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Q:
What is Sports Physical Therapy?
A: Sports physical therapy is a specialty within the field of physical therapy. The
main focus is on the rehabilitation of a musculoskeletal injury sustained by an athlete or
physically active individual.
Q: What special credentials/education must one have to be a sports physical
therapist?
A: All sports physical therapists must have basic physical therapy training. But
they should also have additional training in the prevention and care of athletic injuries.
Many sports physical therapists are also certified athletic trainers
(ATC's) or
certified strength and conditioning specialists.
Q: What is the difference between a physical therapist (PT) and an athletic
trainer (ATC)?
A: A PT is trained in the treatment and rehabilitation of many different patient
populations (geriatrics, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, burn therapy, pediatrics, etc.). An ATC specializes in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic
injuries and injuries of the physically active individual.
Q: What kind of education/training do I need to become a physical therapist?
A: Anyone planning on applying to physical therapy school must first volunteer at a
physical therapy clinic located in a hospital or an out-patient facility. Many
colleges and university look for a varying number of volunteer hours, contact the school
you are interested in to find out their requirements. In addition, schools further
look at where you volunteered. Pick different facilities such as a burn unit,
pediatrics, orthopedics, etc. The more diverse you are the better your chances of getting
into the school of your choice.
Educationally, you need certain courses to apply for PT school. Most schools require an
undergraduate degree in order to apply. Again, contact the school and find out what
is needed to fulfill their criteria.
Q: What kind of education/training do I need to become a certified athletic
trainer?
A: Currently, there are two routes to certification. The first is the internship
program. This program will be available up to the year 2004. Here the candidate
obtains field hours under the supervision of an ATC. At the same time he/she takes
the required classes needed to become eligible for the national board exam. To be
eligible for the national board exam, students must have a minimum of 1,500 hours of field
work and have completed the 9 required courses. The second route is the
curriculum
program. The candidate must first be accepted into an NATA accredited institution
and then receive an undergraduate degree in athletic training. In addition, students
must have completed a minimum of 800 hours of field work and have completed the 9 required
courses to be eligible for the national board exam. After the year 2004, the
curriculum program will be the only route to certification.
Q: Is there a physical therapy organization I can join and receive more
information?
A: Yes! The American Physical Therapy Association is the national organization for
PT's. If you are interested in becoming a member or want more information about
physical therapy look up their web-site at
www.apta.org.
Q: Is there an athletic trainers organization I can join and receive more
information?
A: Yes! The national organization is the National Athletic Trainers Association. To
find out more information on athletic training or to become a member look up their
web-site at
www.nata.org.
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