Do you enjoy helping people maximize their physical abilities? You might already be thinking of becoming a physical therapist one day. It’s a noble healthcare profession that involves assisting patients in bouncing back from injuries and regaining their independence.
However, like many professional jobs, it takes years of preparation. If you want to understand how to start a career in physical therapy, this guide provides a clear path to follow, from researching the profession to advancing in the field.
Step 1: Research the Field of Physical Therapy
Physical therapists assess patients, create treatment plans, and guide them through exercises to improve mobility and manage pain. They work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab centers, private practices, and even patients’ homes. These responsibilities help you decide if the role suits your interests.
Are you interested in specializing in one focus? Physical therapy specialties like orthopedics, pediatrics, geriatrics, or sports therapy allow you to concentrate on what excites you most. Whether you’re helping athletes recover or supporting older adults, choosing a niche can make your career more rewarding.
Connecting with practicing professionals can give you firsthand insights into physical therapy careers and potentially the best places to work. Try shadowing experienced therapists or chatting with them when they have time. Most are happy to share their experiences and might even become your mentors.
Step 2: Meet Educational Requirements
Understanding how to start a career in physical therapy begins with selecting the right undergraduate degree. Fields such as kinesiology, exercise science, biology, or health sciences are viable for this career. These programs cover foundational courses like anatomy, physiology, and psychology, which prepare you for advanced studies.
A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program will prepare you for licensed practice. This three-year program blends coursework with clinical training in medical sciences and therapeutic techniques. You’ll also gain hands-on experience during rotations in real-world settings, which could be worth as much as your physical therapy degree.
Step 3: Gain Practical Experience
During your DPT program, clinical rotations provide hands-on experience in environments like outpatient clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities. These physical therapy internships allow you to apply your knowledge, build skills, and understand how the career varies across settings.
Before or during your studies, volunteering at healthcare facilities and shadowing licensed physical therapists offer additional exposure to the field. These experiences deepen your understanding of patient care and help build connections with professionals who can guide you along the way.
Step 4: Pass the Licensure Exam
Receiving your professional license is a vital part of how to start a career in physical therapy. Each state has its own licensing requirements, so check the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) website for detailed information. Meeting these criteria ensures you’re eligible to practice in your chosen state.
The NPTE evaluates your knowledge and skills as a physical therapist. Studying with review courses, study guides, and practice exams helps you prepare effectively. Develop a study schedule that prioritizes areas where you need the most improvement, and approach the exam confidently.
Step 5: Secure Employment
After becoming a licensed physical therapist, start preparing your resume. It should emphasize your education, clinical experience, and relevant skills. To stand out among other candidates, tailor each application to the job’s specific requirements. A strong cover letter demonstrates your passion for the role and explains how your background aligns with the position.
Find physical therapy roles through specialty job boards and the American Physical Therapy Association, or tap into your network of other therapists. Connections made during internships and shadowing may also lead to job offers, so keep in touch with those contacts.
Step 6: Continue Professional Development
Knowing how to start a career in physical therapy is just the beginning; staying updated on advancements in the field helps you provide the best care to patients. Reading professional journals, attending workshops, and joining professional groups keeps you informed and engaged.
Lifelong learning is essential in physical therapy. Getting certified as an Orthopedic Manual Therapist, for instance, opens doors to specialized work and sets you apart in your field. These credentials also allow you to specialize further, benefiting your career and your patients.
Step 7: Consider Future Career Advancement
As you gain experience, you might decide to take on roles in management, teaching, or research. Leadership positions allow you to mentor others, shape policies, and contribute to the profession beyond direct patient care.
For those interested in academic or research-focused careers, pursuing a PhD or additional advanced degrees offers pathways to leadership roles and innovative contributions to the field. Further education can also deepen your specialization or open doors to teaching opportunities.
Conclusion
You should now know how to start a career in physical therapy. It involves dedication and effort, but the journey is rewarding.
A physical therapy career allows you to make a lasting difference in people’s lives while growing in a career filled with opportunities. Take the first step today, and you’ll soon be on your way to a fulfilling career helping others achieve their best health.