Physical Therapists work with patients to restore function, prevent disability, and relieve pain after disease or injury. All treatment is directed toward normal movement and independence. Therapists review records, conduct assessments of joint motion, muscle strength, posture, gait, sensory perception, reflexes, muscle tone, endurance and cardiac status. Treatment programs are designed with an emphasis on the patient's re-entry into his/her home environment. As a member of the health team, the Physical Therapist has the ability to work with doctors, occupational therapists, speech therapists, nurses, and others who contribute to a patient's progress. In all cases, the therapist teaches the patient about his/her disability and how best to deal with limitation. A strong emphasis on patient education and responsibility is essential for maximum success. To be successful, the Physical Therapist needs to have a thorough knowledge of biological and physical sciences and pathology. Also needed is an appreciation of the psychological, sociological and economical impact of disease and disability on the individual, his or her family and the community. The patient-therapist relationship often has great bearing on the success or failure of a treatment program. Consequently being able to establish good rapport with a patient is of the utmost importance. One must have a scientific aptitude, and also possess emotional stability, tact, and adaptability.

There are more than 100 programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Education of the American Physical Therapy Association. Most are located in colleges and universities utilizing teaching and affiliated hospitals. Currently high school graduates may pursue a 4-year college course leading to a bachelor's degree. Those who have already graduated from college and want to study physical therapy may take an intensive course leading to a certificate (at least 4 semesters) or a masters degree. Although the minimum educational requirement for entry into the profession is currently the bachelor's degree, the profession is upgrading their entry level educational requirements from the baccalaureate to the master's degree level.

• 4+ year Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree

Employment of physical therapists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. Growth will occur as new medical technologies save more people, who then need therapy; as new technologies permit more disabling conditions to be treated; and as the population grows and ages. The rapidly growing elderly population is particularly vulnerable to chronic and debilitating conditions that will require more therapeutic services. At the same time, the baby-boom generation will enter the prime age for heart attack and strokes, increasing the demand for cardiac and physical rehabilitation. More young people will also need physical therapy as medical advances save the lives of a larger proportion of newborns with severe birth defects. Future medical developments will also permit a higher percentage of trauma victims to survive, creating additional demand for rehabilitative care. Growth will also result from advances in medical technology which permit treatment of more disabling conditions. In the past, for example, the development of hip and knee replacements for those with arthritis gave rise to employment for physical therapists to improve flexibility and strengthening weak muscles. Job prospects in physical therapy are expected to be excellent. There have been shortages of physical therapists in recent years. However, this situation may ease eventually as the number of physical therapy education programs increases and more students graduate.

Physical therapists treat and rehabilitate persons with physical or mental disabilities. Others who work in the rehabilitation field include occupational therapists, corrective therapists, recreational therapists, manual arts therapists, speech pathologists and audiologists, orthotists, prosthetists, respiratory therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and athletic trainers.

$54,810

• Avila University
• Kirksville College Of Osteopathic Medicine
• Maryville University
• Rockhurst University
• Southwest Baptist University
• Southwest Missouri State University
• St. Louis University Doisy School Of Health Sciences
• University Of Kansas School Of Allied Health
• University Of Missouri - Columbia
• University Of Missouri - Columbia School Of Health Professions
• Washington University School Of Medicine Program In Physical Therapy
• Wichita State University College Of Health Professions
• William Jewell College

• Aft Healthcare
• American Association Of Spinal Cord Injuries Nurses
• American Orthoptic Council
• American Physical Therapy Association
• Foundation For Physical Therapy
• National Rehabilitation Association
• National Rehabilitation Counseling Association