Physical therapists are practitioners who help people recover from and prevent injuries and illnesses, such as back pain, arthritis and disabilities. They study anatomy and physiology, perform tests on patients and provide recommendations based on their findings.
Physical therapists are highly trained professionals with bachelor's degrees from accredited colleges or universities. Modules of study include courses in anatomy, kinesiology, physiology and pathology - all necessary for understanding the body and its systems. Because of this education, many physical therapists choose to complete master's programs in addition to their bachelor's degree.
Physical therapists work in a wide range of settings, from hospitals to physical therapy clinics to private practices.
Physical therapists can have flexible schedules, so they're typically available during regular business hours.
A growing number of physicians are also entering the field with an emphasis on primary care rather than specialized care. Physical therapy is a fast-growing and highly competitive field that offers a wide range of employment options.
Becoming a physical therapist is not easy. While the good news is that there are a variety of different programs, the bad news is that they are all very competitive and each requires a significant time commitment to complete.
