degree lol

[@tylergooch8087]

I’m 19 and I haven’t started any of my pre reqs or anything, if I take some math and English classes at a community collage, will that exclude me from being a freshman?

[@trentknight3414]

Great video!

[@johnguillen68]

I'm 55yrs old and finished my BS in Biology 3yrs ago and been trying to get into PA school since. Nothing has become of this PA journey but denials from schools. I've been in the medical field for 17yrs as an ED tech feel like I'm stuck. I just thought about becoming a DPT and want to get into it. I used to personal train before starting my BS journey and I loved it. I love training people and helping them reach their goal. It's only ideal for me to be a DPT and really get back into helping people feel better and get them into physical condition. What is my best way of doing this? I started to fill out the PTCAS, is that the right way to start?

[@SamanthaPlott]

If the PTA program doesn’t meet all the prerequisite needs for DPT, what do you do then? I already have an associates and bachelors, joined the service and now I’m trying to go the DPT route. I’m thinking I’ll do PTA to DPT. This video was very helpful though! Thanks!

[@sarahlynn8914]

Why do you recommend the DPT school versus the bridge program? I am 27 stay at home mom bored as heck and want to become a physical therapist. I spend a lot of time working out and learning new exercises. I lift heavy weights and want to help people who are injured to not get discouraged from moving their bodies

[@DavidFlores-dq8ui]

I got a question, why not take the 2+ years in CC and then do PTA for 2 years and then the bridge program

[@DavidFlores-dq8ui]

another question also what classes in CC should I take to become the PTA and then proceed for DPT

[@epicentermode]

I have a question, what are the requirements to go to a pta dpt bridge program? Is there any gpa requirements and the cost please, thanks

[@rebuild_4046]

Im walking up to the starting line💀

[@jannethf4463]

Hello there, thank you for sharing this important information. I am a graduate Teacher who has fallen in love with Physical therapy and I am wondering if any of my previous classes credit will count towards DPT?. My bachelor degree is from another country

[@devvildogg1775]

So I have completed my BS in sports and health sciences and I am an active duty Marine, I have tried looking online but want to be able to take Milne classes to get me ahead, so I can retire from the military and start working asap as a PTA while I go to a DPT program, not sure if this is possible but I will need to be working while in school in order to support my family.

[@tomi.adesina]

I have questions, have a Bachelors in Human Anatomy, can I go straight to DPT ? And also what’s the difference between PT and DPT, do I need a PT to get my DPT ?

[@makaylawheeler4420]

See what prerequisites are required for the school you want to go to. Go from there

[@nagarjuna247]

Any recommendations PTA schools in bay area and close by. Thanks

[@HarrimanLennon-o1c]

Perez William Hernandez Sandra Hernandez Cynthia

[@jarondavis9795]

I'm 34 years old, already have an associates degree in Kinesiology, but am now in my Senior year of a Bachelor's in Kinesiology. I own a gym here in Maryland, but am now considering a PTA route for additional income in a PT setting to supplement DPT school and it's cost 🤔🤔 Thoughts anyone? I should also add that I've been working as a PT tech 2 to 4 days per week for the last 10 months.

[@BROKENDEVS]

im currently in high school and plan on attending community college to get my basics and now that you mentioned it try and see if i can get any pre reqs done. a good thing about my community college is that they offer a pta program so hopefully can also do that while i do my basics. now im a but lost on the rest of pre reqs. Okay so I plan on going to UH at sugar land and majoring in maybe Kinesiology, but how do I know if the uni im going to has the pre reqs i need to take

[@octaviosaldana8351]

At 22 n I want to pursue this career but I haven’t been in school since , is it late ? Or am I overthinking? Maybe I’m underestimating myself ?

[@DullesCalvin]

657 Esperanza Cliff

[@ghostleader83]

It’s 2024 does this still apply ??

