Many of the online physical therapy degrees available offer similar courses in an attempt to educate all physical therapists across the nation to the same standards. These courses include medical records, physical therapy modalities, trends in occupational therapy, the role of physical therapists in patient recovery, treatment methods, communication with patients, patient preparation, working with children and their families, and common physical disorders.
Online physiotherapy degrees are offered at many levels of education, which means the length of time they take to complete will vary significantly. The online master of occupational therapy degree at the Arizona School of Health Sciences is estimated to take two years to complete if the student studies full time. The Stratford Career Institute allows students to complete its physical therapy aide online program in as little as six months or as long as two years.
Depending on the level of online degree students pursue, there may be prerequisites that must be met before enrolling. A master of physical therapy degree will require a bachelor degree in a similar field, and usually some practical experience working in a clinic. In order to get this bachelor's degree, students must have a high school diploma and good grades in high school. An associate's degree or certificate may not have any prerequisites.
The benefits of taking an online physiotherapy degree program include flexible schedules and due dates, self-paced learning, interactive education and location. Courses are often offered on a monthly basis, meaning that students can enroll whenever it works for them. Many programs require that students submit assignments and tests by the end-date of the course so that they can complete them on their own schedules. Chat rooms, message boards and email are all methods of communication in an online course, which allows even more flexibility. And because students can study from their own homes, they do not have to worry about lengthy commutes or paying for car expenses, such as insurance and gas.
After completing an online degree in physiotherapy, students will achieve several outcomes. These include proper knowledge of human anatomy and physical conditions, as well as more intangible outcomes like the ability to communicate compassionately with patients.
Career outcomes include preparation for a vibrant career in a clinic or private physical therapy office and the ability to provide therapeutic relief to patients. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a physical therapist can expect to earn $72,790 per year on average, while a physical therapist assistant can expect to earn $46,140 per year on average.