Thinking about becoming a physical therapist? It’s a career that combines hands-on patient care, problem-solving, and the opportunity to help people move, recover, and get back to the activities that matter most.
Before you can begin treating patients, you need to complete several educational, clinical training, and licensing requirements. This guide breaks down how to become a physical therapist, what to expect from the PT career path, and where the physical therapy profession can take you.
What Does a Physical Therapist Do?
A physical therapist, or PT, is a licensed healthcare professional who evaluates movement problems and develops treatment plans to improve mobility, strength, function, and quality of life.
Physical therapists commonly:
- Evaluate balance, strength, mobility, and range of motion
- Create individualized treatment plans
- Guide patients through therapeutic exercises
- Use hands-on treatment techniques
- Track progress and adjust plans of care
- Educate patients and families about recovery and injury prevention
PTs work with people of all ages, including patients recovering from surgery, injuries, strokes, chronic conditions, and other mobility limitations.
How to Become a Physical Therapist
The standard PT career path includes four main steps.
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Most Doctor of Physical Therapy programs require applicants to complete a bachelor’s degree. There is no single required undergraduate major, but common choices include biology, kinesiology, exercise science, health science, and psychology.
Students must also complete the prerequisite courses required by their preferred DPT programs. These commonly include anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and statistics. Programs may also consider an applicant’s GPA, references, interviews, observation hours, and experience in physical therapy settings.
2. Complete an Accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Aspiring physical therapists must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy, or DPT, degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Professional DPT programs typically take three years and combine classroom learning, laboratory work, and supervised clinical education.
Coursework may include anatomy, biomechanics, neuroscience, pharmacology, pathology, clinical reasoning, and evidence-based practice. Students also complete clinical rotations that provide experience with different patient populations and care environments.
3. Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination
After graduating, candidates must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination, or NPTE. The exam is an important part of the licensing process and is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
4. Obtain a State License
Every state requires physical therapists to be licensed. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and may include an application, fees, official transcripts, a background check, or a state law or jurisprudence exam.
Physical therapists must also renew their licenses and meet applicable continuing education requirements.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Physical Therapist?
It typically takes about seven years to become a physical therapist: four years to earn a bachelor’s degree and about three years to complete a DPT program.
Some universities offer accelerated programs that combine undergraduate and professional education. The total timeline can also vary based on prerequisite completion, admissions, graduation timing, exam scheduling, and state licensing requirements.
Do Physical Therapists Need Certifications?
State licensure is required, but additional professional certifications are generally optional. Experienced PTs may pursue board certification to demonstrate advanced knowledge in a clinical specialty.
Current board-certification areas include:
- Cardiovascular and pulmonary
- Clinical electrophysiology
- Geriatrics
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Orthopedics
- Pediatrics
- Pelvic and women’s health
- Sports
- Wound management
Physical therapists may also complete a residency or fellowship for advanced training in a specialty or subspecialty.
Where Do Physical Therapists Work?
Physical therapist jobs are available throughout the healthcare system. Common work settings include:
- Outpatient clinics
- Hospitals
- Inpatient rehabilitation centers
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Home healthcare
- Schools
- Sports and fitness facilities
- Private practices
PTs may pursue permanent positions, local contracts, per diem work, or travel physical therapy assignments. These options allow clinicians to find a setting and employment type that align with their professional and personal goals.
How Much Do Physical Therapists Make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for physical therapists was $101,020 in May 2024, while the highest-paid 10% earned more than $132,500.
Physical therapist pay can vary based on experience, work setting, geographic location, specialty, credentials, employment type, and the overall compensation package, including benefits, bonuses, scheduling, and travel support. Because location can influence both demand and compensation, it can help to research the states that need physical therapists the most before beginning a job search
What Is the Career Outlook for Physical Therapists?
The outlook for physical therapy careers remains strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects physical therapist employment to grow 11% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand is expected to be supported by an aging population, chronic health conditions, rehabilitation needs, and interest in nonopioid approaches to pain management.
Physical Therapy Career Advancement Opportunities
The physical therapy profession offers several ways to grow professionally. Physical therapists may advance by:
- Becoming a board-certified clinical specialist
- Completing a residency or fellowship
- Moving into clinical leadership or management
- Teaching or supervising physical therapy students
- Conducting research
- Opening or managing a private practice
- Pursuing travel physical therapist jobs
- Transitioning into healthcare administration or consulting
PTs can also advance while continuing to provide direct patient care by building deeper expertise in a specialty or patient population.
Take the Next Step in Your Physical Therapy Career
Becoming a physical therapist takes time, commitment, and advanced education, but it can lead to a rewarding career with flexibility, purpose, and room to grow. Whether you are interested in hospitals, outpatient care, home health, or travel assignments, there are many ways to build a physical therapist career that fits your goals.
Ready to dive into a career that moves with you? Medical Solutions can connect you with high-demand travel and permanent physical therapist jobs that fit your lifestyle, support your goals, and take you where you’re needed most. Sign up now to get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do you need to become a physical therapist?
You must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the required licensing exam, and meet your state’s licensure requirements.
Can you become a physical therapist without a doctorate?
New physical therapists must earn a DPT to enter the profession. Some currently practicing PTs earned earlier entry-level degrees before the DPT became the standard degree awarded by accredited programs.
Is physical therapy school difficult?
DPT programs can be demanding because they combine advanced coursework, laboratory learning, clinical examinations, and supervised patient-care experience. Strong study habits, time management, and communication skills can help students manage the workload.
What is the difference between a PT and a PTA?
A physical therapist evaluates patients, develops treatment plans, and oversees care. A physical therapist assistant provides treatment under a PT’s direction and follows a separate associate-level education and licensing path.
Can physical therapists specialize?
Yes. PTs can build expertise in areas such as orthopedics, sports, pediatrics, neurology, geriatrics, oncology, wound management, and cardiovascular and pulmonary care. Board certification is optional, but it can formally recognize advanced clinical knowledge and experience.
Can physical therapists work as travelers?
Yes. Travel physical therapists take temporary assignments in different healthcare settings and locations. They must hold the appropriate license or practice authorization for every state where they work.
