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

Michigan State University
The Emergence of Oncofertility (Past, Present & Future)
Skills you'll gain: Preventative Care, Pediatrics, Health Care, Care Coordination, Patient Education and Support, Patient Treatment, Clinical Trials, Epidemiology
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
39 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Arizona State University
Sustainability Analyst Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Plan Execution, Data Analysis, Sustainability Reporting, Spreadsheet Software, Contract Management, Waste Minimization, Marketing and Public Relations, Policy Development, Annual Reports, Interactive Learning, Goal Setting, Strategic Partnership, Business Writing, Peer Review, Corporate Sustainability, Policy Analysis, Environment, Environmental Issue, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Product Lifecycle Management
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
71 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Coursera Project Network
Building an Ecosystem model with Insight Maker
Skills you'll gain: Simulation and Simulation Software, Data Modeling, Mathematical Modeling, Interactive Data Visualization, Environment, Life Sciences
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
155 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Digitalisation in Space Research
Skills you'll gain: Global Positioning Systems, Digital Transformation, Environmental Monitoring, Aerospace Basic Quality System Standards, Manufacturing and Production, Geospatial Information and Technology, Image Analysis, Big Data, Industrial Engineering, Production Process, Cybersecurity, Spatial Data Analysis, Artificial Intelligence, Automation, Cloud Services, Technology Strategies, Data Storage
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
94 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of California, Irvine
Games, Sensors and Media
Skills you'll gain: Apple iOS, iOS Development, Mobile Development, Geographic Information Systems, Augmented Reality, Interaction Design, User Interface (UI), Global Positioning Systems, Computer Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Virtual Environment, Simulations
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
55 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
The University of Sydney
Introduction to Linear Algebra
Skills you'll gain: Linear Algebra, Markov Model, Geometry, Arithmetic, Algebra, General Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics, Probability, Mathematics and Mathematical Modeling, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Applied Mathematics, Statistical Methods, Engineering Analysis
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
27 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
L&T EduTech
Basics of Electrical Protection System
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Substation, Electrical Safety, High Voltage, Electrical Wiring, Basic Electrical Systems, Low Voltage, Electrical Engineering, Three-Phase, Plant Operations and Management, Wiring Diagram, Maintenance, Repair, and Facility Services, Reliability, Failure Analysis, Equipment Design, Electronic Components, Technical Standard, Control Panels, Engineering Calculations
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
50 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Northwestern University
Modern Robotics, Course 6: Capstone Project, Mobile Manipulation
Skills you'll gain: Simulation and Simulation Software, Simulations, Matlab, Mechanics, Mathematical Modeling, Engineering Analysis
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
54 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Duke University
Drones for Environmental Science
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Monitoring, Data Ethics, Environment, Environmental Issue, Geospatial Information and Technology, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Research, Science and Research, Data Collection, Safety and Security
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
53 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
MathWorks
Introduction to Computer Vision
Skills you'll gain: Image Analysis, Computer Vision, Matlab, Anomaly Detection, Geospatial Information and Technology, Applied Machine Learning, Data Transformation, Algorithms
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
49 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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
Status: Free
École Polytechnique
Silicon Thin Film Solar Cells
Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Electronic Systems, Manufacturing Processes, Production Process, Engineering Design Process, Physics
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
118 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks