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My dream is to work w/ athletes and help them rehab and try to maximize their physical performance.

Questions

1. I live in California and don't want to move.
Here are all the schools that offer this. PLease tell me more about these universities and if they are worthy of attending.

1. California State University at Long Beach
2. California State University, Fresno
3. California State University, Northridge
4. Chapman University
5. College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
7. Loma Linda University
8. Mount St. Mary's College
9. Samuel Merritt College
10. University of California, San Fransisco State
12. University of Southern California -too expensive
13. University of the Pacific- Too expensive

How long does it take to complete a program like this and get a license?

By Starr8160 (Starr8160) on Sunday, June 22, 2003 - 10:55 pm: Edit

well if you did want to move, I'd say Central Michigan University.. however, that doesn't help you much.

By Highschoolda (Highschoolda) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 12:52 am: Edit

BUMP

By Highschoolda (Highschoolda) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 02:51 pm: Edit

BUMP

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 09:20 pm: Edit

From what I've heard, the University of the Pacific is actually very good about financial aid AND guarantees that you will graduate in 4 years or they will pay all your expenses for you to finish your degree. While the cal state schools are cheaper on the surface, you'll have a hard time finishing in 4 years at many of them due to overcrowding. I wouldn't rule out UOP until I saw their financial aid package therefore, and of course, to get that you have to apply there first.

As for the answers to your other questions, I don't think this board is the right place to ask. Go to this site - it's the website for the national association of physical therapists - www.apta.org - At that site, you'll find tons of information about being a physical therapist/sports therapist, including, probably, differences between programs, etc. I'd suggest you look under the section on the website that lists "chapters" and find the local chapter in California near you. There's probably also a similiar association specifically for sports therapists - do a search under google to find out. Call either or both and ask if they can connect you to a physical therapist or two specializing in sports therapy who works/lives in your local area that you could then go and interview about the profession. An alternative to this route would be to ask your doctor if he/she could refer you to a pt to interview. When you interview them, be very professional. Explain that you are interested in the field and want to know more about what it involves and how to choose a good program. Have very specific questions - what types of classes should the program include, etc. Don't just give them the list of schools you have, they probably won't know all of them - instead ask a more general question: which pt program in California would you recommend? You can do this over the phone or in person, depending on the person. Be polite. Don't take up too much of their time and send a thank you note afterwards.
This should help you figure out the basics enough that you can then start looking at individual schools in greater depth. Good luck.

By Highschoolda (Highschoolda) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 04:27 pm: Edit

Thanks Carolyn, i'll give it a shot.

By Mom60 (Mom60) on Sunday, July 06, 2003 - 02:15 am: Edit

I know several physical therapists in Ca. To practice you need to have a degree and pass a test to receive a license. I think the license is granted by each state. I think most physical therapy programs are now master programs.
If you aren't opposed to Washington the University of Puget Sound has a good program.

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Sunday, July 06, 2003 - 12:13 pm: Edit

You might also take a look at Azuza Pacific near LA - I understand they have physical therapy programs. I know this is a conservative, friendly school.

By Emeraldkity4 (Emeraldkity4) on Sunday, July 06, 2003 - 01:01 pm: Edit

http://www.amtamassage.org/publications/sports_massage_brochure.html

I would also check out sports massage programs
Many PTs actually go to massage school to learn more effective techniques and a more holistic approach.

Ive gone to both a PT and a LMP and the LMP was more likely to be somthing that I would incorporate into my health care. they do similar work, but the attitude is different

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Sunday, July 06, 2003 - 01:30 pm: Edit

Emerald has a good point. You might also try looking into schools with sports medicine/athletic training programs. Here are some in Calif/Western US:

California Lutheran - Ca
Linfield (oregon)
Pepperdine - Ca

The Pepperdine program sounds like a very good fit for your interests -- concentrates on sports medicine and rehabilitation. Gives you a BS in Sports Medicine. Lots of internships listed. Also, says program is designed to prepare students to go on for study in fields like PT. Go to www.pepperdine.edu and do a search for "sports medicine"

Take a look and see how this would compare to a straight pt program - might be more in line with what you are interested in doing. Haven't checked out Calif. Lutheran or Linfield yet.

By Highschoolda (Highschoolda) on Sunday, July 06, 2003 - 03:45 pm: Edit

Thanks again Carolyn! I tried your first idea and found a lot of info in PT forums. I also heard similar things about Sports Medicine majors.

Thanks again