This major is a program that prepares individuals to alleviate physical and functional impairments and limitations caused by injury or disease through the design and implementation of therapeutic interventions to promote fitness and health.
Includes instruction in functional anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, neuroscience, pathological physiology, analysis of dysfunction, movement dynamics, physical growth process, management of musculoskeletal disorders, clinical evaluation and measurement, client assessment and supervision, care plan development and documentation, physical therapy modalities, rehabilitation psychology, physical therapy administration, and professional standards and ethics.
What can you do with a major/degree in Physical Therapy/Therapist Major?
If you work as a Physical Therapist, it is your job to help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain. Physical therapists are often an important part of preventive care, rehabilitation, and treatment for patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.
Job opportunities for physical therapists are extremely strong in the future as this career subsector is expected to see an eighteen percent (18%) growth 2018-2028.
Physical therapists entering the occupation need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). DPT programs typically last 3 years. All states require physical therapists to be licensed. Most DPT programs require candidates to apply through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).
Trade Associations and Professional Organizations in Physical Therapy/Therapist Major
Professional associations are groups of professionals dedicated to topics in specific fields. Professional associations provide a wealth of online resources, some of which are geared specifically towards students. These organizations typically also host conferences and events, providing great opportunities for learning and networking across your field of interest.
- American Physical Therapy Association
- Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
- Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
- American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
- National Strength and Conditioning Association
Publications/Magazines in Physical Therapy/Therapist Major