Therapy Degree Programs prepare people to work in various therapy fields including physical, occupational, and respiratory therapy and individuals interested in pursuing one of the many careers in therapy often wonder how to get a Therapy degree online. Since it’s such a hands-on career, is it even possible?
How To Get A Therapy Degree Online vs. On-Campus
Therapy degree programs that are offered at a campus require students to attend courses at a certain time and place. The internship and other practical training experiences are completed in close vicinity to the school. Therapy Degree Programs online enable students to complete coursework at a distance and students are able to make arrangements to finish the practical learning aspects at a facility in their local area.
Therapy programs are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels and the requirements vary greatly within each program. A bachelor’s degree in physical therapy requires students to take courses in anatomy and physiology, biology, physics, chemistry, and social sciences. The core physical therapy courses may include bio-mechanics, human growth and development, and therapeutic procedures. In contrast, a master’s degree in occupational therapy requires advanced courses and a minimum of six months of internship experiences.
Benefits Of The Top Online Therapy Programs
Online therapy degree programs offer students the convenience of completing their therapy education at their own pace and time. The courses are flexible and enable students to fit them into their busy schedule while still maintaining their current career.Students are able to access course materials at any time and have the ability to communicate with fellow therapy students from around the world. Many online therapy programs feature multimedia learning platforms that include chat, message boards, videoconferencing, and other high-tech features. Since the programs are delivered at a distance, they generally cost lest than traditional programs because students do not have to spend the time and money to commute to a specific location.
An individual seeking information about how to get a Therapy degree online should realize there are important factors to consider when looking for the best programs. First priority is ensuring the institution is accredited and most schools proudly display their accreditation on the homepage of their official website. Another important aspect to consider is ranking and many authoritative organizations, such as the U.S. News and World Report rank a wide range of institutions that offer online programs. Other important characteristics include the length of the program, online resources, class size, and financial aid. Examples of the some of the best Therapy Degree Programs online include A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, Nova Southern University, and Independence University.
Financial Aid for Therapy Programs
Many Therapy Degree Programs online participate in numerous federal and state financial aid programs that assist students in paying for the cost of tuition and other education related expenses like books and course materials. The first step to obtaining financial aid for Therapy Degree Programs is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine the eligibility for assistance. Examples of grants include the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. Additionally, students looking for how to get a therapy degree online can research the scholarships that are available such as the AOTA E.K. Wise Scholarship.