A physical therapist or physiotherapist is a licensed healthcare professional who treats, manages, and prevents injuries, diseases, and other medical conditions through physical rehabilitation exercises and techniques without using drugs or surgery. Also known as PTs for short, physical therapists play a critical role in helping patients recover from injuries, regain mobility after accidents or surgeries, manage pain, and improve overall physical function. Some common conditions treated by PTs include musculoskeletal injuries, stroke, spinal cord injuries, arthritis, and more.
A physical therapist works closely with patients, doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. Their goal is to enhance patient mobility, manage pain, prevent disabilities, and improve the overall quality of life through physical means like therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, electrotherapy, and patient education. Physical therapists work in various settings like private practices, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, sports facilities, and more.
Educational requirements to become a physical therapist
The educational path to becoming a licensed physical therapist is long but rewarding. Here are the typical education and training steps required:
Complete a Bachelor’s degree
The prerequisite to enter a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is completing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. A major in exercise science, kinesiology, or other health-related fields is preferred but not required. Common bachelor’s degrees of PT students include biology, psychology, and other science-focused majors.
Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree
All physiotherapy education programs in the U.S. now award the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree as the entry-level professional degree. DPT programs typically last 3 years and are available at the graduate level only.
Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE)
After graduating with a DPT, the next vital step is passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to become a licensed physical therapist. This computer-based exam tests students on their clinical knowledge and standards of practice. It consists of both multiple-choice and case-study questions.
Maintaining a first-time pass rate of around 90%, the NPTE ensures new physical therapists have the required knowledge and competence before practicing independently. Licensure is granted by the physical therapy licensing board in the state where the PT intends to work.
Career options and specializations for physical therapists
Physical therapists have various career options in physiotherapy after becoming licensed. They can work in private outpatient orthopedic clinics, hospitals, home health, sports medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics, neurology, academia, and research. Private outpatient orthopedic clinics treat various conditions, while hospitals focus on patients recovering from surgeries or neurological events.
Home health therapists visit patients unable to attend clinics due to disabilities or advanced age, offering independence and flexibility. Sports medicine focuses on rehabilitating injured athletes and preventing future injuries. Pediatrics treats infants, children, and adolescents with developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and limb differences. Geriatrics focuses on seniors, helping them maintain mobility and function independently.
Neurology focuses on treating conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injuries. Physical therapists can also pursue teaching careers, becoming faculty at PT programs or teaching in doctoral programs. Researchers can advance their careers in physical therapy research, participating in clinical trials, publishing studies, and working towards a post-professional clinical doctorate.