[@bella1312009]

I'm studying Medical Terminology right now , passed pt1 with 94. Now I'm taking Medical Terminology 2

[@arifarubaiyat7905]

What can i do complete my BPT programe form Bangladesh

[@jamesconway9425]

Hi, I am a junior in high school and am wondering if there is anything I could do now that would benefit me for becoming a DPT.

[@MovewithJenna]

What would you recommend for a person who got a business undergrad degree in business major, work in a totally different space for 10+ years, working as Pilates teacher currently? Would PTA + community college be the best course?

[@JoseGarcia-ce5rn]

How long should I stay as a PTA before I apply to university?

[@fahimfaysal7989]

What to do if i complete my bpt from Bangladesh.

[@LitamKona]

Bednar Cliffs

[@BriannaChance-i7x]

So I got my undergrad in music. I want to pivot in my career. I could go from an unrelated bachelors to PTA? The eventually to DPT? I just feel like my undergrad degree was a waste 😅

[@BriannaChance-i7x]

but i went to undergrad on a full music scholarship, so now’s the time I learn about taking out loans…

[@amandamorgan2853]

I’m a freshman in high school and want to be a dpt

[@elizabethweszelits2224]

I’m in community college Right now

[@aznpride01826]

Has anyone gotten their physical therapy in Massachusetts? Within there thirties?

[@bella1312009]

I'm a Merchandiser, study Medical Terminology.. In fall going to Rehab Aide certification. Then to Pta School or go after Dpt

[@karisingle3768]

Question: My CC offers a 2 year PTA program. Would it be ideal to do that and then once I am a PTA go finish my major classes at a uni then go to DPT school?

[@ronkevin8749]

I'm a registered PT here in Philippines and I want to be tDPT just because of the prerequisite requirement of fccpt. Any advice to make it easier and achievable?

[@londerzz]

Can you become a physical therapist with a public health degree and a minor with kinesiology?

[@karisingle3768]

I think so yes

[@Chitchat658]

I just started cc

[@agust2]

32 years old I’m a financial advisor but plan on opening my own practice in physical therapy in the future. No college education what’s so ever, some community college but is it to late for me to start ? My goal is to go trough the CC - PTA route. Can I do it ?

[@agust2]

Thinking of doing a bridge program.

[@dayygo.]

Never too late, you can do it!

[@hectorgarcia-zv1wi]

Is it tru there are 5 hours to take a test and over 600 question ? How do we prepare??

[@iamgabriel1052]

Hey I’m in undergrad right now, do you think it would be stupid to get my bachelors then become a pta then become a pt, or should I just become a dpt?

[@jessicajackson5517]

I’m on the same boat!

[@StanoTheGr8]

I was going to go the PTA route but the thing with the dpt degree is it requires an undergrad degree. What I’m doing is getting my undergrads then going to DPT school. Doing the PTA route isn’t bad if you want to make money but imo the route to becoming a DPT with that route is too long. PTA, then undergrad, then DPT school

[@EdmundBurgess-k9v]

Wilderman Harbor

[@trevorlei]

Has the video mentioned at 11:09 been released yet and if so could someone link it?

[@drjustinleedpt]

Have you had a chance to watch this? PTA Interview | Physical Therapy Assistant just PASSED Licensing Exam kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2ScaXlmm96IZpY

[@anthonybanks7735]

My Son Is Heavy Into Working Out, And Is Working On His Masters For Sports Marketing, Could He Manuver Into Becoming A physical Therapist, He Is 23 Years Old...

[@ChristLouise-e1e]

017 Swaniawski Fords

[@merlinmilton7596]

Brown Steven Gonzalez Donna Miller Scott

[@alishiasmith8042]

Hi, I am 44 years old and I already have me BS in biology. I was thinking of going back to school to get my physical therapy degree. Which route should I take to not spend a lot of time in school and are there any scholarships I can apply for?

[@MH_Raza]

I completed 5 out of 10 semesters in dpt, which is an undergraduate program in pakistan. Now, i want to transfer credit hours online to the physical therapy program, which could be distant learning. Please guide me about the path to follow.

