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
The University of Edinburgh
The Discovery of the Higgs Boson
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Mechanics, Experimentation, Scientific Methods, Physical Science, General Science and Research, Simulation and Simulation Software, Research, Quantitative Research
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
22 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Basic Robotic Behaviors and Odometry
Skills you'll gain: Machine Controls, Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Mechanics, Simulation and Simulation Software, Engineering, Experimentation, Virtual Environment, Engineering Analysis, Estimation
Build toward a degree
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
44 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
L&T EduTech
Electrical Power Generation - An Industrial Outlook
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Substation, Plant Operations and Management, Three-Phase, Power Electronics, High Voltage, Electrical Engineering, Process Control, Basic Electrical Systems, Low Voltage, Electrical Safety, Automation, Control Panels
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
89 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Novartis
Lead Selection & Optimization
Skills you'll gain: Pharmaceuticals, Clinical Trials, Process Development, Medical Science and Research, Infectious Diseases, Science and Research
5
Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
21 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Siemens
Introduction to Digital Transformation
Skills you'll gain: Digital Transformation, Product Lifecycle Management, Business Technologies, Automation, Internet Of Things, Technology Strategies, Product Design, Emerging Technologies, Wireless Networks, Competitive Analysis, Business Strategy, Artificial Intelligence
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
94 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
École Polytechnique
Plastic electronics
Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Display Devices, Computer Displays, Electronic Components, Electronic Systems
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
228 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Peking University
大学化学
Skills you'll gain: Physical Science, Thermal Management, General Science and Research, Process Analysis, Scientific Methods, Experimentation
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
131 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Design of High-Performance Optical Systems
Skills you'll gain: Engineering Calculations, Technical Design, Image Analysis, Engineering Analysis, Design Software, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Engineering Design Process, Physics
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
47 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University at Buffalo
Digital Thread: Implementation
Skills you'll gain: Manufacturing Operations, Manufacturing Processes, Product Design, Digital Transformation, Product Lifecycle Management, Systems Analysis, Computer-Aided Design, Technology Roadmaps, Process Analysis, Enterprise Resource Planning, Technology Strategies, Information Technology, Business Technologies, Cloud Computing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
469 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Thermodynamique : applications
Skills you'll gain: Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Management, Engineering, Physics, Process Engineering, Differential Equations, Applied Mathematics, Engineering Analysis, Calculus, Engineering Calculations, Electrical Engineering, Physical Science, Mathematical Modeling
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
11 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Light Emitting Diodes and Semiconductor Lasers
Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Electrical Engineering, Equipment Design, Electronic Components, Mathematical Modeling, Physics, Applied Mathematics
3.9
Rating, 3.9 out of 5 stars
46 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
University of Arizona
Knowing the Universe: History and Philosophy of Astronomy
Skills you'll gain: Physics, General Science and Research, Mechanics, Physical Science, Research, Scientific Methods, Life Sciences, Systems Of Measurement, Deductive Reasoning, Mathematical Modeling
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
33 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months