What is Physical Therapy

Who We Are and What We Do

Physical Therapists (PTs) are licensed health care professionals who diagnose and oversee the management of patients in order to improve the physical and functional abilities of people of all ages. PTs also play a role in helping individuals maintain optimal health and fitness, and prevent the onset or progression of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities related to disease, disorders, and other conditions.

The Settings in Which We Practice

Physical therapists practice in a wide variety of settings, including private practices, emergency rooms, hospital inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, sub-acute facilities, patients' homes, higher educational settings, research settings, schools, fitness centers, office and industrial workplaces, and sports training centers.

Education and Licensure

In order to practice as a "Physical Therapist," one must have graduated from an accredited physical therapy program, pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), and be licensed in his/her given state(s). Physical therapists often pursue professional development opportunities, including post-professional degrees such as Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Science (DSc), Master of Science (MS), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), or Master of Public Health (MPH). Clinical specialization opportunities, such as clinical residencies, are also available to PTs. Examples include Orthopedic (OCS), Neurologic (NCS), Pediatric (PCS), Sports (SCS), Geriatric (GCS), Cardiovascular and Pulmonary (CCS), and Clinical Electrophysiologic (ECS) clinical specialties.

Related Links

• American Physical Therapy Assocation (APTA) Links:
  • Who are PTs & PTAs?
  • Physical Therapy Education and Career News
  • Physical Therapy and Your Body
  
  
  
• Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association (WPTA)



• Scientific Journals related to physical therapy:
  • Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association
  • Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
  • Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy
  • Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy
  • Pediatric Physical Therapy
  • Physical Therapy in Sport
  • Journal of Physical Therapy Education
  
  
  
• Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy



• American Acadmey of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

Contact Us - Administration - Maps: Clinical - School of Medicine and Public Health - Med Student Information - UW Home

Physical Therapy - University of Wisconsin Department of Orthopedics & Rehabilitation
First published: 01/01/04 Last updated: 05/09/08 webmaster@surgery.wisc.edu
Copyright © 2005 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System