1. High School Education

High School Education
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Your high school education is the foundation for the rest of your physical therapy career. The classes you take will pave the way for the rest of your life. As you might have expected, you will need a strong base in science. However that’s not the only thing that you'll need. You will also need computer literacy skills, an understanding of english and psychology. Your sciences should include an understanding of physics, chemistry, biology, and anatomy.

Physics:
Physics is needed in physical therapy mainly to understand the stress that different forces and torques put on the body, and how they affect it. However, on the side, it is used to understand the electrical properties of electrical modalities. Electrical modalities are one way therapists treat muscles. They stimulate the muscles by sending electric pulses through wires.

Chemistry:
Chemistry is needed because almost every process in the body is a chemical reaction, and a physical therapist needs to understand those reactions in order to understand the root of the problem he/she is treating. Chemistry is also used to understand any drugs that are prescribed, for pain, or otherwise.

Anatomy:
Anatomy is the study of the plants and animals, and their parts. Physical Therapy deals with the parts, specifically the musculoskeleton system of humans. Anatomy is needed to understand the basics of the human body, and said system.

Biology:
Biology goes hand in hand with anatomy. It is used to understand the basic functions and some of the reactions that go on within the body. Advanced biology can go on into muscle biology, which specializes in studying the muscles and the musculoskeleton system.

English:
Believe it or not, you will need some intermediate to advanced english. Whether it is understanding technical medical books, or learning all the proper medical terms, some kind of english will help.

Computer Literacy:
Many colleges make meeting computer literacy standards mandatory for their post-professional Graduate Programs. Getting acquainted with computers during your high school years would be a tremendous help.

Psychology:
In the physical therapy field, you will have to deal with hundreds of people during your career. Psychology is the scientific study of humans and their behavior. Understanding how certain people will react to certain situations, or treatments is key. You will be able to better treat individuals.

Well, that's the basics you need to take in high school. The next section will detail internships.
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