The physical therapy industry continues to grow and expand due to its effectiveness as a supplement to other traditional practices. Like other healthcare workers, physical therapists have the opportunity to impact the lives of patients directly. Physical therapists help to improve the quality of life for those in need through mobility-based practices that promote well-being. Unlike some healthcare jobs, physical therapists get to see the direct results of their work through the formation of close doctor-patient relationships. What Physical Therapists Do Physical therapists work one-on-one with patients to offer quality care for mobility-related injuries or chronic conditions. Many patients require physical therapy for conditions that medicine alone cannot heal. Through consultation with a healthcare team of physicians, surgeons, and other medical professionals, physical therapists evaluate patient injury and progress to determine their proper physical therapy recovery process. By utilizing patient-individualized treatment plans, physical therapists can improve the quality of life for patients based on their specific needs. Physical therapy involves equipment, exercises, and hands-on training to assist recovery. Physical therapists also have the opportunity to develop a connection with their patients through regular meetings and patient education. The physical therapy profession is excellent for anyone looking to make a rewarding impact on the lives of their patients. How to Become a Physical Therapist Before preparing for a career as a physical therapist, you should determine what level of education you are willing to pursue. To become a physical therapist, you must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Becoming a Physical Therapist Aspiring physical therapists can apply for a Doctor of Physical Therapy program after earning a four-year Bachelor’s degree. The Bachelor’s degree does not have to be related to physical therapy, but it may be helpful to have a healthcare background before continuing education. Some universities offer a 3+3 program that streamlines the process to 6 years, two years faster than the average schooling timeline. DPT programs cover continuing education courses related to the physical therapy profession, including anatomy, biology, pharmacology, and kinesiology. After earning a physical therapy degree, a student must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination and state licensure examination. Most physical therapists also complete clinical work before receiving certification. After passing the test, a student’s physical therapy education is complete, and they become a licensed physical therapist. From here, physical therapists can consider residency, board certification, or American Physical Therapy Association membership. Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant Physical therapist assistants work alongside physical therapists. Physical therapist assistants are not doctors, so they cannot form patient diagnoses or create treatment plans. Instead, they assist physical therapists in carrying out treatment plans and working with each patient. Physical therapist aides must graduate from an accredited physical therapy assistant program and pass a national PTA licensure exam. The timeline of this schooling is shorter than that of a physical therapist, typically taking two years to complete. How Much Does Physical Therapy School Cost? Reviewing the cost of physical therapy education programs before pursuing schooling is essential. Many DPT programs accept student loan repayment or offer scholarships to offset student debt. The average annual cost of a public physical therapy program is $69,418. The average yearly cost of a private physical therapy program is $118,865. These costs exclude other financial factors, including housing, meal plans, textbook cost, and transportation. Physical therapy students can expect to pay more than the above amount during their schooling. Physical Therapy Pay According to a 2021 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary of physical therapists is $95,620. The average yearly wage for physical therapist aides is $61,180. According to the same report, the highest 10% of physical therapists...