The discipline of sports therapy is one that is becoming increasingly popular. When Michael Volitich decided he wanted to become a sports therapist, he was surprised to find out that there were two pathways to choose from. The first option was to become a physical therapist and then take a specialization in sports medicine. This other option was to study to become a physical therapy technician and then follow up with a sports medicine specialization. Michael has made his choice in terms of which one to go for but he feels both can be of benefit to different individuals.
Michael Volitich on the Educational Requirements for Physical Therapists
In order for someone to become a physical therapist, they must understand their state’s regulations and rules. However, there are some consistency between the different states, which include:
- Obtaining a four year bachelor degree from an accredited university.
- Completing a master’s or doctorate degree in physical therapy from an accredited university, which takes between two and three years.
- Completing at least 1500 hours of residency, which usually takes one to two years.
As such, becoming a therapist will take as much as nine years. That may seem like a very long time, but it also brings with it a very high pay off. Salaries for therapists are substantially higher than the national average and you will also be able to enjoy a great deal of independence and flexibility in your career. Of course, after all this you will be a physical therapist and not a sports therapist. That means you will need to study further to complete this specialisation.
If you become a sports therapist because you already have your physical therapy licence, you are likely to be able to enjoy an average salary of around $80,000 per year. Should you be so lucky as to find a job with a professional sports team, you can expect to earn in excess of $100,000 per year period
Michael Volitich on the Educational Requirements for Physical Therapy Technicians
For many people, the idea that it could take nine years before you can get a job as a sports therapist is simply too much. This is why you may also opt to take the other option comma which means working as a physical therapy assistant. The educational requirements for this are:
- To complete a two-year associates degree from an accredited school.
- To pass the national licensure exam for physical therapy technicians or assistants.
Once you are a physical therapy technician, you will work alongside a physical therapist in order to develop and administer treatment. You can then also specialize in sports medicine, but you will always work under the supervision of a full licensed therapist. This translates in less money and less independence. However, you can still expect to earn in the region of $50,000 per year.
Different people have different interests and it is up to you to decide which path is right for y