Physical Therapy Schools

Program Objective
The primary objective of the program is to teach you how to assist patients who are suffering from different  kinds of medical conditions, ranging from minor bruises to car accident injuries to those requiring hospitalization and rehabilitation. Physical therapists play an important role in the healthcare process. You'll learn to observe patients, assist them with exercises and use of equipment and educate patients and their families about treatment and medical procedures.

Online Schools
You can enroll in one of the many physical therapy schools online which will give you the freedom of studying from the comfort and convenience of your home. You'll be able to hold down your current part time job and study according to your own schedule. Online programs however are equally rigorous in terms of the curriculum.  You'll typically be delivered video lectures, assigned electronic readings and assignments and required to take regular tests as well as a final exam. However, to give you the right blend of theoretical and practical knowledge, some on-campus laboratory work or clinical rotations may be involved too.

Program Curriculum
The curriculum of physical therapy is designed in such a way that it'll teach you a combination of human biology basics and practical techniques required on job.  Although the names and range of courses differ across institutes, we've compiled a list of example courses that you will likely come across in an online program:

• Ethical and legal issues in medicine and communicating effectively

This course is intended to teach you about the moral and ethical issues that are relevant to physical therapists. You'll learn about the rights of patients and how to safeguard them. As the name suggests, you'll become equipped with effective and essential communication skills too.

• Safety and preparation for patient care

You'll learn about basic hospital safety procedures and about preparing the treatment area and patient for care.

• Clinical and pathological physiology

This course will give an overview of different diseases that physical therapists generally deal with. An emphasis will be placed on human movement, body functions and abnormal functioning.

• Gross anatomy

You'll become equipped to understand the location and function of different body parts.

• Medical records and terminology

This course will give you an understanding of patient's medical records, medical words formation, abbreviations and frequently used terms.

Employment Outlook
Physical therapists assistants and physical therapists are generally employed in industries like

• Acute-care hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Outpatient practices
• Rehabilitation centers

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2012 physical therapists earned an hourly wage of $38.99 and an annual wage of $81,110 whereas physical therapist assistants and aides could make an average hourly and annual wage of $25.15 and $52,320 respectively. BLS estimates suggest that physical therapy is a fast growing occupation, with a growth rate of thirty nine percent from 2010 to 2020 for physical therapists and 46 percent for physical therapist assistants. The demand for physical therapy services is expected to remain strong due to an aging population of baby boomers.