What are some alternative job titles for physical therapists?

People in this profession are known by several names, including Doctor of Physical Therapy, Licensed Physical Therapist, and Kinesiotherapist. They may also have specialized titles like Acute Care Physical Therapist, Geriatric Physical Therapist, or Home Health Physical Therapist.

What college majors are recommended for this career?

Students aiming for this career typically major in rehabilitation and therapeutic professions. This coursework provides the foundational knowledge in biology, physics, and therapy needed for graduate-level training.

What are the most important work styles for a physical therapist?

Therapists rely heavily on empathy, cooperation, and social orientation to connect with patients. They also need attention to detail, dependability, optimism, and perseverance to help patients reach their physical goals.

Physical Therapists: Pay, Job Outlook, Majors and Colleges

In short

Physical therapists design and run rehabilitation programs to help patients improve their mobility, manage pain, and recover from injuries or illnesses. The career offers a median annual pay of $102,760 and is growing much faster than average.

Written with AI from the BLS, O*NET and CareerOneStop data on this page. Every figure is checked against that data before it is published.

What physical therapists do

Job Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.

Most need a graduate degree, such as a master's, PhD, MD or JD.

What the work is like

Physical therapists spend their days working directly with the public to evaluate physical conditions and guide patients through recovery. They gather information on patient histories, solve complex movement problems, and make decisions about treatment plans. Their daily activities involve assisting and caring for others, monitoring patient progress, and documenting detailed health records. To do this work effectively, therapists must stay updated on medical knowledge and maintain strong interpersonal relationships with their patients.

This career is highly social and requires a strong service orientation. Therapists must be skilled in active listening, speaking, and reading comprehension to understand patient needs and explain exercises. They use critical thinking and judgment to adjust therapies safely. Key knowledge areas for this field include therapy and counseling, medicine, psychology, biology, and physics. Successful therapists show empathy, cooperation, and dependability, while maintaining optimism and perseverance during long recovery processes.

How to get there

Entering this field requires extensive academic preparation. Most professionals need a graduate degree, and the typical entry-level credential is a doctoral or professional degree, such as a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Students preparing for this career generally major in rehabilitation and therapeutic professions.

In addition to completing a graduate program, candidates can pursue professional credentials. Relevant certifications include the National Physical Therapist Examination from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy and the Registered Kinesiotherapy credential from the Council on Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy. Some states also list a license for this work, so candidates should check local guidelines to ensure they meet all regional practice standards.

Pay and outlook explained

The median annual pay for physical therapists is $102,760. Earnings vary based on experience and setting, with the lowest 10% earning less than $77,140 and the highest 10% earning more than $135,140.

With 267,330 people currently employed in this field, the occupation is expanding rapidly. Employment is projected to grow by 11.9% from 2025 to 2035, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in approximately 13,400 job openings each year.

Interest profile

Realistic (R): 56 / 100
Investigative (I): 65 / 100
Artistic (A): 19 / 100
Social (S) · strongest: 82 / 100
Enterprising (E): 25 / 100
Conventional (C): 35 / 100

How strongly each interest area describes the work, from O*NET (scores rescaled to 0–100). The interest code lists the strongest areas in order.

Interest code SIR. Compare it with yours

What you'd do

Assisting and Caring for Others: 93
Documenting/Recording Information: 92
Making Decisions and Solving Problems: 88
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: 86
Getting Information: 85
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: 82
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: 81
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: 78
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: 77
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: 75

Work activities rated by importance for this occupation, O*NET (0–100).

Skills and strengths

Skills

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Service Orientation
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking
Monitoring
Writing
Judgment and Decision Making
Time Management

Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service
Therapy and Counseling
Medicine and Dentistry
Psychology
Education and Training
English Language
Biology
Administration and Management
Physics
Sociology and Anthropology

Abilities

Oral Comprehension
Oral Expression
Written Comprehension
Deductive Reasoning
Inductive Reasoning
Information Ordering
Problem Sensitivity
Written Expression
Speech Clarity
Speech Recognition

Work styles

Empathy
Cooperation
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Optimism
Social Orientation
Cautiousness
Integrity
Sincerity
Perseverance

Also called

Acute Care PT (Acute Care Physical Therapist) · Acute Physical Therapist (Acute PT) · Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapist (Cardiopulmonary PT) · Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) · Geriatric Physical Therapist (Geriatric PT) · Home Care Physical Therapist (Home Care PT) · Home Health Physical Therapist (Home Health PT) · Inpatient Physical Therapist (Inpatient PT) · Kinesiotherapist · LPT (Licensed Physical Therapist)

CareerOneStop

Certifications, licenses and pay by state

What physical therapists may need beyond a degree, where a license is required, and what the work pays in each state.

