Job Responsibilities and Career Options for Physical Therapy

Physical therapy degree programs prepare students to work with patients with disabling conditions to help restore or maintain function. For example, as a physical therapist you could work with a car accident victim to regain motor functions after breaking a leg or you could work with a child who has cerebral palsy to stay as mobile as possible for as long as possible. If you’re interested in this kind of career, take a moment to learn about the options you have for job positions, education, and more.

Physical Therapy Job Responsibilities

Your daily tasks as a physical therapist will depend on the type of position you take after you graduate. Some physical therapists work with a certain kind of patient (such as children or senior citizens), while others work with all types of patients but instead concentration on a specific medical condition or type of movement problem. Most physical therapists see a number of patients every day, and these patients may have different skill levels or be at different stages in the recovery process. You’ll help them with exercises that will promote healing, as well as educate them on what they can do at home to continue restoring their health or remaining as mobile as possible.

Physical Therapist Careers

Most physical therapists work at a medical facilities, such as a hospital or private practice, to see patients, but this is not your only career option. you could also work at a school, providing physical education to disabled students, or become a researcher, working to develop new treatment options for patients with specific problems. As you gain experience as a physical therapist, you could also become a manager, director, or partner at a healthcare facility, an you also have the option of going back to school to get a doctorate degree and become an administrator or educator in this field.

Physical Therapist Education

In order to work as a physical therapist, you must complete at least a master’s degree program in this field, as well as pass the state licensing examination. Your classes will cover topics such as healthcare ethics, biology, physics, human growth and development, examination, and more, and in order to keep your license, you’ll have to complete state-approved physical therapist continuing education.

Top Online Master's and Doctorate Degrees in Physical Therapy

The American Physical Therapy Association's accredited body — the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) — accredits entry-level academic programs in physical therapy. Of the 212 accredited physical therapist education programs, 12 awarded master's degrees, and 200 awarded doctoral degrees in 2009. Master's degree programs are typically 2 to 2.5 years in length, while doctoral programs are 3 years.

Physical therapy education programs include foundational science courses, such as biology, exercise physiology, neuroscience, pathology, and radiology/imaging. Some of the clinically-based courses include medical screening, examination tests and measures, diagnostic process, therapeutic interventions, outcomes assessment, and practice management. In addition to classroom and lab instruction, students also receive supervised clinical experience.

Doctor of Physical Therapy	Utica College – The Utica College Transitional Doctorate in physical therapy degree covers a variety of topics, including Foundations of Autonomous Practice, Prevention and Wellness, Diagnostic Imaging, Pharmacology and Pathophysiology, and Global Health Care Issues. The degree is designed for licensed physical therapy professionals with BS/MS degree credentials.
Doctor of Physical Therapy	A.T. Still University of Health Sciences – The Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy program at A.T. Still University of Health Sciences is built for professionals that are practicing physical therapists. The curriculum includes courses in pharmacology, radiology, evidence-based practice, and differential diagnosis.
MS: Rehab Science	California University of Pennsylvania – The California University of Pennsylvania offers an online MS in Exercise Science with a specialization in rehabilitation science for those interested in becoming physical therapists, PE teachers, chiropractors, personal trainers, or other health/fitness professionals. Students of this program take courses in Rehabilitation, Corrective Exercise in Rehabilitation, Corrective Exercise Program Design, and more.
Doctor of Physical Therapy	Boston University – While the Boston University Doctor of Physical Therapy program is a rigorous one, graduates are confident they received a second-to-none education at one of America's top universities. The curriculum features five academic semesters and one summer semester of coursework, plus 44 weeks of full-time clinical education that includes a six-month internship.
MA: Vision Rehab Therapy	University of Massachusetts – The University of Massachusetts MA in vision rehabilitation therapy program is built for individuals who have a passion for serving adult populations who are visually impaired. The curriculum integrates compensatory skills and assistive technology, empowering you to ensure your patients live safe, productive, independent lives.
PhD: General Human Services	Capella University – The Capella University PhD in General Human Services prepares students to advance their careers in the human services and health care fields. The curriculum includes adult development, diversity, ethics, strategic planning, and the impact of today's changing health care industry on human services.
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