Physical therapist schools in Michigan offer physical therapy degrees and as you know, physical therapy has earned more recognition as a viable health care method.
Marketing Physical Therapy To Physi...
Over the years, more physical therapist schools have been born alongside certificates and bachelor’s degrees in Physical Therapy.
Master’s degree in Physical Therapy soon followed, but today, all accredited schools offer one outcome, and that is the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).
Read on to see the Physical Therapist Schools in Michigan.
Contents hide
1Career Outlook and Opportunities for Physical Therapists
2What certification will I need to become a Physical Therapist?
3Things to learn in Physical Therapy Course
4How long does it take to obtain a Physical Therapy Degree?
5The List of Physical Therapist Schools in Michigan
5.1Andrews University
5.2Central Michigan University
5.3Grand Valley State University
5.4Oakland University
5.5University of Michigan-Flint
5.6Wayne State University
6The Skills Employers Want
7Clinical Experience for Physical Therapists
8Professional Licensure Notification
9How to Become a Physical Therapist in Michigan|5 Best Steps
9.1Earn a Physical Therapy Doctoral degree from an accredited program
9.2Apply for your Michigan Physical Therapist license and take the Jurisprudence Exam
9.3Submit your Fingerprints for a Criminal Background Check
9.4Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
9.5Renew your Michigan Physical Therapist license
10Editor’s Pick
10.1Share this:
10.2Like this:
10.3Related
Career Outlook and Opportunities for Physical Therapists
According to 2020 EMSI data, opportunities for physical therapists are expected to grow 12% in West Michigan, 11% in Michigan, and 13% in the U.S., of course, this is above the average growth when it is compared to many other occupations.
EMSI reported a median annual wage of $85,758 in West Michigan and $87,609 in the U.S. for physical therapists with doctoral degrees.
Graduates from the physical therapy programs are eligible to hold the following job titles:
- Physical Therapists
- Directors of Rehabilitation
- Pediatric Residents
- Travel Physical Therapists
- Clinical Directors
- Therapy Supervisors
What certification will I need to become a Physical Therapist?
In addition to your degree, you are required to pass the national and state licensure examination in order to be certified to practice in your state.
For each state, their examination differs, but your physical therapy program should have you adequately prepared to pass the test.
If you choose to, you can become certified in a particular clinical specialty, like pediatric or sports physical therapy.
Since some physical therapist schools in Michigan have programs for specific certifications, you will need to research your school choices carefully to be sure that you are preparing yourself for a certification that meets your goals.
Things to learn in Physical Therapy Course
Most physical therapy degrees in the physical therapist schools in Michigan will require some level of commitment, but the right program will fully prepare you to take on the career.
Your classes will vary somewhat by program, an example of physical therapy courses are Human Anatomy, Fundamentals of movement, Research Methods, Clinical Practice, Exercise Physiology, Principles of exercise, and Kinesiology and biomechanics.
How long does it take to obtain a Physical Therapy Degree?
Your physical therapy program will take around two to three years to complete and this is on top of the four years that it will take to earn your undergraduate degree.
The number of years that you have to put into getting a physical therapy degree makes it a huge commitment.
However, physical therapy schools are worth the investment. This is because there are great earning opportunities that come with becoming a physical therapist.
Here’s the deal, for you to become a physical therapist, you need to earn your doctoral degree from a physical therapy program.
Before that, you need to hold a bachelor’s degree, and oftentimes, programs will require that your undergraduate hours include a specific number of science and health-based courses.
Before now, students had the choice between a master of physical therapy(MPT) or a doctor of physical therapy(DPT), but as of 2015, all accredited physical therapist programs are doctorate level.
PT programs recognize that aspiring physical therapists come from various backgrounds which is why there are multiple ways to earn your DPT.
The List of Physical Therapist Schools in Michigan
- Andrews University
- Central Michigan University
- Grand Valley State University
- Oakland University
- University of Michigan-Flint
- Wayne State University
Andrews University
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program prepares you to become a healthcare professional with a clinical entry-level doctorate that is dedicated to evaluating, treating and preventing physical injury and diseases.
