Physical therapists' duties include examination of the patient and devising a strategy and routine for rehabilitation that will decrease pain, work against permanent disability and restore function to the affected area. PTs also work to prevent the loss of mobility by engaging patients in an active, wellness-oriented living and exercise plan. Schooling prepares PTs by instructing students on diagnosis procedures, bedside manner and exercise implementation.
State laws govern the practice of physical therapy. Therapists need to be licensed in their state. This usually requires a minimum of a master's degree and passing marks on state and national exams, such as The National Physical Therapy Examination.
There used to be undergraduate physical therapy programs that prepared students to enter the field, but in the late 1990s, schools phased that practice out, according to Education-Portal.com. Instead, PTs are encouraged to pursue a bachelor's degree in a related field such as biology. Some schools offer a biology degree with a focus on preparing students for PT master's work, but it is not a PT degree in name. Undergraduate work includes classes in chemistry, biology, physics, microbiology, anatomy and physiology.
A Master of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited school usually takes two years to complete. Early on, the programs consist of coursework and research. Courses can include methods of rehabilitation, psychosocial issues, neurological physical therapy and physical therapy management. As the students goes along in the program, they begin taking clinical experience field courses. Here they get real-world experience (while being supervised by a licensed therapist) diagnosing ailments, communicating with patients and dealing with specialty body types such as the elderly and children.
The American Physical Therapy Association is the group that assigns accreditation to schools' physical therapist programs. Once they have approved an educational institution, a graduate of that program may apply for a physical therapy license from their state. There may be more training in store. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "A number of States require continuing education as a condition of maintaining licensure."
Physical therapy is a fast growing field. A 2008 survey of physical therapists found that their salaries ranged from $77,630 to $71,400, with the highest-earning group being PTs working at home health care services, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.