The educational programs include extensive study of such sciences as anatomy and neurology as well as courses in assessment and treatment techniques. Following completion of a college program, therapists must pass national level examinations to practice in their fields. Many states, including the state of Georgia, require licensure and ongoing continuing education in order to practice in the state. The American Physical Therapy Association describes physical therapy as the evaluation and treatment of people with health problems resulting from injury or disease. Physical therapists assess joint motion, muscle strength and endurance, function of heart and lungs, and performance of activities required in daily living, among other responsibilities.
Treatment includes therapeutic exercise and training in activities of daily living.
Generally, physical therapy in the school setting focuses on the student's gross motor functioning. The American Occupational Therapy Association defines occupational therapy as the therapeutic use of purposeful activity to help people live as fully and as normally as possible within their own environment. Both occupational therapists and physical therapists practice in a variety of settings. These include hospitals, private clinics, home health agencies, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes. School systems are another setting for practice.