Physical therapy plays an important role in helping people recover from injuries, manage medical conditions, and maintain or improve their ability to move. Physical therapists work with patients of different ages and needs and develop treatment plans that can reduce pain, restore physical function, and make everyday activities easier to perform.
If you’re interested in entering a professional field that combines scientific knowledge with direct patient care, a career as a physical therapist may be worth considering.
In the article below, we will explain how to become a physical therapist in the US and take a closer look at the profession itself, the education and clinical experience required, the licensing process, and the opportunities available after qualification.
Understanding the Physical Therapist Profession
Physical therapists are licensed healthcare professionals who help patients improve movement, restore physical function, and manage pain caused by injuries, illnesses, disabilities, or other health conditions.
Their work can involve assisting patients who recover from surgery or accidents, people living with chronic conditions, athletes returning to activity, and older adults experiencing changes in mobility.
A physical therapist typically begins the treatment process by evaluating a patient’s movement, strength, balance, flexibility, and overall physical function. Based on this assessment, they develop an individualized treatment plan that may include therapeutic exercises, movement training, hands-on techniques, and other interventions intended to improve mobility and support recovery.
In addition to providing treatment, physical therapists also monitor the patient’s progress and adjust the treatment plan when necessary. They also educate patients about their condition and show them how to safely perform exercises or modify certain activities.
In some more complex cases, a patient’s treatment may require a broader care team, so physical therapists may also work alongside physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
Before we get into exploring the aspects of the physical therapy profession, we’d like to make one important distinction and explain the difference between physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs).
While both of these professionals are involved in patient rehabilitation, the path to becoming a physical therapist requires more advanced education and comes with greater responsibility for evaluating patients, developing treatment plans, and making decisions about their care.
A physical therapist assistant, on the other hand, works under the direction and supervision of licensed physical therapists and helps carry out the treatment plans they establish.
Patients and Conditions Treated by Physical Therapists
Physical therapists work with patients of different ages and may treat a wide range of conditions that affect movement, strength, balance, coordination, or physical function. Depending on their training and work setting, they may commonly work with:
- Patients recovering from injuries: Physical therapists often help people recover from sprains, fractures, muscle injuries, and other conditions that temporarily limit movement or make everyday activities more difficult
- Patients recovering from surgery: Rehabilitation after orthopedic and other procedures may involve restoring strength, flexibility, mobility, and confidence in movement
- People with musculoskeletal conditions: Conditions affecting the muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissues can cause pain or restrict movement, making physical therapy an important part of treatment and recovery
- People with neurological conditions: Patients affected by stroke, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological conditions may need physical therapy to improve balance, coordination, strength, and mobility
- Older adults with mobility limitations: Physical therapists can help older patients maintain strength and balance, reduce fall risk, and preserve as much independence as possible
- Children with movement or developmental conditions: Pediatric patients may receive physical therapy when an injury, disability, or developmental condition affects their ability to move and participate in everyday activities
- Athletes returning to activity: Physical therapists may work with athletes recovering from injuries and help them gradually regain the strength, mobility, and function needed to return to training or competition
The exact patient population a physical therapist works with often depends on their practice setting and area of professional interest. As such, the profession can involve anything from short-term rehabilitation after an injury to longer-term care for patients managing chronic or complex conditions.
Professional Work Settings Where Physical Therapists May Practice
Given that physical therapists work with a wide range of patients with different rehabilitation and mobility needs, they can practice in a variety of healthcare, residential, and community settings. Some of the most common work settings for these professionals include:
- Outpatient clinics and private practices where they work with patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or musculoskeletal conditions that affect movement and physical function
- Hospitals where they help patients begin moving safely after surgery, illness, or injury and may assist with discharge planning
- Rehabilitation facilities, where they provide more intensive care to patients recovering from serious injuries, neurological conditions, surgery, or other health problems that affect mobility
- Home healthcare, where they treat patients whose health conditions or mobility limitations make regular visits to an outpatient facility difficult
- Nursing and residential care facilities where they help residents maintain or improve strength, balance, mobility, and independence
- Schools where they work with children whose physical disabilities or developmental conditions affect movement and participation in educational activities
- Sports and fitness settings where they help athletes and physically active individuals recover from injuries, regain function, and return safely to training or competition
While the settings in which they work may have a small impact on the patient groups they treat, and the type of care they provide, physical therapists’ main role always remains centered on improving movement, supporting recovery, and helping patients function as independently as possible.