In this course, you are taught how to design and implement the necessary therapeutic interventions to promote fitness, health and also improve your patient’s quality of life.
This program at Andrews University is unique and Christian values are a core part of their curriculum.
This 116-credit DPT program is completed by full-time students in three years (nine semesters).
Students who have completed 92 credits of specific college prerequisites prior to beginning the DPT program will earn a BHS after the first two semesters and upon successful completion of the program a DPT.
Students with a bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply and may complete the DPT program in nine semesters.
Priority application deadline is November 1, and their final deadline is December 16.
Undergraduate tuition package (12-16 credits): $31,464.00
See tuition details for Graduate and Distance degrees.
Central Michigan University
At Central Michigan University, Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy is nationally recognized for developing Physical Therapy professionals who bring knowledge and skills to society for optimizing movement, health, and well-being.
This program embraces the core values of the physical therapy profession:
- accountability
- altruism
- caring and compassion
- excellence
- integrity
- professional duty
- social responsibility
Below are the financial aid and tuition details.
- Tuition:( In-State: $71,356, Out-State: $111,880)
- Financial Aid Home Page
- Fees:( In-State: $3,900, Out-State: $3,900)
- Phone:989-774-2347
- Type:4 year ⇒ Public
- Accredited: (since 1997)
Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University’s Doctorof Physical Therapydegree is offered through theCollege of Health Professions.
It is one of the physical therapist schools in Michigan whose program is valued for its ability to independently evaluate, diagnose, treat and prevent disorders of human movement in a wide variety of clinical and community settings.
Their program features 15 full-time faculty members, 12 of whom hold advanced clinical practice certifications. Their program is well situated along the Medical Mile in Grand Rapids and enjoys an outstanding reputation among its students and in the community.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Programat Grand Valley State Universityis accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Tuition for Michigan Resident:
- $13,560(per year)
- $6,780(for 12-15 credits per semester)
- $570per credit hour for 1-11 credits and for each credit hour over 15
Tuition for Non-Michigan Resident:
- $19,296(per year)
- $9,648(for 12-15 credits per semester)
- $811per credit hour for 1-11 credits and for each credit hour over 15
See details about tuition and other fees. See the Program Details.
Oakland University
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is a professional graduate program in theDepartment of Human Movement Science, which prepares individuals for licensure and entry into the physical therapy profession.
Through research and hands-on training, as well as experiences, students develop skills to examine, evaluate, diagnose, plan and provide treatment for persons of all ages who have disabilities.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Oakland University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Oakland Universitysatisfies educational prerequisites for professional licensure as a physical therapist in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands.
The estimatedcost of tuition, fees, and textbooks for in-state students entering the DPT in 2020 was$99,233.50for the three and one half year program.
The estimated cost for out-of-state students is $133,510.
University of Michigan-Flint
The University of Michigan-Flint is one of the physical therapist schools in Michigan that offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program that improves your abilities as a critical thinker and clinician who embraces evidence-based practice.
This program develops professionals who care for patients irrespective of their backgrounds.
This program prepares you to become a leader in the field, not just for you, but for the benefit of your patients.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program at the University of Michigan-Flint is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Phone: 810-762-3373
- Type: 4 year ⇒ Public
- Population: 8,289(undergrads 6,984)
- Tuition: (In-State: $61,740, Out-State: $92,520)
- Financial Aid
Wayne State University
Wayne State University is one of the physical therapist schools in Michigan that offers the Physical Therapy Program.
The Physical Therapy Program at Wayne State University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program is for individuals interested in becoming physical therapists.
The curriculum requires a 90-credit, pre-professional program and a three-and-one-half year, 123-credit, professional program.
Tuition and Fee Cost for Program in Full:
Resident: $108,841.16 | Non Resident: $209,954.54 | See tuition details.
The Skills Employers Want
The Doctor of Physical Therapyat GVSU will develop the skills that you need to land the job you want.
