Physical therapists evaluate and treat abnormal physical function related to an injury, disability, or other health conditions. If you see yourself becoming a licensed movement expert, physical therapy may be your profession!

Physical therapists work in many healthcare settings and are in high demand, so there are plenty of outstanding physical therapy programs for international students like you. Are you interested in earning a physical therapy degree in the USA? Read on to learn how you can! 

What Physical Therapy Classes Do I Need to Take?

To practice as a physical therapist in America, you must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. A bachelor's degree is typically required before beginning a DPT program, but there is no requirement on the bachelor's degree earned as long as the DPT prerequisite course requirements are met. Those prerequisite courses may include:

• Anatomy
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Physiology
• Psychology

While your DPT program's curriculum depends on the institution you chose, you will encounter courses that teach you about patient assessment, physical examination, orthopedics, prosthetics, diagnostics, and treatment planning.

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What Are the Different Concentrations for a Physical Therapy Degree?

Physical therapists can go beyond the basic skills of the profession and become specialized in a specific type of practice. You can achieve a physical therapy specialization once you meet the requirements set by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Some physical therapy specializations you can consider for your career may include:

• Pediatrics
• Sports
• Geriatrics 
• Clinical electrophysiology
• Cardiovascular and pulmonary
• Neurology
• Orthopedics
• Oncology

What U.S. College or University Should I Attend to Earn My Physical Therapy Degree?

With more than 200 programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) in the United States, there is sure to be at least one that is perfect for you! When choosing a DPT program, you should consider the campus setting, the program's post-graduate employment rates, student-teacher ratios, and teaching methods.

To find a program fit for you, visit the American Physical Therapy Association's website for a list of CAPTE-accredited programs and filter by start date, Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) requirements, deadline date, location, accreditation status, and more.