How to become a physiotherapist

Is becoming a physiotherapist right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do physiotherapists do?
Career Satisfaction
Are physiotherapists happy with their careers?
Personality
What are physiotherapists like?

Still unsure if becoming a physiotherapist is the right career path? to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a physiotherapist or another similar career!

Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.

How to become a Physiotherapist

If you’re interested in becoming a physiotherapist, here’s a general path you can follow to enter the profession:

  • Complete a Bachelor’s Degree: Start by earning a bachelor’s degree, ideally in a related field such as biology, kinesiology, or health sciences. This prepares you with the foundational knowledge needed for advanced study.
  • Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree: Next, enroll in an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy program. This typically takes about three years and includes both classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience.
  • Pass the Licensing Exam: After graduating from the DPT program, you must pass a national licensing exam to practice legally. This exam tests your knowledge and skills to ensure you’re ready for professional work.
  • Consider Specialization: Some physiotherapists choose to specialize in areas like orthopedics, sports, neurology, or pediatrics. Additional certifications and training are available for these specialties.
  • Maintain Licensure and Continue Education: To keep your license active, you’ll need to complete continuing education courses regularly. This helps you stay updated with the latest techniques and knowledge in physiotherapy.

Certifications
There are several certifications that physiotherapists can obtain to demonstrate their expertise in a particular area of practice or to enhance their professional credentials. Here are some common certifications for physiotherapists:

  • Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS): This certification is offered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and is designed for physiotherapists who specialize in orthopedic conditions, such as back pain, arthritis, and sports injuries. To obtain the OCS certification, physiotherapists must have a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical experience in orthopedics and pass a rigorous exam.
  • Certified Hand Therapist (CHT): This certification is offered by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission and is designed for physiotherapists who specialize in the treatment of hand and upper extremity conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. To obtain the CHT certification, physiotherapists must have a minimum of five years of clinical experience, including at least 4,000 hours of direct hand therapy practice, and pass a comprehensive exam.
  • Neurologic Certified Specialist (NCS): This certification is offered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and is designed for physiotherapists who specialize in the treatment of neurological conditions, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and multiple sclerosis. To obtain the NCS certification, physiotherapists must have a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical experience in neurology and pass a challenging exam.
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS): This certification is offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association and is designed for physiotherapists who specialize in sports medicine and rehabilitation. To obtain the CSCS certification, physiotherapists must have a bachelor's degree (or be enrolled in a bachelor’s program) in a related field, such as exercise science or kinesiology, and pass a rigorous exam.
  • Geriatric Certified Specialist (GCS): This certification is offered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and is designed for physiotherapists who specialize in the treatment of older adults. To obtain the GCS certification, physiotherapists must have a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical experience in geriatrics and pass a comprehensive exam.

Online Resources
There are many online resources available to physiotherapists that can help them stay up-to-date with the latest research, connect with other professionals, and enhance their clinical skills. Here are some of the top online resources for physiotherapists:

  • Physiopedia: This is a free, collaborative online encyclopedia for physiotherapists that provides up-to-date information on a wide range of topics related to physiotherapy, including anatomy, assessment techniques, treatment modalities, and more. Physiopedia also offers online courses and webinars for physiotherapists.
  • Cochrane Library: This is a collection of evidence-based reviews on healthcare interventions, including physiotherapy interventions. The Cochrane Library is a great resource for physiotherapists who want to stay current with the latest research on a particular topic.
  • PubMed: This is a free database of biomedical literature that includes research articles, systematic reviews, and clinical practice guidelines. Physiotherapists can use PubMed to search for articles related to their area of practice.
  • Physiotherapy Alberta: This is the regulatory body for physiotherapists in Alberta, Canada, but its website provides a wealth of information relevant to physiotherapists around the world. The website includes resources on professional development, practice standards, and ethical guidelines.
  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): This is the professional organization for physiotherapists in the United States, but its website includes resources that are relevant to physiotherapists in other countries as well. The website offers information on practice guidelines, continuing education opportunities, and advocacy efforts.