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Winston Salem Health: Who are Physical Therapists and What Do They Do?

Physical Therapists are licensed health care professionals who diagnose and oversee the management of patients in order to improve the physical and functional abilities of people of all ages. Physical Therapists also play a role in helping individuals maintain optimal health and fitness, and prevent the onset or progression of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities related to disease, disorders, and other conditions.

Where Do Practice Physical Therapists Practice?

Physical therapists practice in a wide variety of settings, including private practices, emergency rooms, hospital inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, sub-acute facilities, patients’ homes, higher educational settings, research settings, schools, fitness centers, office and industrial workplaces, and sports training centers.

Physical Therapist Education and Licensure

In order to practice as a “Physical Therapist,” one must have graduated from an accredited physical therapy program, pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), and be licensed in his/her given state(s). Physical therapists often pursue professional development opportunities, including post-professional degrees such as

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD),
• Doctor of Science (DSc),
• Master of Science (MS),
• Master of Arts (MA),
• Master of Business Administration (MBA), or
• Master of Public Health (MPH).

Clinical specialization opportunities, such as clinical residencies, are also available to Physical Therapists. Examples include:

• Orthopedic (OCS),
• Neurologic (NCS),
• Pediatric (PCS),
• Sports (SCS),
• Geriatric (GCS),
• Cardiovascular and Pulmonary (CCS), and
• Clinical Electrophysiologic (ECS) clinical specialties.