Physical Therapist (DPT)

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Physical Therapist (DPT)

$102,760 · BLS median

An aging population and rehab demand mean strong job security (+12%), especially in underserved areas. A doctoral clinical career with real autonomy.

PHYSICAL THERAPY 1 Bachelor's 2 DPT 3 NPTE → license 4 Practice · $103K 5 Specialize / own clinic
Gold = credential gate. Each turn: more skill → more pay → the next step.
  1. 1
    Bachelor's + prerequisites
    A bachelor's with science prereqs for DPT admission.
    ◆ GMA Academy — science prep
  2. 2
    Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
    A 3-year DPT program (clinical + academic).
    ◆ GMA mentor
  3. 3
    Pass the NPTE → licensed
    The NPTE national exam + state licensure.
  4. 4
    Practice · $103K (+12% growth)
    Treat injury and mobility; strong security, esp. rural/underserved.
  5. 5
    Board specialty or own a clinic
    A residency/board cert (ortho, neuro) or clinic ownership raises pay.

The flywheel: the DPT + license is the one gate; after that, board specialties and clinic ownership steadily raise your role, pay, and independence.

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