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About Physical Therapy What Is Physical Therapy? Is Physical Therapy Right for Me? How Do I Choose?

Glossary Treatment Applications Types of Physical Therapy Credentials

Professional Credentials for Physical Therapists

M.P.T. (Also the D.P.T.)
After an undergraduate experience heavy in the sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, for example), physical therapy students obtain either a Master of Physical Therapy or a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The master's degree takes roughly two years to complete, and the doctorate requires another one or two semesters. Today, most physical therapy graduate programs offer the D.P.T. only, which is becoming a popular option since it doesn't require much more time than the M.P.T. All states then require potential physical therapists to pass a licensure exam before they can practice. In addition, physical therapists have the option of pursuing board certification in one of seven specialty areas: orthopedic, pediatric, neurological, electrophysiological, geriatric and cardiopulmonary.