Physical Therapy Schools

There are many careers in health care from which to choose. Doctors and nurses play a vital role in diagnosing and treating patients. Recovery from illness or injury is also a vital process. Physical therapists assist patients with their recovery in regaining strength, mobility, and coordination. It is a job that requires expert knowledge; therefore, therapists are trained at physical therapy schools.

While it is possible to get a bachelor's degree in physical therapy, most degrees are professional or post-professional degrees. Most physical therapists have a DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) degree. This is a graduate degree that qualifies holders to work as physical therapists in hospitals or in private practice. A master's degree or PhD in physical therapy are often taken by working physical therapists who wish to teach or do research. The average DPT program will teach core courses in orthopedics, anatomy, and pharmacology for physical therapy. Students study techniques in rehabilitation and strength training. Since many patients are either very young or very old, students study pediatric and geriatric biology and medicine. Many courses require a practical component with students working directly with patients.

Physical therapists are in demand, primarily in the rehabilitation units of hospitals. They also work in senior facilities and communities. Many physical therapists have private clients they work with until the client has regained full strength and mobility. They also work for professional sports teams whose employees are highly susceptible to injury. The compensation for therapists is high.

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