General Information on PT Schools
All PT schools are required to be CPTE accredited. When choosing a school be sure to look for its accreditation status. If a program is not accredited it would be wise to inquire as to where they are at in the process of getting accredited (new programs have to have one graduating class to become accredited). Although it is unlikely a new program will not receive accreditation it is important to be very meticulous in researching that program. A new program that has not received accreditation likely has a contract with one of more other programs for students to finish their PT education if the school fails to receive accreditation.
Every program is oriented to a certain aspect emphasized more than others. For instance, some school are much more interested in research while others are good pediatric programs. Different styles of programs include research, manual therapy, pediatric, geriatric, athletics, neuro, etc. When choosing a program make sure you research programs that emphasize the style of learning you would like to go into.
Cost of school is always a prominent question when deciding on programs to apply to. Private schools are always much more expensive than state schools. One thing to consider, which I have heard from many Therapists and PT students alike is that most PT schools will teach you the same general information (with their emphasis of course) so why pay more to go to one school when you will get that same education at another school. There are few reasons to choose a more expensive, private program over a cheaper, state university. Cost must be weighed out with all the other options location, class size, board pass rate, etc. In general, it is safe to say that choosing to attend a cheaper state program will give you the same education for less debt.
Every program is oriented to a certain aspect emphasized more than others. For instance, some school are much more interested in research while others are good pediatric programs. Different styles of programs include research, manual therapy, pediatric, geriatric, athletics, neuro, etc. When choosing a program make sure you research programs that emphasize the style of learning you would like to go into.
Cost of school is always a prominent question when deciding on programs to apply to. Private schools are always much more expensive than state schools. One thing to consider, which I have heard from many Therapists and PT students alike is that most PT schools will teach you the same general information (with their emphasis of course) so why pay more to go to one school when you will get that same education at another school. There are few reasons to choose a more expensive, private program over a cheaper, state university. Cost must be weighed out with all the other options location, class size, board pass rate, etc. In general, it is safe to say that choosing to attend a cheaper state program will give you the same education for less debt.
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