Physical Therapists or Physiotherapists, also at times referred to as simply PTs, are healthcare professionals who identify and take care of individuals with health-related conditions, infirmity, or injuries that restrict their abilities to perform and carry out routine and sporting activities. In addition, Physical Therapists work with clients to develop custom wellness and fitness programs for preventing injuries, according to their body type.
Typically a graduate degree is the minimum requirement to enter into the field of Physical and Occupational Therapy. Additionally, prospective therapists should enroll in an academic degree programs that are certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), and the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) in order to sit for the national certifying exam, for respective professions.
Coursework for online degree programs in Physical and Occupational Therapy may be varying but classes may include in courses such as biology, anatomy, physiology, cellular histology, exercise physiology, neuroscience, biomechanics, pharmacology, pathology, and radiology/imaging, as well as behavioral science courses, such as evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning.
In addition, to be eligible for a graduate degree program in Physical and Occupational Therapy, applicant must have an undergraduate degree in relevant disciplines such as biology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, liberal arts, and anatomy. Also many masters’ programs require volunteer experience in Physical and Occupational Therapy department of a hospital or clinic.
