Career Overview

Physical therapists help people recover from injuries, illnesses, surgeries, and movement-related conditions. They assess how someone moves, create personalized treatment plans, and use exercises, hands-on techniques, and technology to improve strength, mobility, balance, and overall function. Physical therapists can work with people of all ages, from young athletes to older adults.

Education

Becoming a physical therapist requires advanced education after high school. In the U.S., students typically complete a bachelor’s degree followed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, which usually takes about three years. DPT programs commonly include subjects such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, physics, biomechanics, and neuroscience, along with supervised clinical experience. Licensing is required. In Canada, physiotherapists typically need a university degree in physiotherapy, supervised practical training, and registration with the appropriate regulatory body.

Work Environment

Physical therapists work in clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, sports settings, nursing and residential care facilities, schools, and patients’ homes. The work is active and hands-on, with therapists spending much of the day moving, demonstrating exercises, and working directly with patients. Technology such as motion analysis, wearable devices, and digital rehabilitation tools is also becoming part of modern physical therapy.

Future Outlook

Physical therapy is expected to remain a strong career as people live longer, stay active later in life, and seek treatment for injuries, chronic conditions, mobility challenges, and recovery after surgery. Demand is also supported by a growing focus on rehabilitation, injury prevention, and non-medication approaches to managing pain. Current labour-market projections point to stronger-than-average demand and continued opportunities for qualified physical therapists over the coming years.

Recommended High School Courses

• Chemistry
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