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

Status: Free
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Mécanique de Newton
Skills you'll gain: Differential Equations, Engineering Calculations, Engineering Analysis, Mechanics, Applied Mathematics, Calculus, Mathematical Modeling, Physics, Geometry, Advanced Mathematics, Vibrations, Deductive Reasoning, Algebra, Derivatives
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
113 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Università di Napoli Federico II
Autonomous Vehicle Engineering
Skills you'll gain: NoSQL, Apache Hadoop, Apache Hive, Big Data, Machine Controls, Simulation and Simulation Software, Database Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Vision, Systems Architecture, Process Control, Distributed Computing, Simulations, Data Processing, Experimentation, Matlab, Technical Design, Vibrations, Global Positioning Systems
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
55 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
University of California, Davis
Introduction to Process Safety and Risk Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Process Engineering, Safety Assurance, Hazard Communication (HazCom), Risk Management, Process Control, Failure Analysis, Accident Prevention, Risk Analysis
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
118 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Arizona State University
Rapid Prototyping Using 3D Printing
Skills you'll gain: Engineering Design Process, Prototyping, Engineering Drawings, Product Design, Product Development, Product Testing, Hardware Design, 3D Modeling, Mockups, Industrial Design, New Product Development, Computer-Aided Design, Usability Testing, Design Specifications, Manufacturing Processes, Cost Estimation, Design, Ideation, User Feedback, Electronic Components
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
82 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Digitalisation in Aeronautics
Skills you'll gain: Structural Engineering, Vibrations, Digital Transformation, Engineering Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Engineering Design Process, Network Architecture, Simulation and Simulation Software, Technology Strategies, Computer Networking
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
182 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Politecnico di Milano
Being a researcher (in Information Science and Technology)
Skills you'll gain: Research, Scientific Methods, Data Ethics, Data Sharing, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Deductive Reasoning, Technical Writing
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
187 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Universiteit Leiden
A Circular Economy of Metals: Towards a Sustainable Societal Metabolism
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Resource Management, Environment, Sustainability Reporting, Waste Minimization, Systems Thinking, Materials Management, Manufacturing and Production, Resource Utilization, Economic Development, Supply And Demand, Product Design, Consumer Behaviour, Technology Solutions
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
100 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Rice University
Physics 102 - Electric Charges and Fields
Skills you'll gain: Basic Electrical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mechanics, Calculus, Advanced Mathematics, Engineering Calculations, Mathematical Modeling, Trigonometry, Applied Mathematics
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
146 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Maryland, College Park
Intellectual Property for Entrepreneurs
Skills you'll gain: Entrepreneurship, Business Strategy, Innovation, Asset Protection, Brand Awareness, Contract Management, Branding, Competitive Analysis, Law, Regulation, and Compliance
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
74 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Florida
Agroforestry
Skills you'll gain: Land Management, Environment and Resource Management, Water Resources, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Issue, Environment, Plant Operations and Management, Systems Thinking, Environmental Management Systems, Scientific Methods, Cultural Diversity, Spatial Analysis, General Science and Research, Mitigation, Research, Socioeconomics, Science and Research
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
65 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica
Controle Usando a Resposta em Frequência
Skills you'll gain: Process Control, Systems Design, Engineering Analysis, Systems Analysis, Engineering Calculations, Engineering Design Process, Simulation and Simulation Software, Mathematical Modeling
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
159 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Raspberry Pi Projects
Skills you'll gain: Hardware Design, Electronic Hardware, Schematic Diagrams, Computer-Aided Design, Mechanical Design, Remote Access Systems, Linux, Serial Peripheral Interface, Digital Communications, Web Applications, Internet Of Things, Embedded Systems, Electronic Components, Data Processing, Technical Design, Hardware Troubleshooting, Network Protocols, Systems Design, Data Science, Electronic Systems
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
77 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months