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Physical therapists typically work in private offices and clinics, hospitals, patients’ homes, and nursing homes. They spend much of their time on their feet, actively working with patients.
How to Become a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists entering the profession need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. All states require physical therapists to be licensed.
Overall employment of physical therapists is projected to grow $pc.toString().replaceAll("^\-","") percent from 2020 to 2030, $gra.
About $tools.number.format('#,###',$op) openings for physical therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for physical therapists.
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of physical therapists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about physical therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Physical therapists evaluate and record a patient’s progress.
Physical therapists, sometimes called PTs, help injured or ill people improve their movement and manage their pain. These therapists are often an important part of rehabilitation, treatment, and prevention of patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.
Physical therapists typically do the following:
Review patients’ medical history and any referrals or notes from doctors, surgeons, or other healthcare workers
Diagnose patients’ functions and movements by observing them stand or walk and by listening to their concerns, among other methods
Develop individualized plans of care for patients, outlining the patients’ goals and the expected outcomes of the plans
Use exercises, stretching maneuvers, hands-on therapy, and equipment to ease patients’ pain, help them increase their mobility, prevent further pain or injury, and facilitate health and wellness
Evaluate and record a patient’s progress, modifying a plan of care and trying new treatments as needed
Educate patients and their families about what to expect from the recovery process and how best to cope with challenges throughout the process
Physical therapists provide care to people of all ages who have functional problems resulting from back and neck injuries; sprains, strains, and fractures; arthritis; amputations; neurological disorders, such as stroke or cerebral palsy; injuries related to work and sports; and other conditions.
Physical therapists are educated to use a variety of different techniques to care for their patients. These techniques include exercises; training in functional movement, which may include the use of equipment such as canes, crutches, wheelchairs, and walkers; and special movements of joints, muscles, and other soft tissue to improve movement and decrease pain.
The work of physical therapists varies by type of patient. For example, a patient working to recover mobility lost after a stroke needs different care from a patient who is recovering from a sports injury. Some physical therapists specialize in one type of care, such as orthopedics or geriatrics. Many physical therapists also help patients to maintain or improve mobility by developing fitness and wellness programs that encourage healthier and more active lifestyles.
Physical therapists work as part of a healthcare team, overseeing the work of physical therapist assistants and aides and consulting with physicians and surgeons and other specialists.
Physical therapists use exercises and stretching maneuvers to ease patients' pain.
Physical therapists spend much of their time on their feet, working with patients. Because they must often lift and move patients, they are vulnerable to back injuries. Physical therapists can limit these risks by using proper body mechanics and lifting techniques when assisting patients.
Most physical therapists work full time. Although most physical therapists work during normal business hours, some may work evenings or weekends.
How to Become a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists use a variety of techniques, such as massage and stretching, to treat patients.
Physical therapists need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. All states require physical therapists to be licensed.
In 2017, there were more than 200 programs for physical therapists accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). All programs offer a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
DPT programs typically last 3 years. Many programs require a bachelor’s degree for admission as well as specific educational prerequisites, such as classes in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and physics. Some programs admit college freshmen into 6- or 7-year programs that allow students to graduate with both a bachelor’s degree and a DPT. Most DPT programs require applicants to apply through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).
Physical therapist programs often include courses in biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, and pharmacology. Physical therapist students also complete at least 30 weeks of clinical work, during which they gain supervised experience in areas such as acute care and orthopedic care.
Physical therapists may apply to and complete a clinical residency program after graduation. Residencies typically last about 1 year and provide additional training and experience in specialty areas of care. Physical therapists who have completed a residency program may choose to specialize further by completing a fellowship in an advanced clinical area. The American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education has directories of physical therapist residency and fellowship programs.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
All states require physical therapists to be licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state but all include passing the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Several states also require a law exam and a criminal background check. Continuing education is typically required for physical therapists to keep their license. Check with your state boards for specific licensing requirements.
