What it is
Physical therapy is the science of restoring movement and function — helping people recover from injury, surgery, or illness and manage pain — through exercise, hands-on treatment, and education. It's a rewarding, well-paid clinical profession.
What you'll study
The path runs through a pre-PT bachelor's into a clinical doctorate:
- UndergraduatePre-PT prerequisites (biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, kinesiology)
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)Movement science, therapeutics, anatomy, and clinical practice
- Clinical rotationsSupervised practice across settings
- LicensureGraduates pass the NPTE to license
Concentrations & focus areas
- Orthopedics / SportsMusculoskeletal & athletes
- NeurologicalStroke, brain/spine
- PediatricsChildren
- GeriatricsOlder adults
- CardiopulmonaryHeart & lung rehab
- Home Health / RehabCommunity settings
Skills you'll build
- Movement assessmentEvaluating function
- Therapeutic techniqueHands-on treatment
- Patient motivationCoaching recovery
- Clinical reasoningTreatment planning
- EmpathyPatient care
Careers & job titles
- Physical therapistThe core role (~$99,710)
- Sports / orthopedic PTAthletes & injuries
- Neurological PTStroke & brain injury
- Pediatric / geriatric PTBy population
- Rehab / home-health PTSettings
- Clinic owner / directorWith experience
Job outlook & demand
The BLS projects physical therapist employment to grow faster than average, driven by an aging population, chronic conditions, and demand for rehabilitation. Job security is strong.
Pay: median, range & trajectory
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapists had a median wage around $99,710. Specialization, ownership, and high-demand settings can raise earnings; the DPT is now the entry-level requirement.
Degree levels it's offered at
Offered across these levels — click a level to learn about it:
A pre-PT bachelor's leads into the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) — the required entry degree — plus the NPTE for licensure.
Is it right for you?
You might thrive here if you want hands-on patient care, enjoy movement and health, and are ready for a doctoral clinical path.
Solid career: PT offers strong pay, autonomy, and job security — plan the pre-PT prerequisites early and target the DPT.
Explore further
Keep exploring:
Key facts
- DegreeDoctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- FocusRestoring movement & managing pain
- LicensureNPTE
- OutlookFaster than average (BLS)
- Pay~$99,710 median (BLS)
Where to learn more
Authoritative sources for careers and pay: