Physical therapists are health care providers who detect, diagnose, and treat a patients’ movement related and/or functional conditions, illnesses, or injuries. Physical therapists devise treatment plans to promote wellness and movement while reducing pain and restoring function for patients of all ages from newborns to the elderly. Physical therapists also assist in preventing disabilities or loss of mobility by helping patients devise fitness and wellness based plans to lead healthier, active lives. Physical therapists provide services to those who have suffered a multitude of injuries or developmental issues, including back and neck injuries, sprains or strains, fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations, sports or work related injuries, and even people who have suffered from a stroke. Physical therapists also treat people living with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and a multitude of other physical or developmental problems.

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Individuals who would like to become physical therapists must have certain personality qualities in order to succeed professionally. Individuals must be detail oriented and prepared for a lengthy educational process as most physical therapists are required to possess a masters degree or higher. Future physical therapists must be agile and physically fit to meet the demands of lifting, stooping, kneeling, or standing for long time periods as well as move heavy equipment or lift patients to help them move, turn, walk, or stand. Additionally, individuals with career goals to be a physical therapist must also have strong interpersonal and leadership skills combined with an innate compassion or sympathy toward people facing various disabilities or injuries.

Students interested in becoming physical therapists can prepare while in high school. Studying physical education, biology, physics, physical education, mathematics, psychology, and communications allow students to prepare for higher degree courses. Students who work or volunteer within a health care facility, nursing home, or physical therapist’s office may increase their chances of acceptance into a traditional or online college degree program accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education.

An associates degree program provides students with an educational foundation to meet career goals as a physical therapist. Students learn the theory and practice of physical therapy in addition to basic medical science and general education classes. First year students generally participate in core courses like English, social science, and mathematics. Second year students further specialize training in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physic, psychology, and clinical experience. During clinical training, students are required to become certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid while gaining “hands on” training at various treatment centers under the supervision of a registered physical therapist. Students who successfully complete an associate degree training program in physical therapy and meet certification requirements administered by the National Physical Therapy Examination as well as state determined licensing regulations. After completing educational and licensing requirements, candidates are then qualified to work as physical therapy assistants or continue on to advanced degrees.

A bachelor degree program expands educational training and opens career doors for those seeking employment in the field of physical therapy. Most bachelor degree programs consist of core courses in information technology, biology, anatomy and physiology, physical therapy administration, and ethics. Student then specialize knowledge in courses like neuroscience, pathological physiology, analysis of dysfunction, movement dynamics, human growth and development, management of musculoskeletal disorders, clinical evaluation and measurement, client assessment and supervision, care plan develoment and documentation, physical therapy modalities, rehabilitation psychology, physical therapy administration, and professional standards and ethics. Students generally must complete a clinical experience and meet certification requirements offered by the National Physical Therapy Examination and state determined licensing (or renewal) regulations. Candidates who complete a bachelor degree program may advance to higher degrees or work as physical therapy assistants after meeting state and facility determined licensing requirements.

A master degree program in physical therapy allows individuals to specialize educational training. Graduate courses in physical therapy prepare students through the combination of intensive study, internship, and licensure. Master degree programs allow students to refine training in various aspects of physical therapy including musculoskeletal manual therapy or neurological therapy. Master degree courses include physiology, electrotherapy, kinesiology, biomechanics, medical imaging, patient care techniques, and professional ethics. An internship under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist allows students to certify through to the National Physical Therapy Examination. Following certification, graduates may work as physical therapists, advancing to higher positions in the field of physical therapy with job experience, or to a higher doctoral degree.

Attaining a doctoral degree is the final step to become experts in the field of physical therapy. Doctoral students choose to specialize training as physical therapists with a professional (for those entering the field), transitional (allowing “clinical augmentation” for those with masters degrees working as physical therapists), or advanced (to further specialize training for individuals already employed as physical therapists) clinical physical therapy program. Doctoral students participate in courses like: human growth and development, therapeutic procedures and techniques, neuroanatomy, human and clinical anatomy, palpation, physical therapist interventions, neuroscience, pathology, movement science, diagnostic imaging, musculoskeletal practice management, primary care practice, and health promotion and injury prevention. Doctoral students must complete a clinical experience in addition to a publishable dissertation. Doctoral students also most fulfill licensing requirements, as determined by state or facility regulations, administered by the American Physical Therapy Association. Successfully passing the National Physical Therapy Examination after meeting educational and internship requirements allows candidates to work in private practices or health care centers as physical therapists, researchers at universities, or as professional instructors.