Get The Yulys App

Highlights 

1. Physical therapists assess patients, create recovery plans, and help restore movement without surgery or medication.
2. Becoming a licensed physical therapist takes about seven years, including a DPT degree and clinical experience.
3. PTs focus on improving mobility, reducing pain, and preventing disabilities through customized treatment plans.
4. PT enhances physical movement, while OT focuses on daily tasks and holistic well-being.
5. Physical therapy is a growing field, with a 14% job growth rate and an average U.S. salary of $90,342.

Ranked as the seventh best healthcare career by U.S. News & World Report, physical therapy (PT) offers great opportunities for those who want to help improve their lives. Physical therapists treat injuries, disabilities, and other health issues with personalized exercise and hands-on rehabilitation plans.

Now, you might be thinking about how to become a physical therapist. What are the steps? Keep reading this guide as we break down the steps to becoming a physical therapist.

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

A physical therapist will assess a patient and create a recovery plan. They focus on treatments that help avoid surgery and medication. A physical therapist works to restore function and relieve pain by using a mix of exercises, stretches, hands-on techniques, and equipment.

Here are some of their key duties:

1. Assessing and evaluating patients, taking clinical histories to diagnose and address movement and dexterity problems.
2. Performing tests to identify current or potential issues with range of motion.
3. Making decisions about patient progress and referring them to other healthcare professionals when needed.
4. Helping patients improve physical and functional abilities.
5. Creating and adjusting treatment plans to improve movement, restore function, reduce pain, and prevent disabilities.
6. Preventing loss of mobility due to injury, disease, or disorders.
7. Developing fitness plans to encourage healthy, active lifestyles.
8. Setting standards for physical therapy practices and policies.
9. Discharging patients with customized therapy plans to meet their goals.

What’s the Difference Between PT and OT?

Before knowing how to become a physical therapist, you may wonder how it differs from occupational therapy (OT). 

The main difference between physical and occupational therapy is that a PT focuses on helping patients move their bodies better. In contrast, an OT helps the patient improve their ability to do everyday tasks.

Moreover, a physical therapist usually focuses on one body part, while an occupational therapist treats the whole person, including their social, emotional, and physical well-being. Physical therapy helps prevent further injury or long-term effects on a specific body area.

How to Become a Physical Therapist: 7 Steps 

While there is a clear PT career path to licensure, the timeline depends on your background, where you are in your education, and whether you can study full-time.

Here are the steps to becoming a physical therapist:

Get a Relevant Undergraduate Degree

Physical therapy education is at the doctoral level, so you’ll need a bachelor’s degree first. While many PT schools prefer degrees in related fields, having a relevant background will make you more competitive for programs that don’t require it. The good news is that physical therapy education covers various science, health, and fitness topics, giving you flexible options.

Some common majors include:

1. Kinesiology
2. Health Sciences
3. Biology
4. Physiology
5. Exercise Science

The PT degree programs often include foundational courses that speed up your journey to becoming a physical therapist since they fulfill many of the prerequisites for advanced studies.

2. Decide on the Type of Job You Want

Knowing the kind of job you want ahead of time can help you choose the right physical therapy career path and get the most out of your physical therapy program. Physical therapists work with patients of all ages with various health goals, so many specialties and settings exist to explore.

Think about the patients you’d like to work with, the conditions you’d like to treat, and the type of workplace you prefer. Common healthcare settings for physical therapists include:

1. Pediatrics
2. Neurology
3. Sports Medicine
4. Oncology
5. Geriatrics
6. Cardiovascular Care

3. Get a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree

To become a physical therapist, you must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. While all accredited DPT programs provide the knowledge and hands-on experience needed, it's important to review physical therapy prerequisites. 

For example, many programs prefer students with strong undergraduate credits in health sciences. Some physical therapy school requirements include GRE scores, while others do not. Keep an open mind during your studies. Look for programs that offer opportunities like research labs, simulated clinics, or mentorships. 

4. Build Essential Skills

Developing strong skills during your education is key to long-term success as a physical therapist. Based on job market analysis, the top physical therapy skills required are:

1. Rehabilitation
2. Treatment planning
3. Home health care
4. Patient evaluation and treatment
5. Orthopedics
6. Discharge planning

In addition to technical skills, focus on soft skills, as this profession is service-oriented. Essential abilities include:

1. Communication
2. Scheduling
3. Interpersonal skills
4. Customer service
5. Writing
6. Management
7. Computer literacy
8. Leadership

5. Gain Relevant Qualifications

Completing a DPT degree is just the beginning. To practice, you must meet your state’s licensing requirements and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). If you plan to move after graduation, check the physical therapy licensure exam requirements for your desired state.

Many schools offer NPTE prep resources, so consider this when selecting a program.

To boost your marketability, consider earning additional physical therapy certification:

Foundational Certifications

These help you handle emergencies and include:

1. Basic Life Support (BLS)
2. Basic Cardiac Life Support
3. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)

Specialty Certifications

Specializing in a clinical area can enhance your expertise. Explore the 10 nationally recognized specialties listed on the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) website.

6. Build Your Professional Network

Networking is crucial to your success as a physical therapist. Your mentors, peers, and connections can help you:

1. Develop advanced skills
2. Explore physical therapy specialties
3. Find job opportunities
4. Understand everyday challenges in the field

During your studies, engage with fellow students to exchange knowledge and broaden your perspective on healthcare. These relationships often evolve into lifelong professional support networks, providing advice and creative solutions throughout your career.

As you advance, networking with physicians and other healthcare providers is key to obtaining referrals. This is particularly valuable if you decide to open your private practice.

7. Gain Professional Experience

Setting yourself apart in the early stages of your career requires experience from reputable sources. Demonstrate your commitment to learning by pursuing the following:

1. Internships
2. Mentorships
3. Shadowing opportunities
4. Research projects
5. Simulation labs

Choose a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program focused on clinical practice and hands-on learning. Programs with strong experiential components prepare you for real-world challenges and help you showcase your abilities to potential employers.

Besides getting professional experience, create a resume for free on Yulys that will stand out from other candidates.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Physical Therapist?

Becoming a licensed physical therapist takes about seven years of education and training. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Four years: Earn a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as kinesiology, biology, or health sciences.
2. Three years: Complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.

The exact timeline can vary based on state licensing requirements, the structure of your DPT program, and the time required to complete clinical hours. While it may seem like a lengthy process, these years are an investment in gaining the knowledge, skills, and experience to excel in a rewarding career.

What Is the Physical Therapist Job Outlook?

The field of physical therapy is experiencing significant growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for physical therapists is expected to grow by 14% from 2023 to 2033, a rate much faster than the average for all professions.

This positive outlook highlights the increasing demand for skilled professionals to address a growing need for rehabilitation services.

What Is the Physical Therapist Salary?

Physical therapy offers competitive salaries influenced by education, experience, location, and work setting. The average annual wage for physical therapists in the U.S. is $90,342.

The highest-paying roles typically involve in-home healthcare services, followed by nursing and residential care facilities positions. States like California, Nevada, and New Jersey are known for offering the top salaries in the field.

Whether you’re drawn by the rewarding nature of the job or the financial benefits, physical therapy is a career that offers both personal and professional fulfillment.

Summary

Becoming a physical therapist is a rewarding journey that lets you make a real difference in people’s lives. By learning how to become a physical therapist, you can start a meaningful and successful career. It’s a field full of growth and unique job opportunities, perfect for anyone who wants to help others and be part of healthcare hands-on.