Working as a physical therapist affords you not only the opportunity to make a difference in your patient's lives as you help them recover but also offers flexible work scheduling and a great salary as well. To effectively treat patients physical therapists study for several years to gain the skills and educational background necessary.

There are many accredited physical therapist schools throughout the country to choose from. Every physical therapy school is different but all provide you with a solid background in the sciences to make sure you are ready to help patients overcome the physical disabilities or physical injuries they suffer from. Physical therapist schools train you in biological, behavioural and social sciences with typical coursework including: radiology, pharmacology and medical screening. In addition, most programs include hands-on training designed to help prepare you to meet the job challenges ahead.

After graduating from physical therapy school you'll find a wide variety of jobs available. As a physical therapist you could work with athletes to help improve sports performance or with head-injury patients, preparing them to walk again. To make sure your patients meet with success you will be responsible for developing individual rehabilitation plans and to provide evaluations based on your patient's progress and performance. Physical therapists find themselves working in a host of facilities including: hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools and private homes. No matter the location, all physical therapists engage patients by teaching them various therapeutic exercises designed to strengthen muscles, relieve pain and increase mobility, helping patients get back to normal life.