Whether the skills are advanced or general, you will be able to build a resume of qualifications that is sure to attract employers.
Below are some of the advanced, as well as common skills employers seek.
Common skills include; Presentations, Communications, Leadership, Coordinating, Research, Customer Service, Operations, Infrastructure, and Management.
For advanced skills employers seek:
- Physical Therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Home Care
- Treatment Planning
- Neurology
- Case Management
- Acute Care
Clinical Experience for Physical Therapists
Some of your most important learning experiences will occur outside the classroom. Physical therapist schools design their curriculums with a significant focus on clinical experience. Students not only learn in a real-life setting under the supervision of a licensed PT, but they’re expected to be immersed in diverse environments.
When you’re deciding between physical therapist schools, you should consider the clinical experience requirements. Some programs require students to participate in clinical rotations outside of the town or city the campus is located in.
Physical therapy clinical experiences vary, but here are a few types of scenarios to review.
- Practice setting minimums: Some schools require students to gain experience in at least three settings. While it may feel like a hassle to coordinate this many rotations, the purpose is to expose students to a wide range of patients and circumstances.
- Specific setting requirements: Rural or urban? Outpatient or inpatient? Each location requires students to employ different skills they’ve learned and problem solve based on the setting. For instance, a student may need to determine how to practice in a rural clinic with fewer resources than, say, a large urban hospital.
- Specializations: DPT classes will cover all types of populations and specializations over the 3-year curriculum, however, a clinical experience is when you can hone your skills in a certain area. Students interested in pediatrics, orthopedics, geriatrics or other areas typically have the option to choose a setting that matches their specialization interest. One school, D’Youville College, has a hippotherapy clinical site allowing students to gain experience in physical therapy using horses.
Clinical education hours vary by school. For example, some require 38 weeks while other programs want students to complete as many as 50 weeks in clinical internships. Typically, the rotations are done in 6, 8 or 12-week segments with the first one usually occurring after the first year. Once you complete a clinical rotation, you’ll be asked to provide an assessment of the experience, instruction and clinical instructors (CIs).
Although a clinical is full-time, you’ll still be required to complete coursework along the way. If your clinical setting isn’t in the same area as your campus, you’ll participate in distance learning classes.
Professional Licensure Notification
Federal regulations require any educational program in the physical therapist schools in Michigan to satisfy the educational requirement in order to obtain a professional license or certification to get enrolled students or applying students informed.
This is in order to help students determine if the program’s curriculum satisfies the educational requirements for the State Licensure
How to Become a Physical Therapist in Michigan|5 Best Steps
Michigan had the fourth-highest concentration of Physical Therapy Assistant jobs in the country in 2013 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
They reported that 3,350 such professionals practised in Michigan that year earning an average annual salary of $44,420. Nearly 29% of Michigan’s Physical Therapy Assistants were employed in the Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills area.
In 2013, 7,830 Physical Therapists practised in Michigan and earned an annual average salary of $80,820. Two Michigan cities were among the top cities in the country for the concentration of Physical Therapist jobs. Jackson was second, while the Saginaw area was third.
Here are the steps you need to complete to become a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant in Michigan:
- Earn a Physical Therapy Doctoral degree from an accredited program.
- Applyfor your Michigan Physical Therapist license and take the Jurisprudence Exam.
- Submit your Fingerprints for a Criminal Background Check
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
- Renew your Michigan Physical Therapist license.
Earn a Physical Therapy Doctoral degree from an accredited program
In order to become a licensed physical therapy professional in Michigan, you will need a degree from the physical therapist school in Michigan that is Approved.
Applyfor your Michigan Physical Therapist license and take the Jurisprudence Exam
Applyfor your Michigan Physical Therapist license and take the Jurisprudence Exam. Once you have your CAPTE approved degree, you can apply for yourPhysical Therapy Assistantor yourPhysical Therapistlicense. The applications come with extensive instructions that you must follow closely.
