• Cardiovascular and Pulmonary: Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation physical therapists help to treat patients with cardiopulmonary disorders or those who have had cardiac or pulmonary surgery.
• Geriatric: Geriatric therapists focus on the treatment of older adults, though much of their research and practice is applicable to all adults.  
• Neurology: Neurological physical therapy is a discipline focused on working with individuals who have a neurological disorder or disease which interferes with their mobility or causes discomfort. 
• Orthopedic: Individuals who focus in this specialty treat problems with the musculoskeletal system.
• Pediatric: Like pediatricians, pediatric physical therapists work on the rehabilitation of children. 
• Sports: Physical therapists may work closely with chiropractors or other sports medicine professionals to rehabilitate those with injuries caused by a sporting accident.

• Bachelor of Science Degree: 4 years to complete
• Master of Science Degree: 2 years to complete
• Doctorate Degree: 3 years to complete

Programs that are offered include the bachelor's, master's (MPT, MSPT, MS) and doctoral (DPT) degrees in physical therapy. After graduation a candidate must then pass a national examination administered by the state. After passing the exam, the state licensing board may have additional requirements and fees. Further education may also be required for individuals wishing to specialize in particular areas as physical therapy for gerontology, pediatrics, or sports medicine. After graduating from a physical therapy program that is approved by the American Physical Therapy Association's Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The National Physical Therapist Examination (NPTE), which is developed by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, is the main certification that you will need for a career in physical therapy. Physical therapy assistants help physical therapists in the transfer of patients for treatment, the organization of supplies, equipment maintenance, and they may also provide limited assistance during the actual therapy sessions. 

As physical therapy is performed in a variety of contexts, accredited physical therapy and PT assistance programs may include a lineup of courses ranging from procedural overviews to specific medical fields. Potential courses include medical office procedures, physical therapy, massage, kinesiology, anatomy, and billing and coding. There are a number of institutions offering programs leading to certification in one or more of the eight areas of specialization of physical therapy, including geriatrics, pediatrics, women's health, neurology, and orthopedics. Programs are designed to prepare individuals to pass a special examination. Depending on the institution, the program can be part time or full time and may vary from one to three years in length. Advanced degrees in a relevant field are required for certain specializations. 

All physical therapists need to have extensive hands-on experience, and be a graduate of an accredited program. They will also have to pass a state exam for physical therapists. Certification is usually updated every two years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many states require continuing education in order for licenses to be renewed. Applicants must be currently entitled to conduct physical therapy, and have at least 2,000 hours of clinical time in their specialties, including 500 hours during the last three years. In some cases, candidates must be certified in CPR and first aid.

Recovery from an injury or illness can be a very long, slow, and painful process. A physical therapist is tasked with providing assistance to patients to ensure that rehabilitation is a safe and healthy process. Extensive training and education are needed to become a certified physical therapist -- in fact, many therapists have master's or doctoral degree. As with many career opportunities that require special training, physical therapists tend to receive above-average compensation. In May of 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average income for physical therapists was $72,790.

Physical therapist jobs are growing much faster than the average for many occupations. They are expected to grow by 30 percent by 2018.  The increase in the elderly population from the baby boomer generation is the primary driver for this growth in demand for physiotherapy services. In addition, growth may be the result of advances in medical technology and the use of evidence-based practice, which could allow the treatment of disabling conditions that were incurable in the past.

• Executive coaches work with businesses and employers to motivate and give advice to employees and executives. 
• Fitness trainers train, educate, and motivate athletes and non-athletes alike in physical fitness. 
• Health educators are teachers, professors, or coaches in the area of health and fitness. 

What is the best way to prepare for physical therapy graduate school?
To apply for physical therapy graduate school, you'll need an accredited bachelor's degree with the right prerequisite courses. You can do this by pursuing a pre-physical therapy program, which is structured to incorporate the necessary natural and social science requirements. Pursuing a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or a related natural science might also make it easier to complete the physical therapy prerequisites, but it is not required.

How can I prepare for the National Physical Therapy Examination?
Many third-party test preparation companies publish preparation manuals for the NPTE. It's also a good idea to review the NPTE Candidate Handbook and make sure that you schedule your test date toward the beginning of your testing eligibility period, in case you experience a scheduling conflict and need to re-take the test.

What's the difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy?
Physical therapists focus on helping people who are experiencing difficulty with physical movement or range of motion; occupational therapists assist many types of patients who need help regaining the skills to return to normal life or work. Occupational therapists may assist with daily living tasks, emotional rehabilitation, and mental heath, not just physical movement.

How do I choose between a master's or doctoral program in physical therapy?
Master's degrees in physical therapy and doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degrees only differ by one year in length, and cover much of the same material. DPT degrees are likely to allow students to do clinical rounds in multiple types of physical therapy settings, and they may allow students to focus on a particular area of physical therapy.

What is a physical therapist's work environment like?
Most physical therapists work full time. This job can be a physically demanding one, as physical therapists are often required to move patients and manipulate their bodies. Most physical therapists work either in hospitals, private clinics, or outpatient care centers.