What Do Doctors of Physical Therapy Do?

Doctors Of Physical Therapy, often referred to as physical therapists or PTs, are highly educated health care professionals who play a crucial role in helping individuals of all ages improve their movement and function. From newborns to seniors, doctors of physical therapy work with patients experiencing a wide range of conditions, including injuries, disabilities, and other health concerns that limit their ability to move and perform daily activities. These movement experts are dedicated to helping patients avoid surgery and reduce reliance on prescription medications by maximizing mobility, managing pain effectively, addressing chronic conditions, preventing future issues, and ultimately enhancing overall physical function and fitness.

Doctors of physical therapy are committed to providing personalized care. Each patient undergoes a comprehensive examination, which allows the PT to develop an individualized treatment plan. This plan is designed to improve movement, alleviate or manage pain, restore function, and prevent further disability. Doctors of physical therapy directly implement these treatment plans, or they may collaborate with physical therapist assistants to carry out specific aspects of care under their supervision. Throughout the course of treatment, doctors of physical therapy continuously monitor patient progress and make necessary adjustments to the plan to ensure optimal outcomes. When a patient achieves their goals, the doctor of physical therapy will guide them through discharge or transition them to the next appropriate phase of their rehabilitation journey.

The impact of doctors of physical therapy on individuals’ lives is profound. They empower people to reach their fitness aspirations, regain or maintain their independence, and participate fully in active and fulfilling lives. Movement is fundamental to life quality, and doctors of physical therapy are the specialists who help people keep moving and living their lives to the fullest.

Standing balance is one aspect of physical therapist practice

For more information on the benefits of physical therapy and the expertise of doctors of physical therapy, please visit ChoosePT.com, the official consumer information website of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Diverse Work Environments for Doctors of Physical Therapy

Doctors of physical therapy practice in a remarkably diverse range of settings, offering them varied and rewarding career paths. These settings include, but are certainly not limited to:

Hospitals: Providing care for patients recovering from surgery, illness, or injury, encompassing acute care, rehabilitation units, and specialized departments.
Outpatient Clinics: Offering specialized treatments for musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries, neurological disorders, and various other impairments in a clinic-based environment.
Home Health: Delivering personalized physical therapy services in patients’ homes, ensuring convenient and accessible care, especially for those with mobility limitations.
Schools: Working with children and adolescents to address developmental delays, physical disabilities, and sports-related injuries within the educational system.
Sports and Fitness Facilities: Assisting athletes and active individuals with injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement in gyms, training centers, and sports medicine clinics.
Workplaces: Focusing on injury prevention, ergonomics, and rehabilitation programs to promote employee health and well-being in occupational settings.
Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities: Providing specialized care to older adults to maintain mobility, manage age-related conditions, and improve quality of life in long-term care settings.

This wide array of practice settings underscores the versatility of a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and the numerous avenues available for PTs to make a difference in diverse populations and healthcare environments.

Earning Potential for Doctors of Physical Therapy

The median annual salary for doctors of physical therapy in the United States is approximately $97,720. However, it’s important to note that salaries can vary depending on several factors, including:

Position and Specialization: PTs in specialized roles or advanced practice areas may command higher salaries.
Years of Experience: As with most professions, experienced doctors of physical therapy typically earn more than those just starting their careers.
Level of Education: While a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is the entry-level requirement, further specialization or advanced degrees can influence earning potential.
Geographic Location: Salaries can differ based on the cost of living and demand for physical therapy services in specific geographic regions.
Practice Setting: Salaries may vary slightly depending on the type of work setting, such as hospitals, private clinics, or home health agencies.

Despite these variations, the demand for doctors of physical therapy remains consistently strong across the country, and unemployment rates for PTs are typically low. The aging population in the United States and the increasing emphasis on preventative care and rehabilitation are projected to fuel continued growth in the demand for physical therapy services, making it a stable and financially rewarding career path.

A physical therapist works with a patient to improve mobility

Education and Licensure Requirements for Doctors of Physical Therapy

To become a licensed doctor of physical therapy in the U.S., rigorous education and examination are required. The essential steps include:

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree: Aspiring PTs must graduate from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy program. CAPTE accreditation ensures that programs meet high standards of quality and curriculum rigor.
State Licensure Exam: After earning a DPT degree, graduates must successfully pass a state-administered licensure exam. This exam validates their competency and readiness to practice.

