Physical Therapist
Restore Human Movement
Guide Patient Recovery
Rebuild Physical Strength
Undergraduate
Graduate
No degrees available
Post-Graduate
Doctor of Physical Therapy
This is the educational pathway. There may be additional tests or licensure requirements necessary before begining to practice in the field. Consult your state guidelines for more. information.
Popular Titles
Core Areas of Impact
Is this career right for you?
What is the role of a physical therapist?
A physical therapist evaluates and treats individuals with injuries, illnesses, or physical limitations to improve movement, reduce pain, and restore physical function.
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day includes evaluating patients, developing rehabilitation plans, guiding therapeutic exercises, monitoring recovery progress, and adjusting treatment plans.
Where do physical therapists work?
Physical therapists work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, sports medicine practices, nursing facilities, and home health settings.
What is the difference between an occupational therapist and a physical therapist?
Both professionals help patients recover after injury, illness, or disability, but their focus is different. Physical therapists concentrate on improving strength, movement, balance, and overall physical mobility. Occupational therapists focus on helping patients perform daily activities such as dressing, writing, cooking, or returning to work by improving functional skills and adapting environments when necessary.
What are the common job titles and career paths?
Common roles include Clinical Physical Therapist and Sports Physical Therapist. Career paths may lead to specialized rehabilitation practice, leadership roles within therapy departments, or clinic ownership.
Who is this career a good fit for?
This career suits individuals who enjoy working with people, understand human anatomy and movement, and want to help patients recover physically after injury or illness.
What are the biggest rewards of this career?
Rewards include meaningful patient outcomes, strong job demand, active work environments, and opportunities to specialize in areas such as sports medicine or neurological rehabilitation.
What does long-term growth look like?
Long-term growth may include specialization, leadership in rehabilitation programs, advanced certifications, or ownership of private therapy clinics.
What is the educational pathway to become a physical therapist?
To become a physical therapist, you must complete prerequisite undergraduate coursework, earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited program, complete clinical training, and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination to obtain state licensure.
Sara Schenirer offers a BA in Psychology – Pre-Med Track, which includes the common science prerequisites required for admission into Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. This undergraduate pathway prepares students academically for graduate-level physical therapy training.
The standard pathway includes completion of prerequisite coursework, graduation from an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy program, clinical training, and state licensure.
