Physical therapists are licensed doctors who examine, diagnose, and treat movement dysfunction. They improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education. PTs have a huge impact on people's lives because they help to keep people moving.
PTs treat patients of all ages, from newborns to people at the end of life. PTs evaluate and develop treatment plans for individuals with health problems resulting from injury, disability, or other health conditions that need treatment. PTs help their patients avoid surgery and prescription drugs, reduce or manage pain, prevent future problems, restore and maintain overall fitness and health, and work with other health care providers to help patients reach these goals.
There is a wide range of work settings where PTs practice, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, people's homes, schools, sports and fitness centers, workplaces, and assisted living facilities.
If you are thinking about becoming a physical therapist, you need to have strong skills in the sciences and be able to complete a rigorous set of coursework before starting physical therapy school. You will also need to develop good communication and interpersonal skills for your work with patients. You should plan your college education with the goal of building a diverse set of skills and select a major that challenges and interests you.
The website of the American Physical Therapy Association is a great resource for exploring the field of physical therapy.
Read about the latest supply and demand forecast for the physical therapist workforce.
Advising for IU Bloomington undergraduates and alumni #
Preparing for physical therapy school can be challenging, but we are here to help. This guidebook, as well as our advising services, will help you make a solid plan for your success.