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

L&T EduTech
Collaborative Robotics in Industry
Skills you'll gain: Automation Engineering, Programmable Logic Controllers, Electrical Systems, Hydraulics, Control Systems, Automation, Simulation and Simulation Software, Internet Of Things, Robotic Process Automation, Mechanical Engineering, Real Time Data, Human Machine Interfaces, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing and Production, Electronics, Hardware Troubleshooting, Image Analysis, Matlab, Equipment Design, Computer Vision
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
93 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
University of Alberta
21st Century Energy Transition: how do we make it work?
Skills you'll gain: Energy and Utilities, Environmental Issue, Innovation, Environment, Environmental Policy, Electric Power Systems, Emerging Technologies, Supply And Demand, Market Dynamics, Trend Analysis
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
98 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
MedCerts
Pediatric, Geriatric, Phlebotomy, and Cardiology Assisting
Skills you'll gain: Phlebotomy, Blood Collection, Patient Education And Counseling, Geriatrics, Laboratory Testing, Electocardiography, Pediatrics, Nursing and Patient Care, Cardiology, Patient Assistance, Patient Preparation, Urology, Medical Equipment and Technology, Infection Control
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Rice University
Physics of Geometrical and Physical Optics
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Engineering Calculations, Applied Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics, Physical Science, Mathematical Modeling, Trigonometry, Calculus, Linear Algebra
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Houston
Preparing for the AP Physics 1 Exam
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Basic Electrical Systems, Physics, Vibrations, Physical Science, Trigonometry, Mathematical Modeling
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
36 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Universitat de Barcelona
Strategies for winning. Meteorology in a round the world regatta
Skills you'll gain: Safety Assurance, Mathematical Modeling, Predictive Modeling, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Global Positioning Systems, Water Resources, Telecommunications, Risk Control
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
139 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
The University of Sydney
Introduction to Linear Algebra
Skills you'll gain: Linear Algebra, Markov Model, Geometry, Arithmetic, Algebra, General Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics, Probability, Mathematics and Mathematical Modeling, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Statistical Methods, Engineering Analysis
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
30 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Introduction to advanced tomography
Skills you'll gain: Jupyter, 3D Modeling, Image Analysis, Analysis, Data Manipulation, Data Processing, Numerical Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Simulation and Simulation Software, Python Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
63 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Violencias por razones de género
Skills you'll gain: Diversity Awareness, Social Justice, Sociology, Conflict Management, Culture, Cultural Sensitivity, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
186 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Colorado Boulder
Real-Time Embedded Systems Concepts and Practices
Skills you'll gain: Real-Time Operating Systems, Embedded Systems, Hardware Architecture, System Programming, Software Systems, Linux, System Design and Implementation, OS Process Management, C (Programming Language), Performance Tuning
3.9
Rating, 3.9 out of 5 stars
90 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Tecnológico de Monterrey
Psicología de la salud
Skills you'll gain: Oncology, Behavioral Health, Mental and Behavioral Health Specialties, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Health Care, Mental Health, Preventative Care, Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, Psychiatry, Chronic Diseases, Psychology, Patient Education and Support, Stress Management, Neurology
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
77 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
The University of Edinburgh
Learning for a Sustainable Future
Skills you'll gain: Teaching, Action Oriented, Systems Thinking, Environment, Collaboration, Community Development, Social Sciences, Personal Development, Complex Problem Solving, Cultural Diversity, Planning
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
148 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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

Collaborative Robotics in Industry: L&T EduTech
21st Century Energy Transition: how do we make it work?: University of Alberta
Pediatric, Geriatric, Phlebotomy, and Cardiology Assisting: MedCerts
Physics of Geometrical and Physical Optics: Rice University
Preparing for the AP Physics 1 Exam: University of Houston
Strategies for winning. Meteorology in a round the world regatta : Universitat de Barcelona
Introduction to Linear Algebra: The University of Sydney
Introduction to advanced tomography: Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Violencias por razones de género: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Real-Time Embedded Systems Concepts and Practices: University of Colorado Boulder

Physical Therapy Courses Online