Physical Therapy Degrees for Military and Veterans

Physical therapy jobs span a variety of opportunities, from public service to private sector jobs. There are also non-traditional opportunities, such as non-profits and self-employment.

Physical Therapy Careers and Degree Requirements

There are a variety of jobs and education levels in the field of physical therapy. Qualifications and terminology may vary by state.

Training to pursue a career in physical therapy ranges from non-degree certification programs to graduate degrees. Typically, a physical therapy aide is an entry level position that requires a high school diploma and on-the-job training.

Physical therapy assistants require an associate degree-level education and licensure in most states. Licensure typically requires graduation from an accredited physical therapy assistant program and passing the National Physical Therapy Exam for physical therapy assistants. Physical therapists need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, and all states require physical therapists to be licensed.

Physical Therapy Aides

Typically have job duties that are indirectly related to patient care such as cleaning, setting up treatment areas, helping patients, and doing clerical duties. A high school diploma and on-the-job training can be sufficient to secure a job as a physical therapy aide. Median annual salary for physical therapy aides is approximately $27,000.

Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs)

Work under the supervision and instruction of a licensed physical therapist.

Physical Therapy Assistants require an associate degree level education and state licensure. PTAs have job responsibilities such as treating patients using a variety of techniques such as massage and stretching, teaching patients how to properly use assistive devices, and educating patients and families about treatments and expectations. PTAs treat patients as established in the plan of care created and overseen by the physical therapist.

Physical therapy assistants work under the supervision and instruction of a licensed physical therapist and have the following job responsibilities:

• Observe patients before, during, and after therapy and note records
• Help patients do specific exercises as part of a prescribed plan of care
• Treat patients using a variety of techniques, such as massage and stretching
• Use assistive devices and equipment to help patients
• Teach patients how to properly use devices and equipment, such as walkers and wheelchairs, to help themselves
• Educate patients and family members about what to do during and after treatment

Median annual salary for physical therapy aides is approximately $59,000.

Physical Therapists (PTs)

PT's need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. States typically require physical therapists to be licensed. It is not necessary to become a PTA prior to seeking education and licensure as a physical therapist.

Becoming a physical therapist requires a fair amount of education and training. However, there are a variety of educational options (explained below) that can help fast track one’s career so that they may enter the field directly as a physical therapist.

Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain. PTs are an essential component of the healthcare team. PTs participate in all stages of care including preventive care, rehabilitation, and treatment for patients with a variety of needs including chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.

Physical therapists typically do the following:

• Diagnose patient functions and movements by observation and patient self-reporting
• Develop an individualized plan of care, including goals and expectations
• Develop a plan of care to ease patient pain, help increase mobility, prevent further complications, and facilitate health and wellness
• Use exercise, stretching, various therapies, and equipment to help achieve plan of care goals
• Educate patients and their families about goals, overcoming challenges, etc.

Physical therapists care for people of all ages who have functional problems. These functional problems can arise from a variety of sources such as

• injuries related to work, sports, or recreation including sprains, strains, and fractures
• chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and arthritis
• neurological disorders such as stroke or cerebral palsy

Jobs and Education

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that physical therapist employment is expected to grow by almost 20%, which is above average for all occupations.

The aging of the Baby Boomer population is a considerable contributing factor to the growing need for physical therapists. These seniors tend to stay active later in life yet are also susceptible to health conditions (such as strokes and heart attacks), that may require physical therapy.

Physical therapy is also needed to treat people with mobility issues stemming from chronic conditions such as diabetes or obesity, and injuries in normally healthy people due to accidents.

The work of physical therapists varies by type of patient. The vast majority of physical therapy focuses on pain reduction and management, and improved mobility.

PTs also often develop fitness and wellness programs to encourage healthy, active lifestyles. Some physical therapists specialize in areas such as sports medicine or geriatrics.

Physical therapists need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Physical therapists also need to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination. Other requirements vary by state. Show