Online Physical Therapy Degree Programs

Physical therapists develop exercise schedules for their patients. They use cold, heat, electricity, sound, and water technologies to alleviate or relieve pain and stimulate muscles. They often work on in rehabilitation that arises from injuries as well as with patients who have chronic injuries and illness for example cerebral palsy, lower back pain, joint problems, and arthritis, and patients with physical disabilities. Others specialize in orthopedics, sports therapy, and pediatrics. They use exercise, movement and specialized machines to reduce pay and increase mobility. Physical therapy programs also prepares graduates in decision making on patients' therapy, problem diagnosis, interpreting test results, and evaluating improvement and performance on their patients.

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Selected Online Physical Therapy Degree Programs

A.T. Still University - Online

• Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)

Boston University

• Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy

Penn Foster

• Physical Therapy Aide

Physical Education Education and Training

While the online physical therapy degree has a focus on the physical aspects of the job, online physical therapy schools require strong academic ability especially in the science subjects and also good interpersonal skills. Students are required to take courses in human anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and various social science courses. These physical therapy courses are taken earlier in the physical therapy program. These courses in online physical therapy degree programs are combined with physical hands-on training in rehabilitation environments.

In the second half of the physical therapy program, online physical therapy course requirements and online physical therapy masters degree programs require that students take physical therapy classes that are more specific to their area of concentration, for example human growth and development, biomechanics, neuro-anatomy, manifestations of disease, therapeutic procedures, and physical examination techniques.

Physical therapy degree programs also require students to gain practical experience through internships and shadowing practicing licensed physical therapists. While an associate's degree is ample to become a physical therapy assistant, to take and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam, you need to complete a bachelor's degree. Many graduates then go on to earn a physical therapy masters degree. Most states also require physical therapists to take continue education courses and to take a re-certification exam every two years.

Physical Therapy Careers

Many physical therapists work in hospitals, private physical therapy facilities, gyms, sports facilities, clinics, schools, colleges, and universities, home treatment services, and professional sports teams such as football and basketball teams. Increasingly, physical therapy degree graduates are also working in other settings for example orthopedic centers, rehabilitation centers, and alternative medicine facilities.

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

The United States Department of Labor reports that the median earnings of a physical therapist is over $66,000. The average salary for physical therapy assistants is about $41,000. The annual average income ranges between $55,000 and $78,000, with the top 10% making over $94,000. The job market for physical therapists is very good and is expected to get better. The demand for physical therapists is projected to grow at twice the rate for other professions with an aging baby boomer population. For that reason Online physical therapy degree programs are a good option for students who need flexibility in their schedules.