Physical Therapy General

Physical therapy, or physiotherapy, is focused on helping patients recuperate following acute illness or debilitating injury. Physical therapists, or simply "PTs," are trained to help people regain their former mobility and function so they can live a normal life. U.S. News & World Report included Physical Therapy on its Top 10 Best Careers list for 2012.

The physical therapist's tools may be very simple, such as heat and ice, or very complex, involving ultrasonography or electrical stimulation of the muscles. Other interventions include joint mobilizations, strength training, bracing, taping, and the use of orthotic and prosthetic devices.

Anyone who has experienced an impairment or loss of physical function may seek help from a physical therapist. PTs apply subclinical and clinical treatments to reduce pain and swelling, minimize stiffness, maximize mobility, strengthen the body, and promote proper ergonomics. They also engage in substantive patient education.

About Physical Therapy

Physical therapists work in hospitals, inpatient and outpatient clinics, universities, pediatric centers, patients' homes, nursing homes and assisted living. Often, they go to where the injuries are. In pediatrics, for example, PTs may conduct therapy at home or in the child's day care facility. Home delivery of rehabilitation services is on the rise, mainly because it cuts costs and crowds at hospitals.

There is overlap between the fields of occupational therapy and physical therapy, which are both healthcare-oriented disciplines that provide rehabilitation services. However, occupational therapists do not usually apply direct clinical treatments, whereas a physical therapist is licensed to administer, for example, manual therapy and wound care, as well as more advanced treatments such as vestibular rehabilitation, acupuncture, and decongestant lymphatic drainage massages.

Physical therapy is increasingly seeing the integration of cutting-edge technologies unprecedented in the field. Emerging applications include the use of humanoid robots to deliver both physical and speech therapy to stroke patients, as seen in research conducted at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst earlier this year.

Accreditation

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, or CAPTE, is the chief accrediting body for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in the U.S. There are 218 accredited physical therapy programs as of 2013, according to the organization, all of which offer degrees up to the master's level. A complete list of CAPTE-accredited programs can be found at the American Physical Therapy Association's website.

Licensing

Physical therapists must acquire a license to practice in every American state. Licensure is normally issued through each state's regulatory board. A PT's licensure must also be renewed on a regular basis through the accrual of continuing education credits, a requirement typical of skilled professions.

Many states utilize the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE), the entry-level professional PT certification test, to verify whether licensure candidates are competent to safely deliver physical therapy in the United States.

Educational Options in Physical Therapy

The American Physical Therapy Association has set up a common application platform with numerous participating PT programs, called the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service, or PTCAS. PTCAS offers prospective students the convenience of applying to multiple physical therapy schools with the same information.

Primary Certification

The primary certification exam for physical therapists is the National Physical Therapy Exam, or NPTE, administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. All PT school graduates must go on to pass the NPTE in order to become a licensed physical therapist the United States. Typically, around 90 percent of graduates from accredited physical therapy programs pass the NPTE on the first try.

Although it does not issue certifications or accreditation, the American Physical Therapy Association, or APTA, is an extraordinarily helpful organization for students and practitioners in this sector. The group's website may be consulted for topics ranging from education to career development and specialization.

Post-Secondary Degrees

A bachelor's degree is a critical prerequisite for gaining entry to any kind of graduate program. Students who plan to earn a graduate PT degree should be sure their undergraduate program of choice supplies the recommended curriculum. This includes biology, chemistry, physics, and basic social science.

A master's degree is considered entry-level for the profession, and is sufficient to sit for the professional licensure exam. The Master of Physical Therapy (M.P.T.) or Master of Science in Physical Therapy (M.S.P.T.) are among the most common physical therapy degrees.

For those who decide to advance to the doctoral level, some physical therapy schools offer the Ph.D. in Physical Rehabilitation Science. There is also a truncated, entry-level doctorate called the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.).

Secondary Certifications

Some physical therapists work as general PT practitioners; others specialize. Orthopedic physical therapy is by far the most popular specialty.

Orthopedic therapists help individuals recover from surgical procedures, sprains, amputations, arthritis, fractures, tears, herniated discs, tendinitis, whiplash, and virtually any other injury involving the musculoskeletal system.

Specialty certifications in physical therapy are issued by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). Its "Certified Specialist" credentials include:

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary (CCS)

Clinical Electrophysiology (ECS)

Geriatrics (GCS)

Neurology (NCS)

Orthopedics (OCS)

Pediatrics (PCS)

Sports (SCS)

Women's Health (WCS)

One of the best ways to keep up with the latest in specialization programming is by joining one or more "sections" hosted by the APTA for its members. Sections help participants keep up with current research, network with other professionals, and access continuing education discounts. Awards, research funding, publishing, residency and fellowship opportunities are also available.

APTA member sections include:

Acute Care

Aquatic Physical Therapy

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary

Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management

Education

Federal Physical Therapy

Geriatrics

Hand Rehabilitation

Health Policy and Administration

Home health

Neurology

Oncology

Orthopedic

Pediatrics

Private Practice

Research

Sports Physical Therapy

Women's Health

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We found 231 schools offering physical therapy degree programs in the U.S.

>> See all 231 Physical Therapy General Colleges in the U.S.

