Physical Therapy Education: Professional Careers in the Field

Find Physical Therapy Education in the United States and Canada. Some of the many career paths that individuals can take once they've attained the appropriate level of physical therapy education include professions as of course, therapists, administrators, clinicians, consultants, educators, and researchers, among others.  Depending on the direction which you take through your physical therapy education, you can expect to work in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes and private homes, rehabilitation centers and other medical healthcare facilities.

With over 200 accredited physical therapy education programs from which to choose, prospective students can opt to participate in both Master Degree programs as well as Doctoral Degree programs.  Once enrolled in a physical therapy education course, students learn about anatomy, biology, biomechanics, chemistry, human growth (and development), pathology, neuroanatomy and hands-on training in a variety of therapeutic methods.  Additionally, physical therapy education students are often required to complete an internship or clinical training to successfully fulfill educational requirements.  Upon degree achievement, graduates must gain licensure to practice in the United States.  And, to maintain licensure, practicing physical therapists must take continuing physical therapy education.

Before you enroll in a physical therapy education program, it is important to note that the career field often requires individuals to be in top physical condition; as physical therapists do a lot of bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching and other physical repetitions throughout the course of the workday.  However, the benefits of this service job far outweigh the physical aspects of the occupation: Career outlook for physical therapists is "expected to grow much faster than average" than other occupations through the coming years.  As well, median annual earnings range between $60,000 and $88,000+. (Incomes commensurate with level of experience and physical therapy education.)

In addition to full-time physical therapist positions, physical therapy education programs are often offered to students with a desire to become occupational therapist assistants, physical therapist aides or assistants.  These career-training programs include studies in anatomy, biology, chemistry, physiology and CPR and first aid, among other relative subject matter.  Students who successfully complete one of over 200 accredited physical therapist assistant programs in the United States, will earn an Associate's Degree, and will have gained certification in both CPR and first aid.  Physical therapy education for aides and assistants doesn't stop at the school level; a matter of fact, on-the-job training is frequently provided by most employers.  In addition, physical therapy aides and assistants have a potential earnings' range from $24,000 to $52,000 annually.

Furthermore, the scope of physical therapy education is not limited to conventional medicine.  For example, continuing education is commonly offered in a variety of mind-body-spirit medicines like massage therapy, energy healing therapies, as well as holistic nutritional counseling.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding physical therapy education, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Physical Therapy Education: Professional Careers in the Field

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