Becoming a Physical Therapist: Summary of Qualifications
Now that we have a better understanding of the physical therapist profession and the different settings in which these professionals may practice, we can take a quick look at the main qualifications candidates need to meet to enter the PT field in a professional capacity.
Although some licensing requirements vary by state, aspiring physical therapists generally need to complete the following to qualify for the job:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree and the prerequisite coursework required for admission to a physical therapy program
- Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from one of the CAPTE-accredited programs
- Meet the required supervised clinical education requirement
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
- Secure a professional physical therapist license issued by the state in which they intend to practice
These qualifications are required to ensure that every physical therapist has the appropriate academic preparation, clinical training, and professional competency necessary to provide patient care safely and independently.
How to Become a Physical Therapist: Step-by-Step Guide
With the main qualifications established, we can now move on to the practical portion of our guide and take a closer look at the education and training aspiring physical therapists need to complete before they can qualify for licensure.
Complete a Qualifying Bachelor’s Degree Program
The first step toward becoming a physical therapist is enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program where students can build a strong academic foundation while, at the same time, completing the coursework needed to meet the admission requirements for the DPT programs they may later apply to.
While most DPT programs require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree, they generally do not require students to choose a specific undergraduate major. As such, students can choose a field that interests them as long as their degree program allows them to complete the necessary prerequisite coursework.
These prerequisites commonly include human anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and statistics. However, individual DPT programs establish their own admission requirements, so students should identify the programs they may want to attend early and make sure their undergraduate coursework meets the corresponding criteria.
In addition to academic prerequisites, many DPT programs also require or recommend applicants to gain experience in a physical therapy environment. This may involve observing, volunteering, or working under a licensed physical therapist and can give students a better understanding of patient care and the profession itself.
Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree
After earning their undergraduate degrees, aspiring physical therapists can move on to the professional stage of their education and enroll in a qualifying Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program.
One important point to note here is that only programs accredited by CAPTE provide the qualifying professional education required for PT licensure, so students should verify a program’s accreditation status when choosing where to enroll.
Most DPT programs take about three years to complete and combine classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical education. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, around 77% of the curriculum of all physical therapy programs consists of classroom and laboratory study, while the remaining portion is devoted to clinical education.
During their time as DPT students, aspiring physical therapists study subjects such as anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, biomechanics, kinesiology, pharmacology, pathology, and therapeutic interventions. At the same time, they develop the clinical reasoning and communication skills needed to evaluate and treat patients.
Together, these academic and practical components allow students to build a strong theoretical foundation before applying what they have learned in supervised patient-care settings.
Accumulate the Required Supervised Clinical Experience
In addition to classroom and laboratory instruction, DPT students also need to complete supervised clinical education as part of their professional training. These experiences allow students to work with patients under the guidance of licensed physical therapists and begin applying the knowledge and techniques they have developed throughout their degree program.
Under current CAPTE standards, physical therapy programs must include at least 30 weeks of full-time clinical education experiences. Depending on the program, students may complete their clinical training in several settings, which can expose them to different patient populations, conditions, and approaches to rehabilitation.
During these experiences, students become increasingly involved in evaluating patients, implementing treatment plans, documenting care, communicating with patients and other healthcare professionals, and monitoring progress.
At the same time, supervision gives them an opportunity to receive feedback and strengthen their clinical judgment before assuming responsibility for patient care independently.
By the time they complete their clinical education and graduate from the DPT program, aspiring physical therapists will have developed the clinical judgment needed to begin practicing physical therapy in real-life clinical settings.
Pass the Required State Licensure Exam
Once candidates have completed their DPT education and clinical training, they can move on to the examination stage of the physical therapist licensing process.
The main examination requirement aspiring PTs need to meet to qualify for PT licensure is to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which is developed and administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
This exam is designed to assess whether candidates have the knowledge and abilities needed for entry-level physical therapy practice.
However, in addition to passing the NPTE, in many states, candidates also need to pass a jurisprudence exam which focuses on the laws and regulations that govern physical therapy practice in that jurisdiction.
In states where a jurisprudence exam is required, it serves as an additional mandatory examination requirement and must be passed before candidates can qualify for licensure, just like the NPTE.
Obtain Your State Physical Therapist License
Having satisfied all the qualification requirements, aspiring PTs can take the final step in the formal qualification process and apply for a professional license in the state where they intend to practice.
Although the exact application process can vary by jurisdiction, candidates generally need to submit proof of their DPT education, examination results, and any other documentation requested by the relevant state licensing board.
In most states, they also need to go through a criminal background check and pay the necessary application fees to complete their application.
