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

Status: Free
University of Pennsylvania
Calculus: Single Variable Part 1 - Functions
Skills you'll gain: Calculus, Engineering Calculations, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Algebra, Advanced Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Derivatives
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.3K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Toronto
Spatial Analysis and Satellite Imagery in a GIS
Skills you'll gain: Geographic Information Systems, GIS Software, Spatial Analysis, Spatial Data Analysis, Geospatial Mapping, Query Languages, Data Processing, Data Manipulation, Image Analysis, Data Integration
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
612 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Princeton University
Computer Architecture
Skills you'll gain: Microarchitecture, Computer Architecture, Hardware Architecture, Computer Systems, Computer Engineering, Distributed Computing, Operating Systems, Performance Tuning, Scalability
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.5K reviews
Advanced · Course · 3 - 6 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Modeling and Control of Power Electronics
Skills you'll gain: Power Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Systems, Control Systems, Electrical Power, Electronics Engineering, Electric Power Systems, Simulations, Mathematical Modeling, Semiconductors, Matlab, Engineering Analysis, Electrical Equipment, Systems Analysis, Electronics, Simulation and Simulation Software, Design Specifications
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
148 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Understanding Modern Physics I: Relativity and Cosmology
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Calculus, Mechanics, Physical Science, Advanced Mathematics, Energy and Utilities, Mathematical Modeling
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
154 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
American Museum of Natural History
The Dynamic Earth: A Course for Educators
Skills you'll gain: Physical Science, Environment, Risk Control, General Science and Research, Environmental Science, Scientific Methods, Chemistry
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
227 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Colorado Boulder
Semiconductor Physics
Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Systems, Electronic Components, Physics, Differential Equations, Applied Mathematics
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
291 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
University of Geneva
Simulation and modeling of natural processes
Skills you'll gain: Simulations, Python Programming, Differential Equations, Numerical Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Probability, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Computational Thinking, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Mechanics, Algorithms
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
398 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University at Buffalo
Energy: The Enterprise
Skills you'll gain: Energy and Utilities, Workforce Development, Economics, Project Design, Environment, Environmental Science, Supply And Demand, Innovation, Emerging Technologies, Operational Efficiency
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Columbia University
First Principles of Computer Vision
Skills you'll gain: Computer Vision, Image Analysis, Computer Graphics, Dimensionality Reduction, 3D Modeling, Photography, Artificial Neural Networks, Virtual Reality, Medical Imaging, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Color Theory, Unsupervised Learning, Deep Learning, Graph Theory, Automation Engineering, Mathematical Modeling, Machine Learning Algorithms, Estimation, Electronic Components, Algorithms
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
212 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Colorado System
Easing Physical Symptoms: It's Not Just Hospice Anymore
Skills you'll gain: Hospice, Patient Evaluation, Respiratory Care, Caregiving, Stress Management, Health Assessment, Patient Education And Counseling, Chronic Diseases, Patient Treatment, Mental and Behavioral Health, Geriatrics, Nutrition and Diet, Pharmacology
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
87 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Pohang University of Science and Technology(POSTECH)
Ferrous Technology I
Skills you'll gain: Manufacturing Processes, Manufacturing and Production, Production Process, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Engineering, Process Analysis, Chemistry, Physical Science, Environmental Issue
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
698 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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

Calculus: Single Variable Part 1 - Functions: University of Pennsylvania
Spatial Analysis and Satellite Imagery in a GIS: University of Toronto
Computer Architecture: Princeton University
Modeling and Control of Power Electronics: University of Colorado Boulder
Understanding Modern Physics I: Relativity and Cosmology: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Dynamic Earth: A Course for Educators: American Museum of Natural History
Semiconductor Physics: University of Colorado Boulder
Simulation and modeling of natural processes: University of Geneva
Energy: The Enterprise: University at Buffalo
First Principles of Computer Vision: Columbia University

Physical Therapy Courses Online