Bachelor's degree in physical therapy
A bachelor's degree in physical therapy typically takes four years to complete and covers a wide range of topics, including:
* Anatomy and physiology
* Biomechanics
* Kinesiology
* Exercise physiology
* Pharmacology
* Patient care
* Research methods
PTA program
After earning a bachelor's degree, physical therapists are required to complete a PTA program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges or technical schools and take two years to complete. They cover the following topics:
* Clinical skills
* Patient care
* Documentation
* Ethical issues
* Professional development
Licensing and certification
In order to practice, physical therapists must be licensed by the state in which they work. Licensure requirements vary from state to state, but typically include passing a national exam. Physical therapists may also choose to become certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
Continuing education
Physical therapists are required to complete continuing education credits in order to maintain their license. This helps to ensure that they stay up-to-date on the latest research and best practices.
Salary and job outlook
Physical therapists earn a median annual salary of $89,410. The job outlook for physical therapists is expected to grow by 18% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.