Online Physical Therapy Degrees

Online physical therapy degrees can prepare students for the expanding medical field in terms of providing a basis for understanding theory, medical terminology, work culture, best practices, and even hands-on training. Through assignments, group chats and class discussion, and externships, students will learn how to work as physical therapists and/or assist physical therapists in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient and managed care facilities, nursing homes, and other health care environments. Online degrees provide students with extra flexibility and access to schools they would not normally be able to attend if they could not give up work or family commitments at home. Some find online degrees to be more cost effective, too, as they cut down on commuting or room and board costs. Students who are researching online physical therapy degrees will run into a variety of programs at the associate or certification level, and at the master’s degree level. Programs are available for future physical therapists, PT aids, occupational therapist assistants and other related fields.

Students who want to become physical therapists will have to complete a master’s degree in the field and obtain a state license. Some students may choose to earn a doctorate degree to improve their career prospects and increase their starting salary level. Master’s degree programs last two years on average, and students must complete a 4-year bachelor’s program at an accredited institution if they want to be considered for the graduate program. PT assistants and occupational therapist aides only need an associate’s degree or certificate to find entry-level work, so they may enter the job force in as little as 1-2 years. Introductory level students will take classes in human development, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, disease and disabilities, and more focused work in pediatrics or geriatric care. Online physical therapy degrees will also most likely require students to complete some form of field training or externship, so that students may receive supervised hands-on training at a local physical therapy rehab center or hospital.

Due to an increasing elderly population, the demand for physical therapists is expected to increase. the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that job openings will increase by 27 percent through 2016, which is much faster than the national average. Licensed physical therapists will be able to find jobs in hospitals, rehab centers, and orthopedic centers, as well as nursing homes and outpatient care facilities. Those who work with home health services companies will earn the highest salaries, according to the BLS, followed by physical therapists who work in nursing homes and hospitals. Occupational therapist assistants should notice a 25 percent increase in the number of open jobs through 2016, also due to the increasing elderly population. Jobs will open at rehab centers, nursing homes, and doctor’s offices, where salaries are expected to be the highest. Assistants with associate’s degrees will typically find more job opportunities than those who graduated from diploma programs.