(Preparing for) Physical Therapy
Program Description
The 90 credit Associate in Arts transfer degree is designed to meet the general education requirements at Washington State four-year institutions and prepares students for a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree. In Washington state, Physical Therapy is a post baccalaureate, graduate level professional program leading to a Doctoral degree. Students must complete graduate course work, clinical fieldwork and be licensed in the state to practice. Provided students meet program prerequisites, they are encouraged to major in any liberal arts degree of interest. For more information, visit our Health Professional Preparation webpage.
Physical Therapy — What is it?
Physical Therapists diagnose and treat patients with limited movement or mobility due to medical conditions, illness or injury. They evaluate physical problems and develop treatment plans to help reduce pain, restore function or movement, and/or resolve the dysfunctional condition to achieve optimum physical functioning.
Areas of Study in Physical Therapy:
Neuroscience, Neuroanatomy, Biophysics, Pathology, Pharmacology, Radiology, Cardiopulmonary Therapy, Orthopedic Evaluation, Physical Intervention and Rehabilitation, Therapeutic Exercise, Ambulatory function, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Leadership and Management, Health Care Policy, Professional and Medical Ethics and Clinical Practice.
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Faculty and Advising Contacts
Length of Program: 90 Credits
Completion Award: A.A. Degree
Career Opportunities — What can I do with a Graduate Degree in Physical Therapy?
Physical Therapists develop strong critical thinking, assessment, problem solving, communication and technical skills applicable to a number of health care settings. In addition to providing direct patient care, Physical Therapists consult with other health care providers, conduct research, teach courses, promote wellness, develop public policy and provide leadership in the health care field.
Potential employers include:
Hospitals, Schools, Rehabilitation Centers, Private Clinics, Nursing Homes, Public Schools, Colleges and Universities and Government Agencies. For more, please visit the Career Center.
Transfer Possibilities — Where can I transfer?
An Associate Degree from Shoreline makes it possible for students to transfer to public and private colleges and universities throughout the U.S. with junior standing. Shoreline also has agreements with several universities to make transferring even easier. For transfer within Washington State, we offer a special degree called the AA-DTA. For international students, Shoreline also has conditional admission agreements that allow a student to be simultaneously accepted by Shoreline and a university of the student's choosing.