Physical Therapy vs. Nursing: Education and Career Overview

Introduction to Physical Therapy

According to Kathleen Curtis's book Physical Therapy's Professional Foundations: Keys to Success in School and Career, the American Physical Therapy Association's Guide to Physical Therapist Practice defines physical therapy as "a dynamic profession with an established theoretical base and widespread clinical applications in the preservation, development, and restoration of optimum physical function" (Curtis, 2000, p. 4). In essence, physical therapists are highly trained professionals who utilize current research and generally accepted theories to provide patients with specialized care designed to decrease physical pain and improve physical performance.

Educational Pathways and Degree Requirements

Over the last several decades, physical therapy has become an increasingly prestigious profession. In the 20th century, one only needed a bachelor's degree from an accredited undergraduate institution to fulfill the educational requirements needed to work as a physical therapist. However, toward the end of the century, the field began to see a shift toward the need for a master's degree in physical therapy. Undergraduate degrees in physical therapy soon became essentially obsolete, and Master's in Physical Therapy (MPT) programs were created all over the country. Surprisingly, a little more than a decade later, these programs began falling out of favor as well. Instead of the MPT, the American Physical Therapy Association transitioned its requirements to include a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT). According to the Association, their goal was that "Physical therapy, by 2020, will be provided by physical therapists who are doctors of physical therapy and who may be board-certified specialists."

In order to become a physical therapist today, a student has several degree options. There are still a small number of accredited MPT programs available; however, given the American Physical Therapy Association's goal of shifting entirely to DPTs, this may not be the most prudent educational choice. Additionally, it has been estimated that approximately five percent of accredited institutions (12 of 212) offer MPT programs, meaning that those who choose this option would have extremely limited choices.

Licensing, Certification, and Continuing Education

However, if a student already possesses an MPT, a number of schools provide transitional DPT programs that allow the student to complete the additional requirements needed to attain a DPT in considerably less time than a traditional DPT program. It is important to note that many of these transitional DPT programs are in the process of being phased out. The traditional DPT requires three years of graduate study and prepares the student to work as a qualified physical therapist. Additionally, students interested in pursuing academic and research careers upon completion of their DPT may want to explore joint DPT/PhD programs in related fields such as Physical Therapy and Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

Completing the appropriate degree is not the end of the physical therapist's educational experience. One must pass the American Physical Therapy Association certification exam to receive a license and become a certified physical therapist. In order to maintain this certification, one must complete 24 continuing education hours during the first two years following certification and 12 hours for every consecutive year thereafter. Additional examinations are required to become a board-certified specialist.