Their careers don’t sit still either.
For those set on this field, knowing how to become a physical therapist is just a starting point. In this blog, we’ll also examine the daily responsibilities and the potential salary it brings so you can decide if it really is your dream job.
What is a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists, or PTs, help hurt and ill people of all ages regain mobility and manage pain.
You design programs that utilize stretching, exercise, and specialized equipment to:
- Improve range of motion
- Enhance balance
- Speed recovery
- Prevent future issues
- Relieve symptoms
PTs often work with injured athletes. They also treat individuals experiencing common and long-term conditions such as:
- Back and neck pain
- Arthritis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Ligament tears
- TMJ
- Spinal cord injuries
- Cerebral palsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- And concussions
Where Do Physical Therapists Work
You can work in a variety of settings.
The majority of PTs practice in outpatient clinics and hospitals, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Regardless of the environment, you will be on your feet for much of the day. Physical therapists lift and move patients to restore function, which can be tiring.
Most PTs work a Monday-to-Friday schedule. If you practice at an outpatient clinic, it could require evening hours. An inpatient setting may bring weekend shifts.
How Much Do Physical Therapists Make
The average physical therapist earns $101,020 annually.
Your salary will depend on a variety of factors, including:
- Position
- Years of experience
- Geographic location
- Practice setting
For example, a PT who works in home healthcare makes about $13,000 more each year than one who practices in an outpatient clinic.
There will be an increased need for physical therapists within the next decade.
The BLS projects the number of open positions to rise 11 percent through 2034, much faster than the average for other careers.
This demand comes from a growing older adult population and prevalence of chronic conditions.
Step by Step: How to Become a Physical Therapist
You can become a PT in six to seven years. Once you decide it’s a career for you, follow these steps.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
Pick a field-relevant major, such as:
- Kinesiology
- Exercise science
- Health science
- Biology
These undergraduate degrees help you take the courses many Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs require for admission.
You can also earn these prerequisites through Portage Learning. The accredited institution offers online college courses that can be completed on a self-directed schedule. Portage Learning offers:
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II with Lab
- Biology I and II
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Introduction to Statistics
- Abnormal Psychology
Tuition is significantly less than the average four-year public university charges in-state residents, and includes all text and video materials needed. -
Complete a DPT program
You will need to attain a DPT degree from an accredited institution.
They typically last three years.
When choosing where to advance your education consider:
- The costs and financial aid opportunities
- Program curriculum and setting
- Clinical education opportunities
PTs do not hold the same doctorate degree as medical doctors or doctors of osteopathy. Therefore, they cannot diagnose health conditions, prescribe medicine, or perform surgeries.
Alternatively, you could attend an accelerated program. It combines your schooling into six total years. The format entails three years of specific pre-professional undergraduate courses. Then you advance into the three-year DPT program. - Take the National Physical Therapist Examination (NPTE)
After graduation, you will need to pass a qualifying test administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. -
Obtain state licensure and certifications
Once you receive a passing score, you can apply for licensure.
Requirements vary by state. For example, in some, you may need to take a law exam to obtain it.
Some physical therapists become board-certified specialists. You can choose from a variety of clinical areas such as:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatrics
- Geriatrics
- Oncology
Certification requires at least 2,000 hours of work experience and passing an exam. -
Start practicing
Employ the skills you spent years perfecting.
Apply to roles that align with your career goals and polish your resume and cover letter. Make a powerful impression by preparing for your interview.
Once you land a position, seek feedback and build strong relationships with colleagues and patients. Success doesn’t stop when you leave the classroom.
Your Physical Therapy Career
More than 250 careers exist in the medical field.
But only one blends movement and connection with dynamic opportunities: physical therapy.
As a PT, you’ll gain professional strength and confidence and help patients get theirs back — a rewarding, impactful cycle.
(Take asynchronous, online prerequisite courses through Portage Learning to get into a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Credits earned transfer to more than 2,800 institutions nationwide, helping you move toward your goal of becoming a physical therapist.)
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