It takes an average of 7 years to be a licensed physical therapist. - requires an undergraduate bachelor degree and a Doctorate in physical therapy. However, the duration varies depending on the technicality of an area of specialty, and the school. After successful completion of a doctor of physical therapy course, a physical therapist can be certified in areas such as cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy, clinical electrophysiology physical therapy, oncology physical therapy, women's health physical therapy, geriatrics physical therapy, neurology physical therapy, orthopedics physical therapy, pediatrics physical therapy, and sports physical therapy.