Certifications

Core certifications employers recognise for this work.

National Physical Therapist Examination (NPTE)Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
Registered Kinesiotherapy (RKT)Council on Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy

Search all certifications on CareerOneStop

Training

Programs of study that prepare people for this work.

Kinesiotherapy/Kinesiotherapist
Physical Therapy/Therapist

Find training near you on CareerOneStop

Licenses by state

53 states list a license for this work. Open your state for the license and the agency that issues it.

Alabama1 license
- Licensed Physical Therapist
  Alabama Board of Physical Therapy
Alaska1 license
- Physical Therapist
  Board of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy, Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing, Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development
Arizona1 license
- Physical Therapist
  Board of Physical Therapy
Arkansas1 license
- Physical Therapist (PT)
  Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy, Arkansas Department of Health
California1 license
- Physical Therapist
  Physical Therapy Board of California, Department of Consumer Affairs
Colorado2 licenses
- Physical Therapist
  Board of Physical Therapy Licensure, Division of Professions & Occupations, Department of Regulatory Agencies
- Registered Pyschotherapist
  State Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners, Division of Professions & Occupations, Department of Regulatory Agencies
Connecticut3 licenses
- Physical Therapist
  Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section, Health Care Systems Branch, Department of Public Health
- Physical Therapist Assistant
  Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section, Health Care Systems Branch, Department of Public Health
- Pt Temporary Permit
  Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section, Health Care Systems Branch, Department of Public Health
Delaware3 licenses
- Physical Therapist
  Examining Board of Physical Therapist and Athletic Trainers, Division of Professional Regulation, Delaware Department of State
- School Physical Therapist
  Department of Education
- Special Project/Assignment Temporary Physical Therapist
  Examining Board of Physical Therapist and Athletic Trainers, Division of Professional Regulation, Delaware Department of State
District of Columbia1 license
- PHYSICAL THERAPY
  Health Regulation Administration, Department of Health
Florida1 license
- Physical Therapist
  Division of Medical Quality Assurance, FL Department of Health
Georgia1 license
- Physical Therapist
  Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy
Guam1 license
- Physical Therapist
  Guam Board of Allied Health Examiners, Department of Public Health and Social Services
Hawaii1 license
- Physical Therapist
  Board of Physical Therapy, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division, Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs
Idaho1 license
- Physical Therapists
  Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses, Physical Therapist Licensure Board
Illinois2 licenses
- PHYSICAL THERAPIST
  Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
  Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Indiana2 licenses
- Physical Therapist
  Physical Therapy Committee, Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
- Temporary PT Permit
  Physical Therapy Committee, Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
Iowa1 license
- Physical Therapist
  Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy, Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing
Kansas2 licenses
- Optometrist
  Kansas Board of Examiners in Optometry
- Physical Therapist (PT)
  Kansas State Board of Healing Arts
Kentucky1 license
- Physical Therapist
  Board of Physical Therapy, Public Protection Cabinet
Louisiana1 license
- Physical Therapist
  Louisiana Physical Therapy Board, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals
Maine1 license
- Physical Therapist
  Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Maine Department of Professional & Financial Regulation
Maryland1 license
- PHYSICAL THERAPIST
  Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, Maryland State Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene
Massachusetts1 license
- PHYSICAL THERAPIST
  Division of Professional Licensure, Board of Registration of Allied Health Professions
Michigan1 license
- Physical Therapist
  Bureau of Professional Licensing, Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Minnesota1 license
- Physical Therapist License
  Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy
Mississippi1 license
- Physical Therapist
  MS State Board of Physical Therapy
Missouri1 license
- Physical Therapists
  Missouri State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts, Division Of Professional Registration, Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance
Montana2 licenses
- Physical Therapy - Physical Therapist
  Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
- Physical Therapy - Physical Therapy Compact
  Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
Nebraska1 license
- Physical Therapist
  Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Rehabilitation & Community Services, Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Rehabilitation & Community Services, Nebraska Dept. of Health & Human Services
Nevada1 license
- Physical Therapist
  Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
New Hampshire2 licenses
- Physical Therapist
  Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
- Physical Therapist Assistant
  Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
New Jersey2 licenses
- PHYSICAL THERAPIST/PHYS. THERAPIST ASSISTANT
  Board of Physical Therapists, Division of Consumer Affairs, Department of Law and Public Safety
- SCHOOL PHYSICAL THERAPIST
  Office of Licensing and Credentials, Department of Education
New Mexico1 license
- Physical Therapist
  New Mexico Physical Therapy Board, Boards and Commissions Division, New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department
New York1 license
- Physical Therapist
  State Board for Physical Therapy, NYS Education Department
North Carolina7 licenses
- Compact Privilege Physical Therapist
  NC Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
- Compact Privilege Physical Therapist Assistant
  NC Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
- Exempt Organization Annual License
  Bingo, Alcohol Law Enforcement, NC Department of Public Safety
- Exempt Organization Special Occasion Permit
  Bingo, Alcohol Law Enforcement, NC Department of Public Safety
- NC Physical Therapist Temporary Exemption from Licensure
  NC Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
- Physical Therapist
  NC Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
- Physical Therapist (Military Permits)
  NC Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
North Dakota1 license
- Physical Therapists
  ND Physical Therapy Board
Ohio1 license
- Physical Therapist
  Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board
Oklahoma1 license
- Physical Therapist
  State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision
Oregon1 license
- Physical Therapist
  Physical Therapist Licensing Board
Pennsylvania2 licenses
- Physical Therapist
  Physical Therapy Board, Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs, Department of State
- Physical Therapist Assistant
  Physical Therapy Board, Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs, Department of State
Puerto Rico2 licenses
- Physical Therapist
  Puerto Rico Department of Health
- Speech-language Therapist
  Puerto Rico Department of Health
Rhode Island1 license
- Physical Therapist
  Health Professions Regulation, RI Department of Health
South Carolina4 licenses
- Physical Therapist
  SC Board of Physical Therapy
- Physical Therapist Assistant
  SC Board of Physical Therapy
- Physical Therapist Assistant Provisional
  SC Board of Physical Therapy
- Physical Therapist Provisional
  SC Board of Physical Therapy
South Dakota1 license
- Physical Therapist
  South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners
Tennessee1 license
- PHYSICAL THERAPIST
  Division of Health Related Boards, Division of Health Related Boards, Department of Health
Texas3 licenses
- OPTOMETRIST
  Texas Optometry Board
- PHYSICAL THERAPIST
  Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners
- PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
  Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners
Utah1 license
- PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
  Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing, Utah Department of Commerece
Vermont2 licenses
- Physical Therapist
  Office of Professional Regulation, Vermont Secretary of State
- Physical Therapist Assistant
  Office of Professional Regulation, Vermont Secretary of State
Virginia2 licenses
- Physical Therapist
  Virginia Board of Physical Therapy, Department of Health Professions
- Physical Therapist Assistant
  Virginia Board of Physical Therapy, Department of Health Professions
Washington1 license
- Physical Therapist
  Department of Health
West Virginia2 licenses
- Foreign Trained Physical Therapist
  PHYSICAL THERAPY
- Physical Therapist
  PHYSICAL THERAPY
Wisconsin2 licenses
- PHYSICAL THERAPIST
  Division of Professional Credential Processing, WI Department of Safety and Professional Services
- PHYSICAL THERAPIST (School)
  Teacher Education, Professional Development, and Licensing, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI)
Wyoming1 license
- PHYSICAL THERAPIST
  WYOMING BOARD OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

Check license requirements on CareerOneStop

Data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration, with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development). Retrieved November 6, 2026.

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