After they send in their submissions, the licensing authority will then review their application and verify whether or not they meet all the requirements for licensure. If they get approved, they will receive a professional physical therapist license and become legally authorized to practice PT.
It is also important to point out that licensed physical therapists must also renew their credentials periodically. Renewal requirements vary by state and may include continuing education or other competency requirements intended to ensure that professionals maintain current knowledge and continue meeting the standards expected of practicing physical therapists.
Begin Practicing as a Licensed Physical Therapist
With a valid state license in hand, physical therapists can begin working independently within the scope of practice established by their jurisdiction. New professionals may enter outpatient clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, home healthcare, nursing facilities, schools, or other settings depending on their interests and available opportunities.
Early in their careers, most physical therapists tend to focus on continuously developing their clinical judgment by working with different patient populations and becoming more familiar with the demands of professional practice.
As they become more experienced over time, many physical therapists choose to focus on a particular area of physical therapy, pursue advanced training, or move into settings that better match their professional interests.
For those who want to develop deeper expertise, post-licensure options such as residency programs, fellowships, and board certification can provide additional opportunities for professional growth and specialization.
Advanced Training and Specialization for Physical Therapists
While earning a professional license allows physical therapists to begin professional practice, it does not have to mark the end of their formal training.
Those who want to develop greater expertise in a particular area of physical therapy can pursue postprofessional education through residency or fellowship programs and may eventually seek board certification in a clinical specialty.
These options are not required for general practice, but they can help PTs develop more advanced knowledge and skills as their careers progress.
Residency Programs
Clinical residency programs are postprofessional physical therapy education programs intended for licensed PTs who want to develop more advanced skills in a particular area of practice.
They typically last one year, are centered on providing patient care within that area, and help physical therapists refine their clinical skills through structured training, supervision, and mentoring.
Depending on their interests, physical therapists may pursue residency training in areas such as orthopedics, sports, neurology, pediatrics, geriatrics, or oncology. These programs allow PTs to spend more time working within a specific field and gain experience treating patients with more specialized needs.
Completing an accredited residency can also help physical therapists prepare for board certification in the corresponding specialty.
Fellowship Training
Physical therapists who have already developed substantial experience in a particular area can continue their postprofessional education through a fellowship program. Unlike residencies, which are generally used to build advanced competency within a clinical specialty, fellowships concentrate on a more narrowly defined area of practice.
Fellows often enter these programs after completing a residency or earning board certification. Their training typically includes advanced patient care, structured mentoring, and additional educational activities designed around the specific focus of the fellowship.
Just like residency training, fellowship education is not required for general practice and is generally pursued by licensed physical therapists who want to deepen their expertise beyond general practice.
Board Certification and Specialty Practice
Licensed physical therapists can also choose to pursue board certification through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). Although this credential is not required to work in a specialty area, earning it can help PTs demonstrate advanced knowledge and experience in a particular field.
Board certification is available in several areas of physical therapy, including orthopedics, sports physical therapy, exercise science, neurology, pediatrics, geriatrics, oncology, and cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy, among others.
To qualify, candidates generally need to meet the required clinical experience criteria or complete an accredited residency in the relevant specialty. They must also hold a current physical therapist license and pass the corresponding specialty examination.
For physical therapists who choose to pursue it, board certification can be a useful way to demonstrate specialized expertise and may lead to more advanced clinical, educational, or leadership opportunities.
Final Words
Injuries, health conditions, and age-related changes can all affect a person’s ability to move and carry out everyday activities. Physical therapists play an important role in helping patients regain physical function, manage pain, and work toward becoming more mobile and independent.
Becoming a physical therapist is a demanding process that requires several years of education, clinical training, and professional preparation. However, for those willing to commit to it, it can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career centered on helping people recover, improve their quality of life, and return to the activities that matter to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average physical therapist salary in the USA?
According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapists in the US earn a median annual salary of $101,020. However, earnings can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, work setting, and specialization. The lowest 10% of physical therapists earn less than $74,420 per year, while the highest 10% earn more than $132,500 annually. (BLS)
What degree do you need to become a physical therapist?
To become a physical therapist in the US, you need to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program. Most physical therapy students spend the initial phase of their education completing a bachelor’s degree and the prerequisite coursework required for DPT admission, although no specific undergraduate major is universally required.
How long does it take to become a physical therapist?
It typically takes about seven years to become a physical therapist in the US. This usually includes around four years to complete a bachelor’s degree, followed by approximately three years in a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
The timeline can vary depending on the educational pathway and the specific DPT program. Some students may complete accelerated or combined programs, while others may need additional time to finish prerequisite coursework or meet admission requirements before entering a DPT program.