College of Allied Health Professions
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University of Nebraska Medical Center
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What is a physical therapist?

The Profession

PT students practice on each other in class

A physical therapist is a health care professional who evaluates and treats people with health problems resulting from injury or disease. PTs assess joint motion, muscle strength and endurance, function of heart and lungs, and performance of activities required in daily living, among other responsibilities. Treatment includes a broad range of therapeutic exercise techniques, cardiovascular endurance training, and training in activities of daily living.

The need for physical therapists is expected to remain strong as the US population ages and the demand for physical therapy services grows.

Additional information about physical therapy, including listings of all accredited physical therapy and physical therapist assistant educational programs may be found at American Physical Therapy Association Careers.

Starting wage: $67,000
Middle-range wage: $91,010
Job after graduation from our UNMC Physical Therapy program: 100%

Students in the UNMC PT program answer question about what it's like to be a student in the program.

Professional Organization Links

Most health care professions have professional organizations at state and national levels. These provide valuable information for prospective students as well as working professionals.

American Physical Therapy Association
Building a community that advances the profession of physical therapy to improve the health of society.
American Council of Academic Physical Therapy
Promoting excellence in academic physical therapy representing faculty, clinical partners and academic administrators and leaders.
Choose PT
Provided by the APTA, this site has lots of good information for someone wanting to learn more about physical therapy.
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
CAPTE is an accrediting agency that is nationally recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. It grants specialized accreditation status to qualified entry-level education programs for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.
Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
The FSBPT protects the public by providing service and leadership that promote safe and competent physical therapy practice. They administer the National PT Exam.
National Association of Black Physical Therapists
An organization founded to address the emotions and feelings of the lone minorities embarking on a journey to become physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.

What can I do next?

Review academic program & requirements
If you'd like to find out about our program to become a physical therapist, review the Physical Therapy academics information and requirements.
Explore other professions
If you're still not sure which program is right for you, explore all the options!
Request more information
If you'd like more information about physical therapy or our other programs, fill out this quick form.