Online Physical Therapy Degree
Online Physical Therapy DegreePhysical Therapists work with patients after an injury or illness or surgery to help restore their patients' bodily functions, prevent permanent disability and relieve pain.
Therapy can include physical exercise or manipulation of the muscles. It can also include various forms of massage. Whether using exercise or massage, therapists work to increase strength, range of motion, and coordination in the patient. Sometimes they train patients how to use prosthetic devices.
Therapists may also employ traction, heat, cold, light and water in their treatments.
There is a big demand for Physical Therapists; they are employed in nursing homes, schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.
Degree ChoicesBS, MS, Doctorate. It used to be that a Bachelor's was enough to get you into the Physical Therapy field. In the 1990's, laws and regulations changed to that today you must have either a Master's or a Doctorate.
If you don't have a Bachelor's yet and you think you might want to be a physical therapist, the best thing you can do is get your Bachelor's of Science. This will get you up to speed on such topics as: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, mathematics, physics and some of the social sciences.
Master's coursework will tackle more of the field-specific subjects of physical therapy including: biomechanics, human growth and development, examination techniques and therapeutic procedures.
In order to become a practicing Physical Therapist, and in addition to your degree, you will most likely need to work with a practicing physical therapist as an apprentice. Additionally, most states require that you pass the National Physical Therapy Examination before becoming a full-fledged Physical Therapist.
Those who wish to study at the Doctorate level are often looking for advancement into the top-level administrative positions or wish to teach at the University level.
Career and Salary OutlookAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), growth in Physical Therapy is expected to be 27% over the next seven years. That's about double the rate for other professions during the same time frame. BLS attributes the growth rate to the growing elderly population- particularly the baby boomers who are now starting to retire.
The average income for Physical Therapists is a little more than $66,000.
Select Online Physical Therapy Degree:
Physical Therapy Assistant to Bachelor of Science in Biology: Pre-Physical Therapy Program
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Professional Physical Therapy Aide Program
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Physical Therapy Aide
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