Physical Therapist

A career as a physical therapist (PT) allows you to work directly with patients to improve their movement and manage their pain. Physical therapists are often an important part of the rehabilitation, treatment, and prevention of patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.

Physical therapists work with individuals of all ages, from newborns to older adults, who are limited by their abilities to move and perform essential activities in their daily lives. PT's examine each patient and then develop treatment plans using techniques designed to promote ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PT's work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. They also play important roles in promoting health, wellness, and fitness to the public, as well as developing standards for physical therapy practice and ensuring therapy is available and accessible.

Percent Change in Employment, Projected 2018 - 2028 22%Physical Therapists
13% Health diagnosing and treating practitioners
5% Total, all occupations

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Outlook and demand

Demand for physical therapy is projected to grow due to the aging baby boomers generation, who are not only staying active later in life, but are susceptible to health conditions, such as strokes, that may require physical therapy. Physical therapists also treat people with mobility issues stemming from diabetes or obesity. Employers look for professionals who can:

Develop medical treatment plans
Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals
Have close physical proximity and face-to-face interaction with others

Paths that can lead to this career

A Doctor in Physical Therapy degree is required for physical therapists entering into the profession, and all states require physical therapists to be licensed. Please note, this program is highly competitive and requires a national application and an interview process for admission.

High School
If you're currently in high school and interested in becoming a Physical Therapist you can do the following steps to prepare for this career:
- Explore majors based in science or healthcare, such as UAB's Biomedical Science Major and Health Care Management Major
- Find opportunities to job shadow licensed Physical Therapists.
- Look into the requirements for the UAB PT Early Acceptance Program to see if you qualify.
Undergraduate
If you're currently an undergraduate and interested in becoming a Physical Therapist you can do the following steps to prepare for this career:
- Complete any bachelor degree from an accredited university, however it is recommended you take practical reasoning or logic courses, biomechanics or kinesiology and upper level biology (physiology).
- Find opportunities to job shadow licensed Physical Therapists.
- Study and schedule a time to take the GRE exam. UAB's code for the GRE is 7801.
- Attend a PT information session hosted by the admissions committee and consult the admissions website for additional specific requirements
Graduate
If you already have a bachelor's degree, did you take these types of courses?
Biology

Chemistry

Physics
English Composition

Psychology

Human/Mammalian Physiology
If you're interested in advancing the field of rehabilitation in academia, government and policy sectors, or continue to practice in the industry with an advance knowledge of rehab research check out our Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Sciences program.

Job titles and employers

Did you know?

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program isranked 13thin 2020 U.S. News & World Report “Best Grad Schools.”