Admission is competitive. All 50 states have physical therapist licensure requirements. All states require a national licensure examination, but the passing score and other requirements vary from state to state.
Some states require that the physical therapist assistant be licensed also.
Job Duties Physical therapists are key members of medical teams, evaluating and treating persons who through accident, illness or birth defect are injured or disabled. Types of treatment include therapeutic exercise, massage, manipulations, and the application of heat, cold, electrotherapy, and ultrasound. Physical therapists also plan, administer, and evaluate rehabilitation services and provide consultative, preventative, educational, and research services. Physical therapist assistants provide physical therapy services under the supervision of physical therapists. According to the Labor Statistics employment opportunities for qualified physical therapists are excellent.