About Profession

About the Profession

Physical Therapists are referred to as PTs. PTs are trained to assist injured and ill patients in rehabilitation and treatment. The goal of PTs in health care is to develop a recovery and treatment plan to help patients make progress in their physical recovery.

PTs perform various assessments that serve to evaluate and diagnose each patient's personal condition. After evaluation, PTs use several methods such as exercises, stretching, therapy and equipment to improve patient's condition whether it is related to pain, injury, illness and/or dysfunctional movement.

• PTs must pass a National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
• PTs are required by all states to have a license and are also required to update their license by completing continuing education credits periodically while in practice.
• Read about career paths of a Physical Therapist.