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Physical therapist: the path

Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury. Description from O*NET

Also called: Acute Care PT (Acute Care Physical Therapist), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Home Care Physical Therapist (Home Care PT), Inpatient Physical Therapist (Inpatient PT), Outpatient Physical Therapist (Outpatient PT)

Typical pay$102,760Median yearly pay, BLS 2025
Job outlook+11.9% jobsProjected change, 2025–35. All jobs: +3.5%.
Time after high schoolAbout 7 yearsTypical full-time study and training
  1. Step 1Bachelor’s degree4 years, often in exercise science or biology
  2. Step 2Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)About 3 years
  3. Step 3National exam and state license

Typical education to start: Doctoral or professional degree · More on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Clubs and volunteering for this career →

Colleges for this path

Related majors: Biology, General · Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences · Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness

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1,388 colleges match

College Scorecard, 2024 data. Earnings are the median for graduates of the related majors, 4 years after graduating. All figures are estimates.

Best value = earnings ÷ (net price × years of study). Net prices under $1,000 count as $1,000.

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