Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop rehabilitation and continuing care plans that are specific to each individual patient;
- Diagnose patients’ conditions;
- Improve function and mobility and reduce chronic pain in patients by leading them through exercises, hands-on therapy (massage), stretching;
- Maintain patient records;
- Teach patients how to use therapeutic equipment, such as walkers and wheelchairs; and
- Track patients’ progress and make adjustments to their plans as needed.
How to Become a Physical Therapist (6 Steps)
- Bachelor’s degree (4 years) in healthcare, fitness, recreation, or another related field.
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) (3 years) accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
- Get licensed. Some U.S. states require their own license for a physical therapist to practice in the state. Check with the local state board to find out if they have any licensing requirements.
- Clinical Residency (1 year) with an organization recognized by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education.
- Get board certification as a specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.