Does anybody know or ever gone thru it?

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:nurse: Hello everybody. Im an RN and I wanted to see if anyone out there has any idea on how to change career from an RN to a Physical Therapist. Do I need to start college all over or do any of my nursing or general classes are validated to help me graduate faster. I know they are two different fields but is all in health care so probably any of the classes are covered. I don't know much of how the academics work for this kind of transition. Im very dedicated to nursing but my eldest daughter suffered a stroke at 14 months of age and as she is starting her pre teens she requires much more help than 30 minute sessions of therapy every week. What better inspiration for change than that. If anyone know anything or has gone thru it, give me the scoop.

Thanks :redpinkhe

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Specializes in multispecialty ICU, SICU including CV.

APTA | CAPTE

Here is a list of accredited programs. All it takes is a simple internet search to find the info you are looking for.

It is my understanding that all PTs are now doctorally prepared. I did not go through all these programs listed but the 4 that are available in my state are DPT level programs. They require a Bachelor's degree so as long as you have a BSN and meet the other admissions requirements I think you would be eligible to apply.

There are PTA programs out there as well, which are Associate's Degree level programs to my understanding.

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There's a push to make PTs doctorates but it hasn't come to fruition. Still masters in most places.

Do you have a bachelors? You might be abe to bridge right into a program with onw. Otherwise, why not just learn more and work with your daughter while still working as an RN?

Good luck to you and her!

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Specializes in multispecialty ICU, SICU including CV.
There's a push to make PTs doctorates but it hasn't come to fruition. Still masters in most places.

Do you have a bachelors? You might be abe to bridge right into a program with onw. Otherwise, why not just learn more and work with your daughter while still working as an RN?

Good luck to you and her!

Don't think this is true. There are still Master's Degreed PTs out there, as there are RPh's, etc. It looks to me like most accredited programs are now DPT programs. The accrediting body that I linked wants all PTs to be DPTs by 2020 and it looks to me like most the schools have gone that way. There are a handful of Master's programs left. I'm not going to count how many are DPT and how many are Master's, but it looks to me like the MPT is being phased out.

This site only lists 1 bridge program and it is for PTAs, not RNs.

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I think you could learn what you need to help your daughter without having to go through the trouble and expense of obtaining another degree.

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Don't think this is true. There are still Master's Degreed PTs out there, as there are RPh's, etc.

So it is true. :uhoh3:

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Specializes in multispecialty ICU, SICU including CV.

If OP is planning on starting a program now, it is likely that she will have to be admitted to a doctoral level program. That is the point. Just because there are Master's Degreed PTs still out there doesn't mean that that is the level that most schools are training at now.

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:yeah:Thank you all for your replies I will look more into it and the time that I put into it will be for good reasons.:lol2:

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All of the schools by me that offer the PT program are doctorate's programs.

But yes OP, you could probably easily transition into the PTA program, which is an Associate's degree program.

I do agree with caliotter3 though, I'm sure there is a way that you could learn some of the PT stuff without going through the time and expense of a 2nd degree.

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If you want formal training, i would think the PTA would be enough. You arent going to be the supervising person in your daughter's care, so wouldnt need that level of education.

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