About the Profession of Physical Therapy

Physical therapists are licensed health professionals who work with people of all ages and abilities to improve their movement, physical function and fitness.

Each state has its own specific regulations and the range of services performed by physical therapists, which vary from state to state. Some of the important skills and tasks that all physical therapists perform include:

• Diagnose and manage movement impairments and improve abilities
• Rehabilitate and preserve patients’ optimal function for peak movement and health
• Identify and prevent the onset and progression of dysfunction, limitations and disabilities
• Develop individualized patient care plans including goals and outcomes

In order to practice, physical therapists must first graduate with a bachelor’s degree before enrolling in the UAMS Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, a nationally accredited physical therapy program through the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. After completing their education, graduates of the program receive a doctoral degree in physical therapy and are ready to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam. After successful completion of the NPTE, students receive their licensure from the state in which they plan to practice.

Physical therapists work in a variety of settings with different patient populations. Some of the work settings physical therapists are often employed include hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, fitness facilities, pediatric or developmental daycares, skilled nursing facilities or inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Each setting presents varying patient populations, allowing physical therapists the opportunity to work with people throughout the lifespan who may have injuries related to work or sports, neurological disorders or functional impairments related to disease or injury.

Physical therapists can also complete board certification in one of 10 specialty areas of physical therapy: cardiovascular and pulmonary, clinical electrophysiology, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, orthopaedics, pediatrics, sports, women’s health and wound management.