Physical Therapy/Therapist
A program that prepares individuals to evaluate, examine, diagnose, and alleviate physical functional impairments and limitations caused by injury or disease through the design and implementation of therapeutic interventions to promote fitness and health. Includes instruction in anatomy, behavioral sciences, biology, biomechanics, biophysical agents, care plan development and documentation, cellular histology, clinical evaluation and measurement, clinical reasoning, communication, exercise physiology, kinesiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, pathology, physiology, professional standards and ethics, rehabilitation psychology, and therapeutic exercise.
- Schools offering
- 29
- Annual completions
- 255
- Typical degree level
- Associate's + Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $56k
About this major
A program that prepares individuals to evaluate, examine, diagnose, and alleviate physical functional impairments and limitations caused by injury or disease through the design and implementation of therapeutic interventions to promote fitness and health. Includes instruction in anatomy, behavioral sciences, biology, biomechanics, biophysical agents, care plan development and documentation, cellular histology, clinical evaluation and measurement, clinical reasoning, communication, exercise physiology, kinesiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, pathology, physiology, professional standards and ethics, rehabilitation psychology, and therapeutic exercise.
Examples of specialized tracks: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health specialties teachers, postsecondary | $106k | +17.3% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Physical therapists | $101k | +10.9% | Doctoral or professional degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$56k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$46k
Bachelor's
$58k
Top colleges for Physical Therapy/Therapist
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ithaca College | Ithaca, NY | 0 | 53 | 53 |
| Springfield College | Springfield, MA | 0 | 47 | 47 |
| Duquesne University | Pittsburgh, PA | 0 | 29 | 29 |
| Oklahoma Baptist University | Shawnee, OK | 0 | 21 | 21 |
| Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | 0 | 20 | 20 |
| Snow College | Ephraim, UT | 15 | 0 | 15 |
| Atenas University | Manati, PR | 15 | 0 | 15 |
| Itawamba Community College | Fulton, MS | 12 | 0 | 12 |
| Saint Francis University | Loretto, PA | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| Andrews University | Berrien Springs, MI | 0 | 8 | 8 |
Related majors to explore
Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
6,344 completions/yr
Physical Therapy Assistant
5,324 completions/yr
Rehabilitation Science
843 completions/yr
Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy
628 completions/yr
Occupational Therapy/Therapist
501 completions/yr
Music Therapy/Therapist
451 completions/yr
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions, Other
374 completions/yr
Pre-Physical Therapy Studies
255 completions/yr
Considering this direction?
We've taken a hard look at the debt, earnings trajectory, and degree-level tradeoffs for the Physical Therapy/Therapist field. Read our verdict before you commit.
Is Physical Therapy/Therapist worth it? Read verdict