[@uyenpham8936]

I have a question that we have to have a bachelor's degree to go to PTA-DPT bridge program and I study PTA in college community (the black route), then how I get a bachelor's degree? And is the black route a smart route to save money? Thank you so much for answering my question ^^

[@Aneri21]

After you complete your PTA program in community college and have 1-2 years of work experience, you must do a bachelor's degree to be able to qualify for the PTA to DPT bridge program.

[@katydid5088]

Completing a Bachelor's degree can be done online with a regionally accredited school. (Best one to have for educational robustness by most DPT schools.) Your path could still go through a CC, if they have a satellite program with the Uni. in your area that bridges into a bachelors. While you complete many of your base classes for the cost of the CC tuition, the last clinical bits are filled via internship and/or moving (temporarily) to the mother Uni., where you treat a lot of patients and newer technologies for free in pursuit of your undergrad. As to the best Bachelor's for the field a Bachelor's in Science is probably required but I wouldn't know enough to be sure. My one friend has a BSc. in Kinesiology and a minor in Business accounting. They actually run a private practice/travel clinical practice now and are much happier than they were while working in the hospital setting. That being said, they told me a background in finance and business (they had been a book keeper and office manager while attending their undergrad studies.) saved them more than their PTA school training ever did when it comes to managing their practice. Many people get swamped in debt and scam programs that promise to teach them how to manage the practice finances ect, when most of what they need is available, vetted and approved, in a local business/finance/accounting program available online at most CC or Uni's nowadays. Going into private practice comes with it's own challenges as billing, insurance, and non-contract providers, means you have to know how to get pay from an insurance company without accidentally signing your independent practice away because the insurance overlords only allow you to take on certain insurance providers and patients. This is a REALLY complicated topic in the U.S and so, I am NOT the best person to ask about the particulars. In reality, my friend also has to have some legal services on retainer in order to manage his practice. Not because he's doing anything illegal but because he wants to make sure he doesn't get himself screwed over. Best of luck. You have so many options nowadays to attend school and save $ that it's really good if you look up things (like business classes, or things like CLEP, Sophia, Study.com) to get through the lecture materials, at your own pace. It allows you to work while still getting in on the College credits. You just have to make sure your college accepts these classes before doing the course material.

[@1225elb]

COOL

[@xjustxin203x]

Is Pre-exercise and science worth it? Versus Just being the exercise & science program?

[@navorgonzalez2744]

How do you feel about the pta trade schools

[@JoseHall-h2o]

Moore Unions

[@bengertzz]

Can i just go from highschool to PTA school? OR CC required?

[@JordanReider-f3n]

Cc required

[@Ruonnna]

Hi dr lee , lm intensive care unit nurse , with 3 years experience, im 26 yr now , and these years to be interested in pt job . and i cant apply for dpt school as international student and Its costs a lot .. do you offer which master programs for preparing me to dpt school ?

[@ClaraIda-x1e]

Clark Michelle Anderson David Martin Larry

[@TerryThera-g5s]

Wilson John Martin Paul Perez Kimberly

[@DupontBetty-z1n]

Benny Rapid

[@sarak6039]

I’m here to apply on my own brain 😂😂

[@HeadingWatch]

Miller Betty Thomas Karen Thompson Anthony

[@Orbitaakter]

Amelie Expressway

[@KarenaTomjack-z2p]

Fae Ramp

[@WilliamMcCormick-i9w]

Charlene Ford

[@Its_Beazy]

I am just a 14 yr old with a dream

[@51iohC]

music is too loud

[@EddieVirginia-f6s]

Moore Barbara White Melissa Thomas Deborah

[@NicolGail-o2t]

Cummerata Port

[@heyheyhey40]

This video goes way too slow. Many people who watch this video, like me are changing careers. I got my bachelor’s degree over 10 years ago.

[@dayygo.]

What do you do now?