Student Discussion - Physical Therapy vs. AthleticTraining

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Physical Therapy vs. AthleticTraining

Printed From: CyberPT - Your Online Physical Therapy Resource
Category: Physical Therapy Professional Forum
Forum Name: Student Discussion
Forum Description: General discussion for students involving all issues dealing with physical therapy.
URL: http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=486
Printed Date: May 09 2025 at 2:50pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Physical Therapy vs. AthleticTraining

Posted By: Ask a PT
Subject: Physical Therapy vs. AthleticTraining
Date Posted: Sep 11 2009 at 12:20pm

Our user asked: "I am currently a student in an Athletic Training program. However, I am interested in Physical Therapy as well. I have an undergrad degree in physical education. I am pursuing a second undergrad degree for Athletic Training. My institution, though, offers a DPT program which I fell would be more beneficial for me seeing as I have an undergrad degree already. I am curious as a practicing PT what avenue you would think as more beneficial. If I continue in the AT program I will have 3 more years of undergrad and then 3 years for the DPT program. Just wondering what will make me more marketable or be the smartest option at this point."

Ask a PT Response: "I guess it all depends on your own personal goals. Having an ATC degree could definitely help strengthen your background especailly in the orthopedics & sports medicine realm if you were to do physical therapy later. However, it is not a requirement to become a physical therapist. You should also examine your financial and time commitment as well. If you were to pursue both the ATC and PT degrees you should to take those two factors into consideration even more. Another consideration is the financial rewards. On average physical therapists usually demand a higher salary than athletic trainers depending on setting. Hope this helps. Good luck with your decision."