Physical Therapy Schools

• Teaching patients exercises to reduce pain
• Using cold and hot therapies to deal with sprains and other muscular and joint problems
• Improving movement for those with physical impairments
• Teaching patients how to adapt and use prosthetic devices

Depending on their field of expertise, physical therapists can work in a variety of settings, including:

• Clinics
• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation centers
• Athletic facilities
• Senior care centers (both inpatient and outpatient)
• Sport centers
• Universities and academic centers, for those who have a knack for teaching

Depending on the setting, physical therapists may work closely with physicians or other medical professionals to design an appropriate treatment course, or they can work on their own with patients referred by general practitioners, a common occurrence for minor injuries.

Types of Physical Therapy Degrees

The type of degree obtained has an influence on the career options available.

Those who graduate with a Bachelor's in Physical Therapy and pass the appropriate state licensing exams will be qualified to work in almost any setting mentioned above, depending on his experience and inclination.

Students who graduate with an Associate's of Applied Sciences or from a Physical Therapist Assistant Training program will be qualified to work as PTAs (physical therapist assistants), under the guidance of licensed professionals. Many PTA programs are available online, which makes the option a great first stop for those who want to get started in the field, but cannot afford the time and expense to get into college full-time

Physical therapists with a Master's degree or a doctorate often work with professional sports teams, helping players prepare for games, and making sure injuries, even the smallest ones, are addressed quickly and effectively. Others specialize in a field that requires further education, such as orthopedic, geriatrics, or childhood rehabilitation. Acute care, which is given both to patients coming out of a serious accident or surgery and to those with a serious chronic problem (such as paralysis), is also a popular area of specialization for those with a higher degree.

Work Environment

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the U.S. Department of Labor, 60% of physical therapists work in clinical settings, mostly hospitals, and private rehabilitation centers, or therapy offices. A few work as freelancers or independent contractors, visiting private clients or offering part-time help to more than one place. The rest work in nursing care facilities or sport rehabilitation centers, with an emphasis on helping people recover from repetitive stress injuries or other common problems.

A growing number of physical therapists work in home health agencies, visiting patients directly in their homes to help them with rehabilitation or ongoing treatment. This is a common option for the elderly or for those with chronic debilitating diseases that keep them at home or make it difficult for them to travel back and forth to a traditional clinical facility.