After gaining work experience, some physical therapists choose to become a board-certified specialist. The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties offers certification in nine clinical specialty areas of physical therapy, including orthopedics, sports, and geriatrics. Board specialist certification requires passing an exam and at least 2,000 hours of clinical work in the specialty area within the last ten years or completion of an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)-accredited residency program in the specialty area.
Compassion. Physical therapists are often drawn to the profession in part by a desire to help people. They work with people who are in pain and must have empathy for their patients.
Detail oriented. Like other healthcare providers, physical therapists should have strong analytic and observational skills to diagnose a patient’s problem, evaluate treatments, and provide safe, effective care.
Dexterity. Physical therapists must use their hands to provide manual therapy and therapeutic exercises. They should feel comfortable massaging and otherwise physically assisting patients.
Interpersonal skills. Because physical therapists spend a lot of time interacting with patients, they should enjoy working with people. They must clearly explain treatment programs, motivate patients, and listen to patients’ concerns in order to provide effective therapy.
Physical stamina. Physical therapists spend much of their time on their feet, moving as they demonstrate proper techniques and help patients perform exercises. They should enjoy physical activity.
Resourcefulness. Physical therapists customize treatment plans for patients. They must be flexible and adapt plans of care to meet the needs of each patient.
Time-management skills. Physical therapists typically treat several patients each day. They must provide appropriate care to patients along with completing administrative tasks, such as documenting patient progress.
Median annual wages, May 2020
Healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
Most physical therapists work full time. Although most therapists work during normal business hours, some may work evenings or weekends.
Percent change in employment, projected 2020-30
Healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Overall employment of physical therapists is projected to grow $pc.toString().replaceAll("^\-","") percent from 2020 to 2030, $gra.
About $tools.number.format('#,###',$op) openings for physical therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 22 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Demand for physical therapy will come in part from the large number of aging baby boomers, who are staying more active later in life than their counterparts of previous generations. Older people are more likely to experience heart attacks, strokes, and mobility-related injuries that require physical therapy for rehabilitation.
In addition, a number of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, have become more prevalent in recent years. More physical therapists will be needed to help these patients maintain their mobility and manage the effects of chronic conditions.
Advances in medical technology have increased the use of outpatient surgery to treat a variety of injuries and illnesses. Medical and technological developments also are expected to permit a greater percentage of trauma victims and newborns with birth defects to survive, creating additional demand for rehabilitative care. Physical therapists will continue to play an important role in helping these patients recover more quickly from surgery.
Job opportunities are expected to be good for licensed physical therapists in all settings. Job prospects should be particularly good in acute-care hospitals, skilled-nursing facilities, and orthopedic settings, where the elderly are most often treated. Job prospects should be especially favorable in rural areas because many physical therapists live in highly populated urban and suburban areas.
Employment projections data for physical therapists, 2020-30
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
State & Area Data
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas.
Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved.
CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of physical therapists.
Audiologists diagnose, manage, and treat a patient’s hearing, balance, or ear problems.
Chiropractors treat patients with health problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Occupational therapists treat patients who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities.
Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides
Physical therapist assistants and aides work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists.
Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses.
Speech-language pathologists assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults.
Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses.
Exercise physiologists develop fitness and exercise programs that help injured or sick patients recover.
Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners
Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare.
Physician assistants practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare workers.
Contacts for More Information
For more information about physical therapists, visit
American Physical Therapy Association
For more information about accredited physical therapy programs, visit
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
For more information about state licensing requirements and about the National Physical Therapy Exam, visit
Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
For more information about certification, visit
American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
For more information about residency and fellowship opportunities, visit
American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education
For more information about how to apply to DPT programs, visit
Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS)
For a career video on physical therapists, visit
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physical Therapists,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm (visited September 28, 2022).
Last Modified Date: Wednesday, September 4, 2019
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections PSB Suite 2135 2 Massachusetts Avenue NE Washington, DC 20212-0001