Physical Therapy Schools Ranked By US News and World Report

1
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA  |  Total Enrollment: 29194

Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master's, Post-Masters certificate, Doctor's, First-professional degree, First-professional certificate
2
University of Delaware
Newark, DE  |  Total Enrollment: 19072

Degrees Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctor's
3
University of Pittsburgh - Main Campus
Pittsburgh, PA  |  Total Enrollment: 26329

Degrees Offered: Less than one year, One but less than two years, Two but less than 4 years, Bachelor's, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master's, Post-Masters certificate, Doctor's, First-professional degree
3
Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MO  |  Total Enrollment: 12118

Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master's, Doctor's, First-professional degree
5
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA  |  Total Enrollment: 28311

Degrees Offered: Two but less than 4 years, Bachelor's, Master's, Post-Masters certificate, Doctor's, First-professional degree, First-professional certificate
7
Mgh Institute of Health Professions
Boston, MA  |  Total Enrollment: 524

Degrees Offered: Master's, Post-Masters certificate
7
Emory University
Atlanta, GA  |  Total Enrollment: 11398

Degrees Offered: Less than one year, One but less than two years, Associate's, Two but less than 4 years, Bachelor's, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master's, Post-Masters certificate, Doctor's, First-professional degree
9
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL  |  Total Enrollment: 16952

Degrees Offered: Less than one year, One but less than two years, Bachelor's, Master's, Post-Masters certificate, Doctor's, First-professional degree
9
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL  |  Total Enrollment: 13963

Degrees Offered: One but less than two years, Bachelor's, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master's, Post-Masters certificate, Doctor's, First-professional degree, First-professional certificate
9
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC  |  Total Enrollment: 24892

Degrees Offered: Less than one year, One but less than two years, Two but less than 4 years, Bachelor's, Master's, Post-Masters certificate, Doctor's, First-professional degree

Browse All 231 Colleges With Physical Therapy Programs


Title City State Enrollment
A T Still University of Health Sciences Kirksville MO 1028
Alcorn State University Alcorn State MS 2936
Allen County Community College Iola KS 1968
Alpena Community College Alpena MI 1853
Amarillo College Amarillo TX 8422
Andrew College Cuthbert GA 329
Andrews University Berrien Springs MI 2749
Arcadia University Glenside PA 2736
Arkansas State University - Main Campus State University AR 10429
Armstrong Atlantic State University Savannah GA 5444
Azusa Pacific University Azusa CA 6497
Baylor University Waco TX 13719
Belmont University Nashville TN 2976
Boston University Boston MA 28318
Bowling Green State University - Main Campus Bowling Green OH 18096
Bradley University Peoria IL 5951
California State University - Fresno Fresno CA 19056
California State University - Long Beach Long Beach CA 30918
California State University - Northridge Northridge CA 29066
California State University - Sacramento Sacramento CA 25714
Carroll College Waukesha WI 2902
Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant MI 26845
Cerritos College Norwalk CA 24536
Chatham College Pittsburgh PA 1002
Chicago State University Chicago IL 6914
Cisco Junior College Cisco TX 2642
Claflin University Orangeburg SC 1130
Clarke College Dubuque IA 1249
Cleveland State University Cleveland OH 15294
Coastal Bend College Beeville TX 3259
College Misericordia Dallas PA 2271
College of Mount St. Joseph Cincinnati OH 2221
College of Southern Idaho Twin Falls ID 5452
College of St Catherine Saint Paul MN 4487
Columbia University in the City of New York New York NY 19639
Community College of Southern Nevada North Las Vegas NV 29905
Concordia University - Wisconsin Mequon WI 4603
Creighton University Omaha NE 6237
Cuny College of Staten Island Staten Island NY 11115
Cuny Hunter College New York NY 20011
Daemen College Amherst NY 1824
De Anza College Cupertino CA 22770
Del Mar College Corpus Christi TX 9936
Delta College University Center MI 9358
Dillard University New Orleans LA 1953
Duke University Durham NC 12192
Duquesne University Pittsburgh PA 9667
Dyouville College Buffalo NY 2397
East Carolina University Greenville NC 18750
East Central Community College Decatur MS 2291
East Tennessee State University Johnson City TN 11063
Eastern Washington University Cheney WA 8597
El Camino College Torrance CA 24067
Elon University Elon NC 4138
Emory University Atlanta GA 11398
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Tallahassee FL 12126
Florida International University Miami FL 31945
Galveston College Galveston TX 2255
Gannon University Erie PA 3377
Georgia State University Atlanta GA 23625
Gogebic Community College Ironwood MI 1106
Governors State University University Park IL 6105
Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids MI 13400
Grand Valley State University Allendale MI 18569
Hardin - Simmons University Abilene TX 2304
Hill College Hillsboro TX 2512
Hinds Community College Raymond MS 16032
Howard University Washington DC 10010
Husson College Bangor ME 1944
Idaho State University Pocatello ID 13040
Independence Community College Independence KS 1144
Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis Indianapolis IN 27525
Institute of Clinical Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Honolulu HI 30
Ithaca College Ithaca NY 6170
John Tyler Community College Chester VA 5238
Keystone College La Plume PA 1220
Kilgore College Kilgore TX 4000
Langston University Langston OK 2826
Lansing Community College Lansing MI 16011
Loma Linda University Loma Linda CA 3153
Long Island University - Brooklyn Campus Brooklyn NY 7780
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at New Orleans New Orleans LA 2720
Marquette University Milwaukee WI 10892
Marymount University Arlington VA 3422
Maryville University of Saint Louis Saint Louis MO 3055
Mayo School of Health Related Sciences Rochester MN 248
Mcp Hahnemann University Philadelphia PA 2500
Medical College of Georgia Augusta GA 1932
Mercy College - Main Campus Dobbs Ferry NY 9244
Mgh Institute of Health Professions Boston MA 524
Mid Michigan Community College Harrison MI 2316
Midwestern University Downers Grove IL 1499
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Perkinston MS 8768
Monroe County Community College Monroe MI 3555
Monterey Peninsula College Monterey CA 9421
Mount St Marys College Los Angeles CA 1973
Muskegon Community College Muskegon MI 4311
Neumann College Aston PA 1804
New York Institute of Technology - Old Westbury Old Westbury NY 5898
New York Medical College Valhalla NY 1502
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