Physical Therapy

Overview

Physical therapy programs prepare people to work with patients who have physical pain or limitations.

Physical therapy programs include topics such as:

Patient assessment and evaluation
Anatomy and physiology
Movement dynamics
Care plan development
Physical therapy modalities
Rehabilitation psychology
Professional standards and ethics

Schools

Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in physical therapy. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in physical therapy. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Many universities offer graduate degrees in physical therapy. It is possible to enter a doctoral program in physical therapy after earning a bachelor’s degree. A doctoral (DPT) degree in physical therapy typically takes three years of full-time study after the bachelor’s degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Volunteer or professional experience related to physical therapy
Courses in biology, chemistry, social sciences, physics, and physiology

Typical Course Work

Graduate Program Courses

This graduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Anatomy
Assessment, Examinations, and Treatment
Biomechanics
Chemistry
Human Biology
Human Growth and Development
Manifestations of Disease
Neurology
Physics
Therapeutic Procedures

In addition, depending on your interests, you can take courses in other areas such as:

Cardiopulmonary Systems
Geriatrics
Neuroanatomy
Orthopedics
Pediatrics
Sports Medicine

Physical therapy programs require you to participate in several clinical and laboratory rotations. This means that you work and study in hospitals, clinics, and other medical centers under the supervision of professors and licensed physical therapists. Students continue learning about human biology, injury, and illness while also practicing the skills and techniques of physical therapy. This usually includes observing therapists working with patients, creating treatment plans, and working directly with patients themselves.

Things to Know

All physical therapists are required to become licensed to practice and treat patients. You must graduate from an accredited physical therapy program and pass a national exam.

The physical therapy field is moving toward phasing out the master's degree training option.