Help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain through exercises and hands-on care.
Pay
$74,420
Lower reported wage
$101,020
Median
$132,500
Upper reported wage
Annual U.S. salaries. Actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience. The lower and upper figures do not represent starting and senior salaries.
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Complete a bachelor’s degree and the prerequisite courses required by the DPT programs you are considering. Programs commonly require anatomy, chemistry, and physics; the undergraduate major can vary.
Complete an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Programs typically last 3 years after the bachelor’s degree and include supervised clinical work.
Meet the licensing requirements of the state where you plan to work, including the qualifying exam. Check that board’s additional requirements and continuing-education rules.
Every state requires a physical therapist license and a qualifying exam. Additional state rules and continuing education vary; specialty board certification is optional.[1]
Search CareerOneStop by occupation and state, then confirm the rules with the issuing agency. Coverage is incomplete; an empty result does not mean no license is required.
The DPT includes supervised clinical work. The BLS profile does not establish whether a particular placement is paid; ask each program.[1]
Costs to check before enrolling
Compare undergraduate prerequisites, DPT tuition after aid, clinical travel or housing, exam and state-board fees, and whether your program permits outside work.
Planning questions: request a written estimate from each program or sponsor. A total cost has not been verified here.
Majors and routes to explore
A related major can be preparation; it does not by itself qualify you for the career.
A possible undergraduate preparation route if it covers the DPT program’s prerequisites. Confirm required courses with each DPT program.[1]
Daily life
What you would do
Evaluate movement and pain, plan treatment, use exercises and hands-on techniques, and track how patients respond.[1]
Where you could work
Therapy offices and clinics, hospitals, home health, and residential care. Home-health visits can require travel.[1]
Hours and flexibility
Most physical therapists work full time, usually during business hours; some positions include evenings or weekends. Part-time work is also common.[1]
Physical and emotional demands
The job involves long periods on your feet and helping patients move. Lifting can strain your back, so safe body mechanics matter.[1]
How you could advance
After graduation, an optional residency or fellowship can deepen specialty practice. With experience, some therapists pursue board certification in areas such as orthopedics, sports, or geriatrics.[1]
These are possible directions. Promotion timing and pay depend on the role and employer.
Questions to ask yourself and an employer
Would I enjoy guiding someone through slow, repeated rehabilitation?
Can I manage a job with substantial standing and hands-on patient care?