Submit your Fingerprints for a Criminal Background Check
The application packet also includes a Livescan Fingerprint Request Form that you will use to get your fingerprints processed for a criminal background check.
Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
Your next step in obtaining Michigan licensure to practice Physical Therapy is to apply to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
Renew your Michigan Physical Therapist license
Your license will be good until the next expiration date for your profession. This can range from 4 months to one year. All subsequent licenses will be valid for two years.
What are your thoughts about these physical therapist schools in Michigan? Please share your thoughts with us.
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Reference on the physical therapist schools in Michigan: How to Become a Physical Therapist in Michigan: https://www.occupationaltherapylicense.org/michigan-physical-therapy/
Related
FAQs
What schools in Michigan have a physical therapy program? ›
- Oakland University. Rochester, MI. ...
- University of Michigan - Flint. Online. ...
- Grand Valley State University. Grand Rapids, MI. ...
- Wayne State University. Detroit, MI. ...
- Central Michigan University. Mount Pleasant, MI. ...
- Andrews University. Berrien Springs, MI.
List of Physical Therapy Schools in Michigan (6 Schools)
What is the easiest PT school to get into? ›- University of Iowa. The university of Iowa tops our list of easiest PT schools to get into. ...
- University of Delaware. ...
- Baylor university. ...
- University of Washington. ...
- University of Miami. ...
- University of Pittsburgh.
- Government College University.
- University of Lahore.
- King Edward Medical College.
- Khyber Medical University.
- University of Balochistan.
- Rawalpindi Medical College.
- University of Sialkot.
- The University of Faisalabad.
- Sports medicine. Physical therapists who specialize in sports medicine treat professional and amateur athletes. ...
- Cardiovascular. ...
- Geriatrics. ...
- Neurology. ...
- Pediatrics.
| Hourly | Yearly | |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | $40.41 | $84,060 |
| USA | $41.59 | $86,520 |
How long does it take to receive your physical therapy license in Michigan? It typically takes between six and eight weeks to receive your physical therapy license in Michigan. This is slow compared to other physical therapy licenses across the United States.
How long is physical therapy school is Michigan? ›Earn Your DPT Degree in Three Years
The University of Michigan-Flint's Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program improves your abilities as a critical thinker and clinician who embraces evidence-based practice.
it depends. With some tweaking of the modifiable factors: Where you work, how often you work, and what you do at work, it is possible for PTs to earn a $100,000 or more. In some settings such as outpatient and schools, it would be harder to reach this number due to lower profit margins.
What PT school has the highest acceptance rate? ›What physical therapy school has the highest acceptance rate? University of Iowa. The university of Iowa is on the list of easiest PT schools to get into. They have a very high acceptance rate of 82.55% in 2021, with over 21.000 admitted students out of almost 26.000 applicants.
What state pays physical therapy the most? ›
| Rank | State | 2018 Mean Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nevada | $107,920 |
| 2 | Alaska | $99,180 |
| 3 | New Jersey | $97,770 |
| 4 | New Mexico | $97,210 |
Medical school is way harder to get into, from a testing perspective as well as background. For Medical School (need to take the MCAT, a more comprehensive exam) vs DPT you just take the GRE ( generalized graduate school exam). Med school overall is a harder and more selective process that DPT school.
What is the hardest part about being a PT? ›In the field the hardest thing is documentation and finding the time to do this properly. You will be assessing patients on their eval (PT) and this requires you to document findings and the plan of care. After that, a daily note is required for each visit, this is much easier and faster.
Which branch has the easiest PT test? ›Comparing everything together, the Navy has the easiest PT test, due to the lower requirements, and range of options available to complete the run portion (treadmill, bike, swim, etc).
What is salary after DPT? ›Entry level positions start at PKR 26,000 per month while most experienced workers make up to PKR 190,000 per month.
Is DPT worth the money? ›In summary, most DPT programs cost less than $142k. Therefore, when you look at the level of income you receive (i.e. physical therapist salary both today and growing over time) and the lower risk to that income relative to just having an undergrad degree, then yes the DPT in our opinion is absolutely worth it.