The curriculum in a DPT program is comprehensive and typically spans three years of full-time study. It is designed to provide a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and clinical skills. Key subject areas within the DPT curriculum include:

Foundational Sciences: Biology, Anatomy, Cellular Histology, Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Pathology.
Behavioral and Social Sciences: Behavioral Sciences, Communication, Ethics/Values, Management Sciences, Finance, Sociology.
Clinical Sciences: Clinical Reasoning, Evidence-Based Practice, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy, Endocrine and Metabolic Physical Therapy, Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy.

Approximately 77% of the DPT curriculum is dedicated to classroom instruction (didactic learning) and laboratory work, while the remaining 23% is devoted to invaluable clinical education experiences. Physical therapy students typically complete an average of 22 weeks in their final clinical placements, gaining hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings under the supervision of licensed physical therapists.

For individuals who have completed their physical therapy education internationally, it’s important to seek information regarding specific requirements for licensure in the U.S. Resources are available for internationally educated PTs and PTAs to navigate the licensure process.

Admission into a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Gaining admission to a Doctor of Physical Therapy program is competitive and requires careful preparation. Most DPT programs mandate that applicants hold a bachelor’s degree prior to enrollment. However, program structures can vary:

Traditional Post-Baccalaureate Programs: These are the most common, requiring a bachelor’s degree before entering the three-year professional DPT program.
3+3 Programs: Some universities offer combined bachelor’s and DPT programs. Students complete three years of specific pre-physical therapy undergraduate coursework followed by automatic progression into the three-year DPT program, provided they meet academic criteria.
Freshman Entry Programs: A limited number of programs offer direct entry from high school. Students accepted into these programs are guaranteed admission to the professional DPT phase after completing specific undergraduate prerequisites and maintaining a minimum GPA.

The Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) Directory serves as a valuable resource for prospective students. It provides a comprehensive list of DPT programs participating in PTCAS and outlines the specific admission requirements for each program.

Find a DPT Program

Selecting the Right Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Choosing the right DPT program is a significant decision that will shape your career as a doctor of physical therapy. While APTA does not rank DPT programs, accreditation by CAPTE is a crucial indicator of program quality. Consider these key factors when making your choice:

Program Cost and Financial Aid: DPT education is an investment, and most students utilize student loans. Thoroughly research tuition costs, fees, and available financial aid options, including scholarships and grants. APTA provides resources like scholarships and the APTA Money Smart website to assist prospective students with financial planning.
Program Length: While the average DPT program duration is around two and a half to three years, some programs offer accelerated formats. Consider program length in relation to your financial resources and desired timeline for entering the field.
Program Demographics and Setting: Immerse yourself in the program’s environment. Choose a program where you feel comfortable and supported. Consider factors like class size, faculty-to-student ratio, campus location, and the program’s culture.

It’s highly beneficial to connect with current students and recent graduates of programs you are considering. Their firsthand perspectives can provide valuable insights into a program’s strengths and areas for improvement. Additionally, reaching out to employers who hire new DPT graduates can offer information about a program’s reputation and the preparedness of its graduates for clinical practice. The PTCAS Program Directory provides contact information for DPT programs to facilitate these inquiries.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Admissions Process

The Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) streamlines the application process for DPT programs. PTCAS allows applicants to use a single online application and submit one set of application materials to apply to multiple participating DPT programs, simplifying the process significantly.

Learn About the DPT Admissions Process

Career Advancement Opportunities After Graduation

For doctors of physical therapy seeking to advance their expertise and career, numerous pathways exist beyond entry-level practice. These include:

Residency Programs: Clinical residencies are structured post-graduate programs designed to enhance a PT’s skills and knowledge in a specific area of clinical practice. They combine advanced clinical experiences with mentorship and a strong theoretical foundation.
Fellowship Programs: Clinical fellowships are more specialized programs for PTs who have already achieved a high level of clinical expertise, often following residency training or board certification. Fellowships focus on developing highly specialized skills within a narrow area of practice.
Board-Certified Clinical Specialization: Doctors of physical therapy can pursue board certification in various specialty areas through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). Specialization demonstrates advanced knowledge and skills in a specific area of physical therapy practice. Currently, there are 10 recognized specialty areas: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary, Clinical Electrophysiology, Geriatrics, Neurology, Oncology, Orthopaedics, Pediatrics, Sports, Women’s Health, and Wound Management. While specialization is not mandatory to practice in a specific area, it signifies a commitment to advanced expertise and can enhance career opportunities.

These post-graduate options underscore the commitment of the physical therapy profession to lifelong learning and advanced clinical practice, offering doctors of physical therapy diverse avenues for professional growth and specialization throughout their careers.