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

University of Colorado Boulder
Pressure, Force, Motion, and Humidity Sensors
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Software, Embedded Systems, Electronic Systems, Electronic Hardware, Machine Controls, Hardware Design, Equipment Design, Design Specifications, Power Electronics, Electronic Components, Electrical Wiring, Torque (Physics), Engineering Calculations, Physics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
237 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
École Polytechnique
Density Functional Theory
Skills you'll gain: Differential Equations, Computational Logic, Numerical Analysis, Linear Algebra, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
227 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
The University of Chicago
Global Warming II: Create Your Own Models in Python
Skills you'll gain: Mathematical Modeling, Environmental Issue, NumPy, Physical Science, Jupyter, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Simulations, Numerical Analysis, Environment, Interactive Data Visualization
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
53 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Dartmouth College
Question Reality! Science, philosophy, a search for meaning
Skills you'll gain: Scientific Methods, Theoretical Computer Science, Logical Reasoning, Science and Research, Physics, Physical Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computational Thinking, Experimentation, Research, Simulations, Psychology, General Science and Research, Mechanics, Deductive Reasoning, Timelines
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
30 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
University of Geneva
Climate Change and Water in Mountains: A Global Concern
Skills you'll gain: Water Resources, Risk Management, Natural Resource Management, Environment, Environmental Issue, Social Sciences, Systems Thinking, Governance, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
317 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Economie du sol et de l'immobilier I
Skills you'll gain: Real Estate, Property and Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Real Estate Transactions, Return On Investment, Capital Budgeting, Market Dynamics, Financial Market, Business Valuation, Economics, Investments, Finance, Supply And Demand, Price Negotiation, Depreciation, Cost Benefit Analysis, Market Analysis, Decision Making
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
259 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Rice University
Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism
Skills you'll gain: Basic Electrical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Torque (Physics), Physics, Engineering Analysis, Electronic Components, Engineering Calculations, Mechanics, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics, Calculus, Differential Equations, Trigonometry, Integral Calculus, Derivatives
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
192 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
L&T EduTech
Power System: Generation, Transmission and Protection
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Substation, Electrical Safety, Plant Operations and Management, Three-Phase, High Voltage, Applied Mathematics, Power Electronics, Electrical Wiring, Basic Electrical Systems, Process Control, Mathematical Modeling, Matlab, Electrical Engineering, Wiring Diagram, Low Voltage, Automation, Simulation and Simulation Software, Maintenance, Repair, and Facility Services, Reliability, Engineering Calculations
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
169 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Georgia Institute of Technology
Materials Data Sciences and Informatics
Skills you'll gain: Data Science, Data Integration, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Computational Thinking, Data Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Structural Analysis, Simulation and Simulation Software, Process Analysis, Research, Databases
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
344 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Modeling and Debugging Embedded Systems
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Software, Embedded Systems, Debugging, Failure Analysis, Technical Communication, Simulations, System Design and Implementation, Scenario Testing, Computer Programming Tools
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
198 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
National Taiwan University
3D CAD Application
Skills you'll gain: SketchUp (3D Modeling Software), 3D Modeling, Building Design, Architectural Drawing, Architecture and Construction, Computer-Aided Design, Visualization (Computer Graphics)
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
155 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Rocket Science 101
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Environmental Monitoring, Global Positioning Systems, Engineering, Physics, Vibrations, Environment, Geospatial Information and Technology, Physical Science, Thermal Management, Geographic Information Systems, Scientific Methods, Science and Research, Manufacturing and Production, International Relations, Social Studies, Mathematical Modeling, Political Sciences, Emerging Technologies, Timelines
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
38 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months