The job can be physically demanding because therapists often have to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and stand for long periods of time. In addition, therapists move heavy equipment and lift patients or help them turn, stand, or walk. Other jobs were in offices of physicians, home health agencies, nursing homes, and schools. Some physical therapists are in private practice, providing services to individual patients or contracting to provide services in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, adult daycare programs, and schools. These self-employed therapists may be in solo practice or be part of a consulting group.
Some physical therapists teach in academic institutions and conduct research.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement All States require physical therapists to pass a licensure exam after graduating from an accredited physical therapy program. Entry level education in physical therapy is available in 70 bachelor's degree and 64 master's degree programs. The bachelor's degree curriculum usually starts with basic science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics, and then introduces specialized courses such as biomechanics, neuroanatomy, human growth and development, manifestations of disease and trauma, evaluation and assessment techniques, research, and therapeutic procedures. Besides classroom and laboratory instruction, students receive supervised clinical experience in hospitals. Individuals who have a 4-year degree in a related field, such as genetics or biology, and want to be a physical therapist, should enroll in a master's level physical therapy program.