Physical therapy is an important health-related profession that requires many years of intensive study and training. Schools across the U.S. offer undergraduate and graduate programs in physical therapy, admission to which is quite competitive. Students keen on pursuing a bachelors or masters degree in physical therapy are advised to take courses in subjects like anatomy, biology, chemistry, and physics. Several schools also require an applicant to have done some physical therapy volunteer work.

Once admitted to a physical therapy program, a student is expected to start with basic science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics. In time, specialized courses such as biomechanics, neuroanatomy, human growth and development, examination techniques, and therapeutic procedures are introduced. While students receive adequate classroom and laboratory instruction, they are also exposed to a fair amount of supervised clinical experience. A physical therapist is also expected to develop compassion and strong interpersonal skills in order to educate patients and their families about treatments.

On graduating from an accredited physical therapist educational program, a physical therapist cannot practice anywhere in the U.S. until he passes a licensure exam. Experienced physical therapists may also take an exam to earn board certification in sub-specialty areas, namely cardiovascular and pulmonary, clinical electro physiologic, geriatric, neurologic, orthopedic, pediatric, and sports physical therapy. Physical therapists are required to regularly update their skills by attending workshops and continuing education courses. Several states require physical therapists to continue their education as a condition to maintaining their licenses.

Demand for physical therapy continues to grow, and a qualified physical therapist will find good job opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, fitness centers, and rehabilitation centers. Apart from helping to rehabilitate victims of debilitating disorders and diseases, physical therapists can work in related fields as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and recreational therapists, among others.

A skilled physical therapist can use his training and experience to bring relief to many, and more and more people are taking the opportunity to make a career in a field that can change lives.