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Physical therapists, sometimes called PTs, help injured or ill people improve their movement and manage their pain. These therapists are often an important part of rehabilitation, treatment, and prevention of patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.

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Physical therapists usually work in:
- private offices
- clinics
- hospitals
- patients’ homes
- nursing homes

They spend much of their time on their feet, actively working with patients.

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- DPT programs typically last three years.
- Requires a bachelor's degree for admission as well as specific educational prerequisites.

PT programs include courses in
- biomechanics
- anatomy & physiology,
- neuroscience
-  pharmacology.

PT students also complete at least 30 weeks of clinical work during which they gain supervised experience in areas such as acute care and orthopedic care.

Physical therapists may apply to and complete a clinical residency program after graduation.

Physical therapists who have completed a residency program may choose to specialize further by completing a fellowship in an advanced clinical area.

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All states require physical therapists to be licensed.

Licensing requirements vary by state but all include passing the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

Additional Requirements:
- Law exam
- Criminal background check.
- Continuing education is typically required for physical therapists to keep their license.

The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties offers certification in nine clinical specialty areas of physical therapy, including
- orthopedics
- sports
- geriatrics

Board specialist certification requires:
- passing an exam
- at least 2,000 hours of clinical work in the specialty area within the last ten years or completion of an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

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Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 22 percent over the next ten years, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for physical therapy will come from the aging baby boomers, who are not only staying active later in life, but are more susceptible to health conditions, such as strokes, that may require physical therapy. In addition, physical therapists will be needed to treat people with mobility issues stemming from chronic conditions, such as diabetes or obesity.

Salary:
The median annual wage for physical therapists is $87,930

Median wages (2018)
$42.27 hourly
$87,930 annual

Employment (2018)
248,000 employees
Projected growth (2018-2028)
- Much faster than average (11% or higher)

Projected job openings (2018-2028)
- 16,900 jobs

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Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is an accrediting agency that is nationally recognized by the US Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CAPTE grants specialized accreditation status to qualified entry-level education programs for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.

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American Physical Therapy of Maryland is a professional organization representing over 1900 members who are PTs, PTAs and students.

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1. https://collegegrad.com/careers/physical-therapists

2. https://www.gradschools.com/doctorate/physical-occupational-therapy/physical-therapy

3. http://www.apta.org

4. http://www.capteonline.org/home.aspx