These may be either salaried staff or contract positions. Therapists also work in residential facilities for handicapped children, school systems, clinics, health maintenance organizations, and physician's offices. A substantial number of physical therapists are in private practice. Whether in solo practice, group practice, or associated with a consulting group, private practitioners normally treat patients referred to them by physicians. Private practitioners also provide physical services on a contract or consultant basis to institutions or organizations such as nursing homes, home health agencies, adult day care programs, public schools, and hospitals.
Some therapists teach, conduct research, or serve as consultants.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement All States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico require a license to practice physical therapy. Applicants must have a degree or certificate from an accredited physical therapy educational program prior to taking the licensure examination. Currently, the minimum educational requirement for entry into the profession is a bachelor's degree. For a number of reasons, however, pressure is increasing to lengthen the educational process. Chief among these is the rapidly expanding body of knowledge which has enabled physical therapists to provide a wider variety of therapy and rehabilitation services.