Some go into private practice, others work with physicians. They identify, evaluate, and treat individuals with speech problems, as well as prevent those problems through public education and research. Many speech pathologists work for public and private schools, hospitals and clinics, or government agencies. Like audiology applicants, students interested in speech pathology pursue a graduate degree and, in many states, must pass a proficiency test. Their patients include accident victims, handicapped adults and children, and stroke victims, as well as individuals suffering from nerve injuries, amputations, fractures, and arthritis.
All physical therapists have a bachelor's degree, some a master's or doctorate.
Most individuals become physical therapists by earning a second bachelor's degree in physical therapy, which requires and additional two years. The best way to prepare for a curriculum in physical therapy is to take a premedical curriculum. Currently there are 138 accredited physical therapy programs in the United States. Following graduation, students work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, private practice, or with physicians. Students with a background in athletics may choose to work in sports medicine.