General Education Requirements

• Physical therapists need to complete a bachelor's degree to be admitted to a graduate degree program in physical therapy. All bachelor's degree programs require the completion of general education courses in areas like English, psychology, math, science, speech and communication, history and physical education. Aspiring physical therapists can help ensure entry into a graduate degree program by taking as many additional science and math classes as possible. Almost all bachelor's degree programs have some allowance for elective courses. Rather than just taking whatever courses tickle your fancy, however, taking advanced courses in biological science will look better on a graduate school application.
  
  

Bachelor's Degree Requirements

• Physical therapy programs do not have any specific undergraduate degree requirements in terms of what type of degree the applicant must obtain. After completing general education requirements from the first two years of undergraduate study, the aspiring physical therapist can expect to complete about two years of studies toward his undergraduate major. A degree in biology or another field like kinesiology (the study of human movement) or exercise science can be helpful. Students should, at the very least, complete courses in biomechanics, human anatomy, physiology and exercise science, if possible.
  
  

Graduate Education

• Physical therapists need to either have a master's degree or the more commonly sought after Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. The DPT degree is a four-year degree, whereas master's degree programs in physical therapy take about two to three years to complete. Regardless of which path the student follows, he will need to complete courses in areas like clinical pathology, functional anatomy, neuroanatomy, motor control, pharmacology and even the psychological aspects of rehabilitation. Physical therapy students generally complete clinical rotations to gain hands-on training as part of their education also.
  
  

Licensing

• Licensing requirement for physical therapists can vary by state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most states accept the standards established in the National Physical Therapy Examination as the minimum level of education and knowledge needed to work as a physical therapist. As a health care professional, physical therapists may also need to pass exams covering the legal aspects of physical therapy practice.