What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy is a medical practice that helps those with injuries, diseases, and other physical limitations move and function better, as well as manage pain, through various treatments. The overall goal of physical therapy is to improve the life of the patient. Reaching that goal may involve the use of exercise, manipulation, manual therapy, electrophysical modalities, devices, and medication. The origins of physical therapy date back to the time of the famous Greek physician Hippocrates , who used hydrotherapy to help people with skin, joint, and muscle problems.

What kind of people are best suited for roles in physical therapy?

Anyone who is interested in a career in physical therapy and related practices should be interested in helping others better themselves. You should be able to maintain a positive attitude, even through trying circumstances, and you should be an excellent communicator. It's also important to be a keen observer and pay close attention to detail. You'll need to be physically strong as well, since the job sometimes requires you to lift and hold patients who can't stand on their own.

Why learn physical therapy?

Learning about physical therapy can lead to an exciting career as a physical therapist. Physical therapists who enter this profession can help patients in private offices, hospitals, hospice facilities, nursing homes, home health care, schools, and rehab clinics. They may also open their own practices. Even if you don't want to pursue a career in the field, learning about physical therapy can help you better understand your own body. You'll discover new ways to stay physically healthy.

What are some typical careers that use physical therapy?

Most people who study physical therapy become physical therapists. However, there are several other options in this area. You may go on to become an athletic trainer for sports teams or a chiropractor with your own practice. You can become a personal trainer, exercise instructor, or exercise physiologist. Some people who study physical therapy go on to explore other therapeutic careers, such as speech, recreational, or occupational therapy. You can use your education as the basis for a career as a physician's assistant, nurse practitioner, or audiologist too.

What are the benefits of taking an online Physical Therapy course?

Online Physical Therapy courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Physical Therapy skills. Choose from a wide range of Physical Therapy courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

Top Physical Therapy Courses - Learn Physical Therapy Online

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Explore the Physical Therapy Course Catalog

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Introducción a los tsunamis: causas, efectos y prevención
Skills you'll gain: Mitigation, Safety Training, Emergency Response, Continuous Monitoring, Public Safety and National Security, Disaster Recovery, Environmental Monitoring, Security Awareness, World History, Community Outreach, Education and Training, Risk Control, Community Development, Geospatial Information and Technology
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Colorado System
Particle Filters (and Navigation)
Skills you'll gain: Bayesian Network, Numerical Analysis, Estimation, Simulations, Matlab, Global Positioning Systems, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Engineering Analysis, Algorithms, Computer Programming Tools
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Columbia University
Pets, Politics and Pandemics
Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Social Justice, Social Sciences, Cognitive flexibility, Complex Problem Solving, Problem Solving, Policy Analysis, Persuasive Communication, Analytical Skills, Critical Thinking, Scientific Methods, Curiosity
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
LearnQuest
Teradata: Improving Analysis and Storage
Skills you'll gain: Teradata SQL, SQL, Data Store, Database Design, Database Management, Relational Databases, Query Languages, Data Analysis
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Northeastern University
Industrial Optimization: Models & Linear Programming
Skills you'll gain: Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Software, Linear Algebra, Mathematical Modeling, Algorithms, Business Modeling, Complex Problem Solving, Spreadsheet Software
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Circuitos con SPICE: Análisis en el tiempo y la frecuencia
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Engineering, Basic Electrical Systems, Electronic Components, Network Analysis, Electronics, Engineering Analysis, Differential Equations, Mathematical Modeling, Simulation and Simulation Software
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Colorado Boulder
Spacecraft Formation Flying and Control Capstone Project
Skills you'll gain: Vibrations, Control Systems, Systems Engineering, Mathematical Modeling, Simulation and Simulation Software, Engineering Analysis, Engineering Calculations, Engineering Design Process
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Colorado Boulder
Resilience & Leadership: Tools, Methods, & Applications
Skills you'll gain: Crisis Management, Systems Thinking, Leadership, Strategic Communication, Organizational Leadership, Business Continuity, Communication Strategies, Risk Analysis, Complex Problem Solving, Decision Making, Organizational Strategy, Systems Analysis
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Eine Einführung in die Finite Elemente Methode mit SimScale
Skills you'll gain: Finite Element Methods, Simulation and Simulation Software, Data Validation, Simulations, Engineering Analysis, Verification And Validation, Cloud Engineering, Scientific Visualization
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: New
L&T EduTech
Construction Techniques and Practices
Skills you'll gain: Construction, Construction Inspection, Construction Management, Equipment Design, Construction Engineering, Construction Estimating, Maintenance, Repair, and Facility Services, Product Lifecycle Management, Cost Estimation, Architecture and Construction, Building Codes, Engineering Practices, Commercial Construction, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Automation Engineering, Civil Engineering, Laboratory Testing, Digital Transformation, Assembly Drawing
Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Packt
Managing Hybrid Teams
Skills you'll gain: Team Management, Accountability, Virtual Teams, Leadership and Management, Team Building, Collaboration, Leadership, Workforce Management, Productivity, Human Resource Strategy, Employee Engagement, Communication, Adaptability
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
L&T EduTech
Hazardous Waste Management
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Engineering, Waste Minimization, Environmental Regulations, Environmental Laws, Hazard Communication (HazCom), Environmental Engineering and Restoration, Construction, Radiation Protection, Construction Management, Safety Assurance, Chemical Engineering, Pollution Prevention, Environmental Science, Environmental Issue, Regulatory Compliance, Environment and Resource Management
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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In summary, here are 10 of our most popular physical therapy courses

Introducción a los tsunamis: causas, efectos y prevención: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Particle Filters (and Navigation): University of Colorado System
Pets, Politics and Pandemics: Columbia University
Teradata: Improving Analysis and Storage: LearnQuest
Industrial Optimization: Models & Linear Programming: Northeastern University
Circuitos con SPICE: Análisis en el tiempo y la frecuencia: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Spacecraft Formation Flying and Control Capstone Project: University of Colorado Boulder
Resilience & Leadership: Tools, Methods, & Applications: University of Colorado Boulder
Eine Einführung in die Finite Elemente Methode mit SimScale: Coursera Project Network
Construction Techniques and Practices: L&T EduTech

Physical Therapy Courses Online