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

Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica
Introdução ao Controle de Sistemas
Skills you'll gain: Control Systems, Process Control, Systems Design, Systems Engineering, Systems Analysis, Engineering Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Performance Testing, Differential Equations
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
National Taiwan University
機器人學一 (Robotics (1))
Skills you'll gain: Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Linear Algebra, Engineering Calculations, Trigonometry, Applied Mathematics, Control Systems, Mathematical Modeling, Spatial Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
63 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Georgia Institute of Technology
Material Behavior
Skills you'll gain: Chemistry, Manufacturing Processes, Structural Analysis, Mechanical Engineering, Physical Science, Engineering, Semiconductors, Physics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Alberta
Mountains 101
Skills you'll gain: Environment, Physical Science, Biology, Water Resources, Environmental Monitoring, Cultural Diversity, Social Studies, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Risk Management, Anthropology, World History
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
2.6K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Stanford University
Antibiotic Stewardship
Skills you'll gain: Pharmacology, Infection Control, Hospital Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Patient Evaluation, Medication Therapy Management, Medical Prescription, Patient Safety, Microbiology, Public Health, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Long Term Care
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
731 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales)
Mechanics: Motion, Forces, Energy and Gravity, from Particles to Planets
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Physics, Experimentation, Engineering Calculations, Applied Mathematics, Physical Science, Systems Of Measurement, Mathematical Modeling, Estimation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Northwestern University
Modern Robotics, Course 1: Foundations of Robot Motion
Skills you'll gain: Engineering, Mechanics, Mathematical Modeling, Torque (Physics), Simulation and Simulation Software, Matlab, Linear Algebra, Angular
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
991 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Lund University
Greening the Economy: Sustainable Cities
Skills you'll gain: Community Development, Socioeconomics, Sustainability Reporting, Land Management, Environmental Issue, Governance, Environmental Policy, Innovation, Experimentation, Stakeholder Engagement, Technology Solutions
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Politecnico di Milano
Archaeoastronomy
Skills you'll gain: Ancient History, Art History, Architectural Design, Civil and Architectural Engineering, Social Studies, Architecture and Construction, World History, Anthropology, Physical Science, Culture, Cultural Diversity, General Science and Research, Scientific Methods
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
U.S. Federal Taxation
Skills you'll gain: Corporate Tax, Income Tax, Partnership Accounting, Tax Laws, Tax Returns, Tax Compliance, Depreciation, Tax Preparation, Liquidation, Property Accounting, Tax Management, Payroll Tax, Tax Planning, Business Valuation, Payroll, Real Estate Transactions, Specialized Accounting, Strategic Decision-Making, Organizational Structure, Mergers & Acquisitions
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
941 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Geneva
Particle Physics: an Introduction
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Laboratory Equipment, Radiation Protection, Science and Research, Medical Imaging, Experimentation, Semiconductors, Research, Mathematical Modeling
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
948 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of California San Diego
Our Energy Future
Skills you'll gain: Energy and Utilities, Electrical Power, Pollution Prevention, Environmental Policy, Mitigation, Environment, Social Studies, Food and Beverage, Environmental Regulations, Environmental Science, Economics, Chemical Engineering, Production Process, Biology
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months