Physical Therapy Degree Program and Career Education

Physical therapists are health care professionals whose goal is to improve the overall physical functionality of their patients. This can include enhancing their muscle strength, functional ability, flexibility, endurance, mobility, or all of the above. Physical therapists also work to relieve pain, prevent or reverse muscular degeneration and atrophy, and to restore independence in their patients. They can accomplish these goals using a variety of methods, including guided exercise, massage, or dance, among others.

Physical therapists often practice in conjunction with, or by referral from, a variety of other health care professionals, including doctors and nurses, social workers and educators, and other therapists in related disciplines, such as occupational therapists, and speech and hearing therapists.

Education, Training and Degrees in Physical Therapy

According to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, physical therapists are required to possess a master's degree from an accredited physical therapist educational program before they are allowed to practice. The American Physical Therapy Association reports that in 2004, there were 205 accredited physical therapist programs in colleges and universities in the U.S. 94 offered master's degrees and 111 offered doctoral degrees. All states require a licensure exam before entering into practice, although specific regulations vary from state to state.

Explore Career Opportunities in Physical Therapy

Numerous career opportunities are available in the field of physical therapy. Below are more details concerning careers within this field.

Physical Therapist
Physical therapists are health care professionals whose goal is to improve the overall physical functionality of their patients. This can include enhancing their muscle strength, functional ability, flexibility, endurance, mobility, or all of the above. Physical therapists also work to relieve pain, prevent or reverse muscular degeneration and atrophy, and to restore independence in their patients.

Physical Therapist Assistant and Physical Therapist Aide
Physical therapist assistants (PTA) and physical therapist aides work with, and under the supervision of, a licensed physical therapist. Their responsibilities consist primarily of performing routine support tasks as directed by the therapist, whose goal is to improve the overall physical functionality of their patients.

Dance/Movement Therapist
Dance/movement therapy is a creative arts therapy in which expressive movement is used to integrate the individual's mind, body and emotions. The American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) reports that there are about 1,300 dance/movement therapists in 46 states and 41 foreign countries. With a master's degree and licensing, the student can earn a DTR (Dance Therapist Registered) and practice dance/movement therapy. To teach or open a private practice, an ADTR (Academy of Dance Therapists Registered) license is required.

Kinesiotherapist
Under the supervision of a physician, the kinesiotherapist provides therapeutic and rehabilitative exercise to increase the strength, mobility, flexibility and endurance of individuals with functional physical limitations.

Massage Therapist
Research has indicated that a massage can reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, increase circulation and improve range of motion, as well as other benefits. Training, licensing and certification vary from state to state.

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