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Physical Therapy - A Professional Profile Physical therapist education Physical therapists attain their knowledge and skills through extensive academic and clinical education. To enter the profession, physical therapists must have completed at least four years of college, graduated from an accredited professional education program, and secured a license by successfully completing a state licensure examination. All professional education programs include foundational science and clinical science courses. These emphasize the science, theory, and practice of physical therapy, as well as patient and client management. The curriculum includes opportunities to apply and integrate theory through extensive clinical education in a variety of practice settings. Most physical therapists enter the profession with a post-baccalaureate degree (MSPT, MPT, DPT). In addition, some pursue advanced academic education by earning post professional masters and/or doctoral degrees. Licensure for Physical Therapists After graduating from an accredited professional education program, in order to legally practice physical therapy, all physical therapists must pass a national licensure examination. Additional licensure requisites for physical therapists vary from state to state according to the physical therapy practice acts and state regulations that govern physical therapy. Specialization Many physical therapists acquire specialized knowledge through extensive clinical experience and education preparation in specialty areas of practice. The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties certifies several hundred physical therapists annually through administration of a national certification examination. The areas of specialist certification include the following:
The Physical Therapy Assistant The physical therapy assistant is a technically educated health care provider who assists the physical therapist. The physical therapist assistant is a graduate of an accredited physical therapist assistant associate degree program. The physical therapy assistant, under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist, performs selected physical therapy interventions. Ethical Practice The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is a national professional organization representing physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and students throughout the United States. Members of the APTA comply with the Association's “Code of Ethics and Guide for Professional Conduct” and the “Standards of Practice for Physical Therapy.” Physical therapy assistants, as affiliate members of the APTA, must abide by the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant” and the “Guide for Conduct of the Affiliate Member.” The criteria set forth in these documents are APTA's primary means for self-regulation of physical therapy practice. Members of the APTA maintain and promote high standards in the provision of physical therapy services and accept the responsibility to protect the public from unethical, incompetent, or illegal acts. In abiding by the “Code” and “Standards,” Association members fulfill important personal and professional obligations to themselves, their profession, and the public. For more information please go to the American Physical Therapy Association's web site at www.apta.org. Our Therapy Staff
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