Which is more advanced PT or DPT? ›However, due to the APTA's constant push for raising standards in the profession, a more advanced degree – Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) – will soon be is now required for new students to become a PT. The DPT is now considered entry-level and the only PT degree offered by schools in the United States.
Is physical therapy harder than nursing? ›Physical therapists usually require more education than nurses. In the United States, physical therapy students must complete a doctoral degree, which often takes about seven years. A nurse may practice at much lower levels of education—the fastest route for starting a career in nursing is a two-year associate degree.
What is the best physical therapy company to work for? ›These highly-rated companies include ATI Physical Therapy with an employee rating of 3.5 out of 5, Encompass Health rated 3.6 out of 5, Kaiser Permanente with a rating of 3.9 out of 5, Select Medical with a 3.4 out of 5, and CenterWell Home Health rated 3.4 out of 5 by employees, and more.
What type of therapist makes the most money? ›Psychiatrist positions are by far the highest-paying jobs for psychology majors. The average salary is $217,798, according to PayScale. A psychiatrist should be licensed as a board-certified psychologist.
How much do PE teachers make in Michigan? ›
The average Physical Education Teacher salary in Michigan is $46,789 as of October 27, 2022, but the range typically falls between $41,387 and $53,514.
How can a DPT make a lot of money? ›- Pick up extra physical therapy shifts. ...
- Provide telehealth services. ...
- Become a physical therapy consultant. ...
- Offer home therapy services. ...
- Become a personal trainer. ...
- Become a first aid course instructor. ...
- Get into healthcare and physical therapy freelance writing.
- Earn a Physical Therapy Doctoral degree from an accredited program.
- Apply for your Michigan Physical Therapist license and take the Jurisprudence Exam.
- Submit your Fingerprints for a Criminal Background Check.
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
Renewal Cycle – 2 years. *A $20.00 late fee applies for those who renew during the 60-day late renewal period following the expiration date of the license. Continuing Education – You MUST complete the continuing education requirements BEFORE completing the online renewal application.
Is the Michigan Jurisprudence Exam open book? ›All examinations are open book.
Is Michigan a good school for physical therapy? ›University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
#4 Best Colleges for Kinesiology and Physical Therapy in America.
The traditional DPT program is three years, but some programs compress academic requirements into a shorter time span, which could help you manage the total cost of your education experience and enter the field faster. Demographics and setting. You will be investing a lot into your physical therapy education.
How many years should you take the physical therapy program to graduate? ›Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy is a four-year program that produces professionals who promote optimal health and function by providing services that develop, maintain, and restore maximum movement and functional ability, for people at any stage of life, when their movement and function are threatened by ageing ...
Can a Pt make over 100k? ›Yes, you can make $100,000 per year as a physical therapist.
The chances of earning over $100k for a physical therapist are actually pretty good because the highest-paid physical therapist positions typically pay at least $91,000 per year. The average annual salary is $75,776 for physical therapist jobs.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 20.5 percent employment growth for physical therapists between 2020 and 2030. In that period, an estimated 49,100 jobs should open up. Many doctors refer patients with physical issues from athletic injuries to neurological traumas to physical therapists.
What cities pay physical therapists the most? ›
- El Centro, California. $143,500.
- Modesto, California. $123,370.
- Visalia, California. $119,510.
- Bakersfield, California. $115,170.
- Yuma, Arizona. $114,920.
You must meet each school's admission requirements to be considered for admission, and most schools list a minimum GPA of 3.0 as one of their requirements.
Is it hard becoming a PT? ›Getting into PT school isn't easy. For the 50% of people who are accepted into Physical Therapy school, you're in for a challenging 3 years.
How can I increase my chances of getting into PT school? ›- Boost Your GPA. Let's get the most obvious point out of the way. ...
- Land a PT Aide/ Tech Job. ...
- Higher GRE Scores. ...
- Attend Open House Events. ...
- PT Volunteer Experience. ...
- Non-PT Volunteer Experience.
