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Even in a difficult economic climate, the future is bright for physical therapists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the healthcare industry is one of the nation's largest and fastest growing fields and physical therapists are on trend. In fact, physical therapists were ranked among the 30 fastest growing careers in the country in 2008. Here's your guide to how to become a physical therapist, including education and licensing requirements.
What do Physical Therapists Do?
In short, physical therapists assess and treat people with conditions or injuries that limit movement or the performance of functional activities. They do this by:
Physical therapists typically work in hospitals, outpatient clinics and private offices, though some visit patients in their homes.
Physical Therapy vs. Occupational Therapy
There is a great deal of overlap between physical therapy and occupational therapy, leaving many to wonder what the difference is between the two fields. In general, physical therapists help patients achieve or restore strength, mobility and fitness, focusing on balance and movement. Occupational therapists help patients perform basic day-to-day tasks to maintain independence. Where a physical therapist might help you walk following an injury, an occupational therapist will teach you new methods for getting out of bed or bathing.
What are the Steps to Becoming a Physical Therapist?
Physical therapy requires extensive knowledge of injuries, conditions and disabilities that cause physical pain or impair movement. This requires a great deal of medical knowledge and an understanding of medical or technological advancements affecting the field. For this reason, physical therapists don't just benefit from education--it's a requirement for licensure.
Physical therapists are required by law to have earned a post-baccalaureate degree in physical therapy. In other words, to become a physical therapist, you must earn a master's degree or doctoral degree in addition to a bachelor's degree. Physical therapy programs must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) in order to apply to licensure, so be certain your potential school meets the appropriate requirements.
Typical Physical Therapy Classes
Physical therapy degree programs require both classroom and laboratory instruction in addition to clinical hours. Undergraduates should pay special attention in their science and math courses. Physical therapy master's and doctoral degree programs typically include instruction in the following:
How to Become Licensed as a Physical Therapist
According to the BLS, all states require physical therapists to obtain licensure to practice. Licensure requirements vary from one state to the next, but all require physical therapists to earn at least a master's degree from an accredited physical therapy school and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination. Additionally, you may need to meet additional state-specific requirements. Continuing education units (CEUs) in physical therapy are mandatory for maintaining your license--a requirement designed to keep physical therapists up to speed on advances in knowledge or technology affecting the field.
Some physical therapists choose to undergo voluntary board certification to improve their employment and earning potential. Physical therapy certification is a function of the American Physical Therapy Association and requires applicants to meet certain education criteria and pass intensive exams. Specialist certification is available in a number of areas, including:
While most physical therapy degree-holders intent to become physical therapists, there are additional career paths available to them. Academia is a popular alternative, as is research and development.
Career Outlook for Physical Therapists
According to a May 2009 report by the BLS, a physical therapist’s average annual salary was $76,220 with the middle 50 percent earning between $62,270 and $87,940. Earnings were best for physical therapists working with consulting or home health care services.
Physical therapy is a booming field, which is great news for future physical therapy graduates. According to the BLS, physical therapy careers are expected to grow by 30 percent between 2008 and 2018--much faster than the average for all professions. Factors contributing to this demand include a growing elderly population as well as medical or technological advances that improve mortality rates. The Disabilities Education Act also ensures stable employment as this legislation guarantees student access to physical therapy services in public schools.
While prospects are great for physical therapists across the board, those working in acute hospital, skilled nursing or orthopedic settings with a large elderly clientele should fare best. Those serving rural communities are also in high demand.
Resources for Physical Therapists
These schools offer particularly quick info upon request, and we have written detailed profiles for each (click school names to see the profiles).
Request info from multiple schools, by clicking the Get Info links.
| School | Locations | Degrees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashworth College | Online | Diploma | |
| Brown Mackie College | AZ, GA, IA, ID, IN, KS, KY, MO, NM, OH, OK, SC | Associate | |
| Carrington College | AZ | Certificate | |
| ECPI University | VA | Associate | |
| Everest College | ON | Diploma | |
| Hesser College | NH | Associate | |
| Kaplan Career Institute | PA | Associate | |
| Kaplan College KHE | CA | Diploma | |
| Keiser University Campus | FL | Associate | |
| Medical Careers Institute | VA | Associate | |
| New England Institute of Technology | RI | Associate | |
| Sanford Brown College | MO | Associate | |
| South University Campus | AL, FL, GA | Associate | |
| Stratford Career Institute | Online | Diploma |
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