Physical Therapist jobs, Physical Therapist jobs, social work jobs, healthcare jobs, health jobs

Find Physical Therapist Jobs PhysicalTherapistJobs.com includes Physical Therapist Jobs from all over the U.S.

See our Healthcarejobstore Job Directory

Post your Resume
Post your Resume or Confidential Career Profile, Edit/Deactivate your Career Information & More...Let Employers Nationwide Find You!!

Job Search Agent
Sign up for our Job Search Agent and get E-Mail of Jobs that match your search requirements!

What is Physical Therapist?

Physical therapy (or physiotherapy), often abbreviated PT, is a health care profession primarily concerned with the remediation of impairments and disabilities and the promotion of mobility, functional ability, quality of life and movement potential through examination, evaluation, diagnosis and physical intervention carried out by Physical Therapists (known as Physiotherapists in some countries) and Physical Therapist Assistants (known as Physical Rehabilitation Therapists in some countries). In addition to clinical practice, other activities encompassed in the physical therapy profession include research, education, consultation and administration. Definitions and licensing requirements in the United States vary among jurisdictions, as each state has enacted its own physical therapy practice act defining the profession within its jurisdiction, but the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has also drafted a model definition in order to limit this variation, and the APTA is also responsible for accrediting physical therapy education curricula throughout the United States. In many settings, physical therapy services may be provided alongside, or in conjunction with, other medical or rehabilitation services, such as Physical therapy or speech therapy.

Educational criteria for physical therapy providers vary from state to state and from country to country, and among various levels of professional responsibility. Most US states have physical therapy practice acts that recognize both Physical Therapists (PT) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA), and some jurisdictions also recognize Physical Therapy Technicians (PT Techs) or Aides.

The primary physical therapy practitioner is the Physical Therapist (PT), who is trained and licensed to examine, evaluate, diagnose and treat impairments, functional limitations and disabilities in patients or clients. Currently, most Physical Therapist education curricula in the United States culminate in a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree but many currently practicing PTs hold a Master of Physical Therapy degree and some hold a Bachelor's degree. The World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT) recognizes there is considerable diversity in the social, economic, cultural, and political environments in which physical therapist education is conducted throughout the world. WCPT recommends physical therapist entry-level educational programs be based on university or university-level studies, of a minimum of four years, independently validated and accredited as being at a standard that accords graduates full statutory and professional recognition.WCPT acknowledges there is innovation and variation in program delivery and in entry-level qualifications, including first university degrees (Bachelors/Baccalaureate/Licensed or equivalent), Masters and Doctorate entry qualifications. What is expected is that any program should deliver a curriculum that will enable physical therapists to attain the knowledge, skills, and attributes described in these guidelines. Professional education prepares physical therapists to be autonomous practitioners, that may work in collaboration with other members of the health care team. Curricula in the United States are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).