Best Physical Therapy Schools Overview

Physical therapy is what allows us to quickly recover from trauma or surgery. Sometimes proper therapy is more important and effective than a surgery! Path to becoming a physical therapist is not an easy one. Practitioners in this field must get profound knowledge and undergo an extensive training. How to do it in the best possible way?

Here are the physical therapy schools that are considered to be the best by the US News & World Report, 2011. According to the website, rankings are based on the results of peer assessments of faculty staff and administrators. The quality of programs should have been rated on a scale from 1 to 5. 201 physical therapy schools were surveyed.

University of Southern California

According to the official website, the University of Southern California is one of the best research institutions in the country. Choosing therapy school of this university you will be able to pursue one of the following degrees:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Ph.D. in Biokinesiology
• M.S. In Biokinesiology

This school includes a number of laboratories and research centers. It means that in addition to theory, you will also acquire a valuable practical knowledge of physical therapist work. You will be able to master your skills in the school's hospital. Choosing this school you will surely get you one of the best quality learning experiences in the country!

University of Pittsburgh

Physical therapy school of this university is ranked second by the US News & World Report. If you already possess a Bachelor's degree, don't hesitate applying to this school. The Department of Physical Therapy offers a 3-year program leading to DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy). Your curriculum will include the following therapy courses:

• musculoskeletal
• neuromuscular
• integumentary
• cardiopulmonary
• geriatric
• pediatric

What specialty to pursue? Have you determined what interests you the most? Well, the experienced faculty of this school will help you to make the right choice. You can be also sure of getting a valuable practical experience during your studying. According to the university's website, clinical education program is integrated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and its partner, the Centers for Rehab Services.

Washington University - St. Louis

WU School of Medicine has two teaching hospitals. Here you can work towards the following degrees:

• DPT - the professional clinical doctorate degree
• PP-DPT - the post-professional clinical doctorate degree
• PhD - the doctor of philosophy in movement science

Why should you consider entering this educational institution? Well, since the establishment of WU School of Medicine 16 Nobel laureates have been associated with it! Weighty argument, isn't it?

These are the best US physical therapy schools according to the US News & World Report ranking. All of them offer excellent education to those who dream of a career in this field. However, always remember that it is the individual, not the school that makes difference. No matter what school you choose, it's up to you!