Several colleges in Florida offer training in physical therapy.
Physical therapists are highly educated medical professionals who diagnose and treat individuals with health conditions that hinder their ability to move freely in their day-to-day activities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for professionally trained physical therapists will increase by at least 30 percent through to 2018. An undergraduate degree followed by a master's or doctoral degree program is required to practice physical therapy. Several colleges in Florida offer training in physical therapy.
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Gulf Coast University offers a doctorate degree program in physical therapy. Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree in any major that includes courses in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, human development, statistics and psychology with a grade of "C" or higher. Recommended majors include athletic training, human performance and health science. Candidates should hold a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 or better. This program consists of coursework in movement science, medical diagnostics, pharmacology, medical imaging, management and leadership, health care ethics and policy, physical therapy principles and clinical applications.
Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Blvd. S.
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565
800-590-3428
fgcu.edu
Florida International University
The College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Florida International University offers a doctorate in physical therapy program. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in any field with an overall GPA of at least 3.0 on the most recent 60 hours of coursework. Prerequisite courses in physics, chemistry, biology, psychology and statistics and three letters of recommendations are also required. This program consists of nine semesters of coursework, including movement and function analysis, diagnostic imaging, clinical anatomy, musculoskeletal diagnosis, pathophysiology, therapeutic exercise, pharmacology, disease management, biomechanics, neurological diagnosis and several clinical internships.
Florida International University
11200 8th Street SW
Miami, FL 33199
305-348-3647
fiu.edu
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University offers a three-year doctor of physical therapy program. Prospective candidates are assessed according to their GPA, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, prior academic work and professional experience, a statement of intent, reference letters and a formal interview. The minimum application requirements include a bachelor's degree with an overall GPA of 2.75 that includes coursework in psychology or sociology, biology, chemistry, physics, statistics and English. Course topics include anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, biomechanics, kinesiology, exercise physiology, medical pathology, physical therapy for the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, neuroanatomy, research methods, physical therapy for the musculoskeletal system, neuroscience, pediatrics, prosthetics and orthotics, professional development and clinical education.
Nova Southeastern University
3200 S. University Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328
800-356-0026
nova.edu
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida offers a doctorate in physical therapy that includes 32 weeks of full-time hands-on clinical training that is supervised by a professional physical therapist. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 that includes coursework in psychology, statistics, biology, chemistry and physics. This three-year program is comprised of theoretical and practical coursework in kinesiology, anatomy and physiology, neuroscience, physical assessment, patient care, research methods, physical therapy theories and procedures, orthopedics, pathology, pharmacology, neurological therapy, radiology, pedatric therapy, cardiopulmonary therapy, gerontology and professional management skills.
University of Central Florida
4000 Central Florida Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32816
407-823-2000
ucf.edu
University of Florida
The University of Florida offers an 8-semester doctorate in physical therapy program that includes 32 weeks of full-time professional clinical experience. Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree in any field with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 that includes courses in chemistry, physics, psychology, statistics and biology. The GRE test, three letters of recommendation and at least 40 hours of volunteer or observational setting in three kinds of physical therapy settings are also required. Coursework includes functional anatomy, physiology, musculoskeletal disorders, neuroscience, pharmacology, motor control and therapeutic exercise, cardiopulmonary disorders, neurorehabilitation, pedatrics, prosthetics and orthotics, geriatrics, radiology and diagnostic imaging, disease principles and clinical training.
University of Florida
W. University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32611
352-392-3261
ufl.edu
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