Physical therapists use physical means to relieve or manage pain and prevent or limit permanent disability for the patient suffering from injury, disease, or birth defect. Their patients include, but are not limited to, accident victims or handicapped individuals with conditions such as low back pain, fractures, amputations, neurological disorders, arthritis, and heart disease. Physical therapists work with a wide variety of health professionals in managing a patient’s care. They may work in a hospital or clinical setting, or do home-health care. The job can be physically demanding because physical therapists must move people and equipment and are usually on their feet for a long time. Physical therapists should possess strong interpersonal skills, manual dexterity, and physical stamina.
Physical Therapy programs are graduate programs, most commonly Masters degree. Students need to earn a Bachelors degree in any field and complete the Physical Therapy prerequisites. For the State of Florida, the physical therapy prerequisites are:
Students may choose any undergraduate major. Some students choose Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences. Another major that is appropriate is Athletic Training in the College of Education.
For more information about Physical Therapy, please check out the following web sites.
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