Beyond current COVID-19 implications, the physical therapist shortage initially began because physical therapist demand outweighs the professional supply.
Is physical therapy becoming saturated? ›Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 17 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 15,400 openings for physical therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Is a physical therapist like a doctor? ›So, since 2015, physical therapists are doctors, but they're not physicians. They undergo additional schooling as required for their specific professional practice just like any dentist, nurse, doctor, surgeon, optometrist, orthodontist, or therapist.
Is PT a good career choice? ›Great Pay and Benefits
Another fantastic reason you should consider working in physical therapy is the salary and benefits. Across the industry, healthcare professionals earn significantly more than other occupations and come with more comprehensive benefits and compensation packages.
- Intensive Training. Difficult coursework and training is a disadvantage of pursuing a PT career. ...
- Salary Considerations. ...
- Physically Demanding Work. ...
- Constant Paperwork.
It's possible to earn six figures as a PTA, but it takes planning, persistence, and dedication.
What problems do physical therapists face? ›
- The Legislation on Healthcare. ...
- The Expansion of Telehealth Services. ...
- Practice Adaptations. ...
- Retaining Patients. ...
- Staying Healthy. ...
- Hygiene Concerns of Employees and Patients. ...
- Management of The Practice. ...
- Employee Management.
The Marines have arguably the most difficult fitness test as it requires Marines to run an additional mile and do pull-ups. The USMC physical fitness test (PFT) requirements include crunches for two minutes, pull-ups to the maximum repetition, and a three-mile run.
What branch is the hardest physically? ›The military branch with the toughest basic training is the Marine Corps.
What branch has the hardest PT test? ›Marines have it the hardest, running three miles, doing pull-ups and crunches within the span of a two-hour evaluation period. The Army has its troops run two miles, plus two minutes of pushups and situps. There are similar requirements for the Navy, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard.
How long does it take to become a physical therapist in Michigan? ›Earn Your DPT Degree in Three Years
Through our rigorous Doctor of Physical Therapy program, you obtain the experience, clinical perspective, and expert guidance needed to serve patients of all ages as licensed physical therapist practitioners.
| In-State | Out-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition 1: | $71,356 | $111,880 |
| Fees: | $3,900 | $3,900 |
| Living: | $29,088 | $29,088 |
| Total: | $104,344 | $144,868 |
Physical Therapy DPT Salary in MI:$65,442 - ZipRecruiter.
Is DPT harder than med school? ›Medical school is way harder to get into, from a testing perspective as well as background. For Medical School (need to take the MCAT, a more comprehensive exam) vs DPT you just take the GRE ( generalized graduate school exam). Med school overall is a harder and more selective process that DPT school.
Is becoming physical therapist hard? ›California is often considered one of the most difficult states in which to get your physical therapy license. However, if you know what you're doing (by reading this guide), the process isn't very complicated.
How much is an hour of PT? ›The national average per session cost of physical therapy can range from $30 - $400. However, with a qualified insurance plan, once your deductible is met, your total out-of-pocket cost typically ranges from $20-$60. If you do not have insurance, you may be paying between $50-$155 out-of-pocket.
Does Michigan State have a physical therapy program? ›
The Physical & Occupational Therapy Clinic at MSU offers patients the opportunity to optimize their activity level by tailoring a therapy program to meet their individual needs.
Does MSU have physical therapy? ›Physical therapy services are available to all MSU students, faculty and staff members and their spouse/domestic partner.
Is a DPT higher than a PT? ›DPT stands for Doctor of Physical Therapy. That's a more advanced degree than many practicing physical therapists (PTs) have. Down the road, though, all practicing PTs will be DPTs.
What can I do after DPT? ›- Sports.
- Medicine.
- Social work.
- Nursing.
- Physiology.
- Pediatrics.
So, since 2015, physical therapists are doctors, but they're not physicians. They undergo additional schooling as required for their specific professional practice just like any dentist, nurse, doctor, surgeon, optometrist, orthodontist, or therapist.