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

Explore the Physical Therapy Course Catalog

Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo
Natural Disaster and Climate Change Risk Assessment
Skills you'll gain: Failure Analysis, Risk Analysis, Risk Modeling, Feasibility Studies, Risk Management, Project Risk Management, Risk Mitigation, Business Risk Management, Analysis, Mitigation, Governance, Financial Analysis, Disaster Recovery, Systems Analysis, Cost Benefit Analysis, Vulnerability Assessments, Environmental Resource Management, Civil Engineering, Prioritization, Economic Development
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
211 reviews
Advanced · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Introducción a los modelos de demanda de transporte
Skills you'll gain: Data Collection, Transportation Operations, Surveys, Quantitative Research, Mathematical Modeling, Predictive Modeling, Statistical Methods, Regression Analysis, Spatial Analysis, Probability Distribution, Probability
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
458 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Geographical Information Systems - Part 1
Skills you'll gain: Geographic Information Systems, GIS Software, Spatial Data Analysis, NoSQL, Data Modeling, Database Design, Databases, Data Storage Technologies, SQL, Data Storage, Data Capture, Query Languages, Relational Databases
3.5
Rating, 3.5 out of 5 stars
94 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Universidade de São Paulo
Origens da Vida no Contexto Cósmico
Skills you'll gain: Life Sciences, Physical Science, Biology, General Science and Research, Biochemistry, Physics, Scientific Methods, Experimentation, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Simulation and Simulation Software, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
¡¿Cómo?! ¿Química en mi casa?
Skills you'll gain: Pharmacology, Food and Beverage, Waste Minimization, Chemistry, Pollution Prevention, Cleanliness, Environmental Science, Environmental Regulations, Sanitation, Environment
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.2K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
杏林探宝——认知中药
Skills you'll gain: Pharmacology, Contraindication, Medical Prescription, Medication Therapy Management, Pharmacotherapy, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Drug Interaction, Healthcare Ethics, Nutrition and Diet, Patient Safety, Medical History Documentation, Preventative Care, Clinical Nutrition, Ancient History
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
130 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Modeling and Debugging Embedded Systems
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Software, Embedded Systems, Failure Analysis, Debugging, Technical Communication, Simulations, System Design and Implementation, Automation, Technical Management, Innovation
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
236 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Dartmouth College
Environmental Science
Skills you'll gain: Environment, Environmental Issue, Environmental Science, Water Resources, Environmental Policy, Biology, Systems Thinking, Energy and Utilities, Physics, Chemistry
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
264 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
MedCerts
Clinical Medical Assistant Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Phlebotomy, Blood Collection, Sterilization, Medical Terminology, Nutrition Education, Infection Control, Pathology, Patient Education And Counseling, Vital Signs, Geriatrics, Laboratory Testing, Electocardiography, Anatomy, Pediatrics, Patient Evaluation, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Health And Safety Standards, Health Assessment, Sanitation, Nursing and Patient Care
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Dartmouth College
The Engineering of Structures Around Us
Skills you'll gain: Structural Analysis, Structural Engineering, Building Design, Civil Engineering, Vibrations, Architectural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction, SketchUp (3D Modeling Software), Mechanics, Engineering Analysis, Engineering Calculations, Mathematical Modeling, Prototyping, Engineering Design Process, 3D Modeling, Simulation and Simulation Software, Applied Mathematics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
145 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
MathWorks
Introduction to Image Processing
Skills you'll gain: Image Analysis, Matlab, Computer Vision, Spatial Data Analysis, Quantitative Research, Graphical Tools, Data Access, Data Import/Export
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
170 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of California, Irvine
El arte de negociar
Skills you'll gain: Negotiation, Leadership, Communication, Relationship Building, Empowerment, Influencing, Assertiveness, Planning, Emotional Intelligence, Adaptability
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
486 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks