What is the Average Age of Physical Therapy Students? (Infographic)

by | Sep 8, 2016 | 1 comment

Are you thinking about a career in physical therapy? If so, you probably have a lot of questions. Is now a good time to get into the field? What are the best schools for physical therapy? What is the average age of physical therapy students? Is it too late/too early to get into this field?

Some people know what they want to do for a living before they graduate high school, but that isn’t always the case. Some people don’t know what direction they want to take for five, ten or more years. Waiting until later on to pursue an educational or career path was once uncommon, but today more and more people are choosing to change direction or start school later in life.

Relaxation muscle technique. What is the average age of physical therapy students

Waiting until later on to pursue an educational or career path was once uncommon, but today more and more people are choosing to change direction or start school later in life.

So what is the average age of physical therapy student?

Today, the average age is approximately 24 years old, but the age range is between 21 and 43.

Does it matter how old you are when you start physical therapy school? No matter what age you are, there will be challenges.

Infographic on what is the average age of physical therapy student and other various pt stats

 

How Long Does Physical Therapy School Take?

If you are concerned about the average age of physical therapy student, then you are probably wondering how long school is going to take. It’s not such a big consideration in your 20’s, but if you are in your mid-thirties or forties, then length of time in school may be a determining factor.

Remember, you have to have an undergraduate degree first, so it’s important to start working on that right away if you don’t.

Starting Physical Therapy School In Your 30’s And 40’s

Have you dreamed of a career in the medical field but been put off by the extensive schooling and the years required? If you want to be a doctor, you are looking at a minimum of ten years of school, possibly longer. If you want to get into physical therapy, you may only spend seven years in school.

While the average age of physical therapy student is about 25, there are plenty who are in their mid-thirties and on up into their forties. It isn’t too late to start school past your twenties. The time frame for becoming a physical therapist is only seven years.

If you have already earned a graduate degree, you may finish schooling for physical therapy in just three years.

If you are forty now and just starting physical therapy school, you are in good company. There are plenty of people your age taking the leap and starting careers in physical therapy.

Physical Therapy - Hip adjustment. Average age of a physical therapist.

Getting Accepted Into Physical Therapy School

With 25 being the average age of physical therapy student, you may wonder if you will have trouble getting accepted if you are older. While physical therapy is a competitive field, and many schools are choosy when it comes to acceptance, you shouldn’t worry about it.

Keeping a high GPA is one tip, but it is also important to show that you are committed to your goals and to be participating in the physical therapy community. Join organizations, attend conferences and begin networking in the field. Search out the best schools for physical therapy and begin applying right now.

Are You Too Young For Physical Therapy School?

The average age of physical therapy student is 25, but you are just out of high school. You are in the process of getting your undergraduate degree and you are thinking of a career in physical therapy. Should you commit to this track of study, or are you too young to decide to pursue this career?

There are so many things that make physical therapy a rewarding career with so many possibilities. There is a lot of versatility in the field, and opportunities for you to explore multiple settings within the field. You may wish to pursue sports physical therapy and work with athletes, or you may prefer to work with children.

You can get jobs in hospitals, private clinics, gyms, schools and more. You may wish to change your focus at some point in your career. You can do this. Physical therapists earn a good salary and are in demand worldwide.

It’s important to find the best physical therapy schools and begin applying if you choose this career. Whether you are 21 or 41, now is the best time to take control of your life and your career. And, if you are in your forties, don’t let the average age of physical therapy student turn you off, you can get started today.