Physical Therapy Schools: A Road To Recovery

A career in physical therapy is all about getting people back on their feet, and physical therapy schools are where to start. Whether you're getting people rehabilitated to go back to work, to return to a sports competition, or to recover from a surgery, physical therapy schools train students to be well-versed in the body's many complexities, as well as the specific methodologies that facilitate its rebound from injury.

The scope of education at physical therapy schools is no small matter. Many programs require a doctorate, and though there are a few physical therapy schools that still offer masters degrees, the trend is heading towards a mandatory doctorate. Coursework includes subjects like anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and even some physics. Clinical classes teach physical therapy students how to perform treatments, tests, examination techniques, and various protocols.

Not only do physical therapy schools instruct students as to how to heal the body after trauma, but how to prevent future injuries as well. The ability to script exercise regimens, predict possible future relapses, and accurately diagnose the source of pain and discomfort are regular components of any physical therapy education. Techniques involving electrical stimulation, hot and cold compresses, and ultrasound are also part of the curriculum at physical therapy schools. Though many physical therapists maintain a general practice, there is also the potential to specialize in niches like pediatrics, geriatrics, sports medicine, or geriatrics.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates of physical therapy schools tend to work in hospitals or clinics, though the potential for self-employment or private practice is an alluring factor for some physical therapy students. A 40-hour week is standard, however it is not uncommon for physical therapists to have to work evenings or weekends, and travel to provide on-site care is very often worked into their schedules.

A physical therapy career is a lucrative one with starting salaries in the range of $50,000-$55,000 and experienced salaries hitting as high as $90,000. But ultimately, you've got to love helping others to be a successful physical therapist. Most interaction is one-on-one and extends over a period of months of routine visits. If you're not comfortable with an intimate clinic or outpatient facility setting, no amount of training from physical therapy schools is going to prepare you for that necessary connection you'll need to successfully help your patients -- that education has to come from inside.