Can I major in Health & Fitness Management then transfer to become a Physical Therapist?

sharjeel10

I've being doing examination on professions for a Health & Fitness Management major in school and it says Physical Therapy could be a conceivable profession. So my inquiry is if I major in Health & Fitness administration then seek after a vocation in Physical Therapy ? Additionally would it be advisable for me to major just in Physical Therapy?

kipnus

I'm not sure how it works in the U.S., but here in Canada, you can't go into the profession without a degree in physiotherapy. You have to complete a 2 year professional program, AFTER completing a bachelor's degree (usually in kinesiology, physical education, or biological sciences).

Health and fitness management doesn't seem quite as relevant to physiotherapy. You'll want to make sure that you're taking anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, etc. 

dancingphalanges

I'm almost positive you have to have a degree specifically in physical therapy. I know if you were to do be a physical therapist--not physical therapist's assistant--you have to have a DFT (doctor) in physical therapy, so it would require education beyond bachelor's.  I think some programs let you go straight into it, though?  You could major in HFM and then go on to graduate studies for physical therapy.  The requirements could vary from to state to state.  I would do some googling yourself in case I'm a little off on my information, I'm not in the health care field lol.

NYBride1

Most schools do not allow you to transfer into a PT program.  They are typically 7 yr. doctorate programs  If you are on the fence, declare PT and you can always switch if you don't like it.  You can major in Health Fit/Rehab, etc, then go on for your Masters in PT.  Easier to leave the program then enter into it.

JillShari

Depending on where you are, it is most advisable to find a college or university that grants you admission to the physical therapy program as an entry level program.  Years ago I went to Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY and entered the PT program as a freshman...so if you kept above a certain GPA than you were automatically enrolled in the graduate program.  It was much less stressful than starting in another major and trying to get into a graduate program.  Although this was years ago, so I'd advise you also to see what the rate of acceptances are into the graduate programs and go from there.  Good luck.