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

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Introduction to Semiconductor Devices 2
Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Electronic Components, Display Devices, Electronic Systems, Data Storage Technologies
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
48 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Equilibrio, ¿por qué se caen las cosas?
Skills you'll gain: Structural Analysis, Mechanics, Engineering Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Geometry, Engineering Calculations, Applied Mathematics, Trigonometry, Physics
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
33 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Dartmouth College
Engineering of Structures: Response of Structures
Skills you'll gain: Structural Analysis, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Building Design, Civil Engineering, Vibrations, SketchUp (3D Modeling Software), Engineering Analysis, Mechanics, Mathematical Modeling, Engineering Design Process, Failure Analysis, Simulation and Simulation Software
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
37 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Michigan
The History of Rocket Science
Skills you'll gain: Manufacturing and Production, International Relations, Social Studies, Political Sciences, Emerging Technologies, Timelines, Physics, Innovation, Mechanics, Science and Research
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
18 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Grow Your Cannabis
Skills you'll gain: Environment, Environmental Monitoring, Plant Operations and Management, General Science and Research, Research
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Florida
Agroforestry V: Ecosystem Services, Food and Sustainability
Skills you'll gain: Land Management, Water Resources, Environment and Resource Management, Environment, Natural Resource Management, Systems Thinking, Scientific Methods
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Packt
Cisco CCST Networking - Video Training Series
Skills you'll gain: Network Security, OSI Models, TCP/IP, Network Troubleshooting, Network Protocols, Network Model, Network Administration, General Networking, Network Infrastructure, Computer Networking, Network Routing, Network Routers, Command-Line Interface, Local Area Networks, Wireless Networks, Network Switches
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Dubai College of Tourism
Introduction to Hotel Room Inventory Management
Skills you'll gain: Revenue Management, Guest Relations, Hospitality Management, Inventory Control, Inventory Management System, Property Management Systems, Hospitality, Booking (Sales), Data-Driven Decision-Making
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Dartmouth College
The Basics of Libertarian Free Will
Skills you'll gain: Psychology, Research, Scientific Methods, Science and Research
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Mécanique Lagrangienne
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Vibrations, Advanced Mathematics, Physics, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Calculus, Mathematical Modeling
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
36 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Estrategias para la innovación: Ciudades hidro-inteligentes
Skills you'll gain: Water Resources, Innovation, Corporate Sustainability, Community Development, Environment and Resource Management, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Resource Management, Environmental Issue, Emerging Technologies, Analysis
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
13 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Arizona State University
Adding Electronics to Rapid Prototypes
Skills you'll gain: Basic Electrical Systems, Electronic Components, Prototyping, Electronic Hardware, Electrical Wiring, Electrical Engineering, Embedded Systems, Machine Controls, Simulations
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
12 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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

Introduction to Semiconductor Devices 2: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Equilibrio, ¿por qué se caen las cosas?: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Engineering of Structures: Response of Structures: Dartmouth College
The History of Rocket Science: University of Michigan
Grow Your Cannabis: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Agroforestry V: Ecosystem Services, Food and Sustainability: University of Florida
Cisco CCST Networking - Video Training Series: Packt
Introduction to Hotel Room Inventory Management: Dubai College of Tourism
The Basics of Libertarian Free Will: Dartmouth College
Mécanique Lagrangienne: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Physical Therapy Courses Online