How to Become a Physical Therapist?

Physical therapists (PTs) are healthcare professionals who help people recover, move better, and live pain-free lives. If you have ever wondered how to become a physical therapist, it’s easier  when you know the correct  plan of action. This career lets you make a real difference by helping patients regain strength and independence. To become a PT, you’ll need a strong education, hands-on training, a passion for helping others and a discipline for lifelong learning through physical therapy continuing education. Studies even show that the career trajectory of a physical therapist is very positive. It is likely to grow by 14% in the coming decade.  

Ready to discover how to turn your interest in physical therapy into a fulfilling career? Let’s dive in and explore the path to becoming a licensed physical therapist! 

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What is a Physical Therapist?

A physical therapist (PT) is a healthcare professional who helps your body move and work better. They focus on improving strength, flexibility, and overall mobility. Physical therapy depends on your condition and the body part that needs treatment.

You may need physical therapy after an injury or illness, like back pain, neck pain, a stroke, or a spinal cord injury. PTs create personalized plans to reduce pain and improve movement. They also guide you through hands-on techniques like:

• Stretching, 

• Massage,

• Heat or cold therapy,

• Strength training.

Physical therapists can further gain specialization in various fields through physical therapy continuing education to upscale their abilities. The prominent ones include: 

• Oncology (Cancer)

• Cardiovascular (heart)

• Pulmonology (lungs)

• Geriatrics (elderly health)

• Orthopedics (bones and joints)

• Neurology (brain)

• Clinical electrophysiology

• Pediatrics (children’s health)

Read More: Advanced Techniques in Physical Therapy Continuing Education Courses

What Do Physical Therapists Do?

Physical therapists help regain the mobility of patients who undergo surgeries or chronic conditions like stroke. Patients come to a physical therapist after they get a referral from doctors. Physical therapists use light therapy, some exercises, and electrical stimulation to overcome the ambulatory issues of their patients. Here are the primary roles of a physical therapist:

• Listening to the clinical history of the patient.

• Diagnosing the physical condition of the patient.

• Evaluating the dexterity like standing, walking, and other such movements of the patient.

• Making judgments about the patient's prognosis.

• Improving the mobility of patients after surgeries. 

• Developing personalized treatment plans based on the patient’s health condition and goals.

• Using different modes of therapeutic exercises like electrical stimulation machines. 

• Assisting patients to use body-supportive devices, such as a crutch or cane.

How To Become a Physical Therapist?

Though becoming a physical therapist is a rewarding career path, there are specific steps you must follow to achieve it. This includes earning a bachelor’s degree, completing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, undergoing clinical training, passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), and obtaining a state license to practice. Each of these steps in understanding how to become a physical therapist is discussed in detail as follows:

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1. Pursue a Bachelor's Degree

Firstly, you need to acquire a fundamental understanding of human anatomy and its functioning. A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is an entry-level degree for physical therapists. So, before earning this doctoral degree, you must pursue an undergraduate course with majors in related fields like biology, physics, physical therapy, and chemistry. Some other undergraduate degrees include kinesiology, exercise science, or athletic training. 

Now, you must be wondering how many years it takes to be a physical therapist. Some students can enter a "3+3 program". In this program, they can complete three years of undergraduate coursework followed by three years in a DPT program. This reduces the total time in school from seven years to six.

2. Get a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree 

After earning a bachelor's degree, the next step is to complete an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. These programs typically last three years and include classroom education, lab-based learning, and clinical training. Subjects covered in a DPT program include:

• Human Anatomy,

• Cellular histology and embryology,

• Medical diagnostic techniques like imaging and radiology,

• Behavioral sciences,

• Pathology,

• Applied physical therapy,

3. Undertake Residency (Optional)

     Although not required, completing a clinical residency can be highly beneficial. Residencies typically last about one year and provide advanced training and mentorship in a specific area of clinical practice, such as orthopedics, pediatrics, or neurology. Residency programs also offer opportunities for collaboration and professional growth under experienced physical therapists.

4. Become Board Certified (Optional)

To further enhance your credentials, you can pursue board certification through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). This process requires passing a rigorous examination and completing at least 2,000 hours of clinical experience in your chosen specialty. Specializations include sports, geriatrics, orthopedics, and more. Employers usually prefer board-certified physiotherapists as they are required to pass a stringent certification test. This solidifies your proficiency in the field. You can also take additional physical therapy continuing education courses to upskill yourself. Lifespan development.

• Ethics and patient advocacy 

• Pharmacotherapy

DPT programs also include significant hands-on clinical training under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. On average, students spend 77% of the program on coursework and lab training and 22 weeks on clinical education.

5. Get a State License to Practice as a Physiotherapist

As a legal physiotherapist, you need to hold a state license granted by the government of the state. In the US, The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) conducts the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). The exam is administered to examine the potential of the candidate to practice as a physical therapist. 

Aspiring students get the opportunity to take computer-based exams. The exam takes place three times in a calendar year. Students can prepare for the exam through tools and practice tests offered by FSBPT. 

Skills Needed to Become a Physical Therapist

If you are ready to become a physical therapist, make sure to gain both soft and hard skills relevant to the job. While some skills can be  acquired through physical therapy continuing education training, others are inherent in every individual.  Here are the important skills every physical therapist needs:

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1. Communication

Patient care involves making them feel heard and cared for. Hence, physical therapists should acquire skills to understand their patients. In return, this will help them properly explain the exercises, treatments, and movements to their patients.

2. Time Management 

While managing multiple patients in one day, physical therapists know how to manage time effectively. With proper time management, they are able to assess the needs of every patient and prioritize physical therapy continuing education (C.E.). This allows them to provide research-based treatment.

3. Compassion

Compassion is inevitable to the caregivers. Without compassion, patients never feel to be seen and heard. The job of the therapist is not just to interact with patients but also to make them feel understood. It is their job to encourage patients to stay positive about their health, even if chances are low. 

4. Attention to Details

Physical therapists should be careful regarding the condition of patients. They have to perform a variety of tasks from remembering patient's clinical history to monitoring their progress and dexterity. Thus,  good observation skills allow them to diagnose the patients better. 

5. Physical Stamina

Physical therapists usually achieve patients’ progress by performing massages, conducting stretching, and other physical exercises. Hence, they must have the physical endurance to deal with every patient with the same vigor. 

6. Physical Therapy Equipment Knowledge 

When it comes to physical therapy, the PTs tend to use some equipment for treatment. Strength-building tools like electrotherapy, exercise balls, and balance pads are necessary to provide therapeutic exercises. Hence, therapists must know the proper operations of these equipment for healthier outcomes.  

Physical Therapist Salary Outlook 

Physical therapists either practice privately or work in hospitals, schools, outpatient orthopedic clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, sports medicine clinics, and care centers. They typically have day hours, but some work settings may have evening or weekend shifts. 

The job outlook of physical therapists is positive. It is more likely to grow faster than the average growth of other job opportunities. According to the reports of BLS, the median annual salary of physiotherapists in the U.S. was approximately $99,710 in May 2023. The demand for physical therapists is mainly due to the increased aging population. They are more likely to experience strokes, heart attacks, and other illnesses requiring physical therapy.

Read More: 5 Benefits of Physical Therapy Training for Healthcare Providers

Drive Your Career toward becoming a Physical Therapist!

Now that you understand how to become a physical therapist, it’s clear that this career path offers a unique blend of science, compassion, and skill. They properly use their knowledge of human anatomy and help patients improve their quality of life. With a doctoral program, a state license, and hands-on experience, you can become a successful physical therapist. 

Moreover, this career demands up-to-date information related to industry standards and new techniques. Thus, physical therapy continuing education becomes essential to advance your career in physiotherapy. This training opens the door to better professional opportunities and novel methods to use in your work. So, take up this reputable course and build your career in physical therapy.