Online Degrees in Physical Therapy
An online degree in physical therapy can open the door to various positions in the physical therapy field. If you are considering entering the physical therapy field or a related therapy field, such as occupational therapy, one of the following degrees may be helpful.
- Online Physical Therapy Associate Degree provides a credential for students aspiring to enter the physical therapy field as a physical therapist assistant. Programs for an online Associate degree in physical therapy provide students with the basic training in physical therapy that they need to enter the field.
- Online Physical Therapy Bachelor Degree starts students on their way to an exciting career in a hospital, clinic, nursing home, or other setting. This degree is a stepping stone for a Masters degree in physical therapy. Although an online Masters degree in physical therapy does not exist, there are a few institutions that offer an online physical therapy Doctorate degree.
- Online Physical Therapy Masters Degree provides individuals with basic training in physical therapy and gives them the credentials they need to begin a career as a physical therapist. This degree may be useful as a credential for careers in occupational therapy as well. Physical therapists must also be licensed by the state, but at least an online Masters degree in physical therapy prepares individuals aspiring to become physical therapists with the basic training and knowledge that they need to begin this career.
- Online Physical Therapy Doctorate Degree is helpful for individuals hoping to advance in a physical therapy career or related field. Although a Masters degree in physical therapy is the minimum degree requirement for entry level physical therapists, an online Doctorate degree in physical therapy may be more beneficial. This is especially true if an individual is aspiring to teach physical therapy in a college setting or, with significant on-the-job experience, enter a position as a hospital or medical services administrator.
Online Physical Therapy Courses
Coursework in programs for online physical therapy degrees may vary depending on the college and degree level. However, some common courses to expect include information on anatomy and physiology, physical therapy practices, psychology, chemistry, musculoskeletal disorders, clinical practice, neuroanatomy, massage, pathphysiology, mobility training, nutrition, microbiology, human and clinical anatomy, palpation, human development, physical therapist interventions, neurosciences, pathology, movement science, diagnostic imaging, musculoskeletal practice management, primary care management, and health promotion and injury prevention. These are just examples; different or additional courses may be included depending on the program and degree level.
Physical Therapy Degree Careers and Salary Information
An online degree in physical therapy enables people to enter a career as a physical therapist, physical therapy instructor or professor, physical therapist assistant, hospital or medical services administrator, or other related position. The median entry level salary for physical therapist assistants is $43,724. The median entry level salary for physical therapists is $70,929. However, salaries may vary depending on the person's employment setting, level of education, and on-the-job experience. Employment settings may include hospitals, offices of physical therapists, home health care services industry, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers, offices of physicians, clinics, rehabilitation centers, educational institutions, and others. The number of physical therapy careers is projected to grow by 27% by 2016, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. A growing number of individuals with disabilities or limited function will increase the demand for physical therapy services.