Physical Therapy Graduate Schools & Degrees
Both physical and occupational therapists use physical therapy to help patients with illnesses, injuries and disabilities. Physical therapists work in hospitals, nursing homes and clinics and concentrate on helping patients manage pain and improve their movement. Physical therapists typically require a doctorate degree in physical therapy. Occupational therapists work primarily in therapy clinics, using the therapy of everyday activities to help patients, and require a master’s degree in occupational therapy. All states require a license for occupational and physical therapists.
Physical and Occupational Degrees and Careers
The demand for qualified physical and occupational therapists is expected to skyrocket this decade, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS expects the number of physical therapists to grow by 39%, much faster than average, while the number of occupational therapists is expected to grow by 33%. Such projections make the education needed to attain these degrees – a master’s degree in occupational therapy and doctorate in physical therapy – worth the effort.
