Becoming a physical therapist is more than just memorizing anatomy charts or knowing how to help someone stretch. It’s a profession rooted in science, empathy, and practical problem-solving. It’s also one that’s growing fast.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for physical therapists are expected to grow by 14% through 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Why? More people are living longer, staying active into old age, and recovering from surgeries instead of avoiding them.
If you’re curious about how to enter this field, this guide breaks it all down into 12 clear steps. But first, let’s cover the basics.
Inside the Physical Therapy Profession
A physical therapist is a licensed healthcare professional who helps people recover physical function after injury, surgery, illness, or chronic conditions. Physical therapists evaluate patients, develop treatment plans, and guide them through recovery using targeted exercises, hands-on therapy, and patient education.
If you’ve ever wondered what a physical therapist does, the answer involves much more than just rehab. They help people improve mobility, manage pain, prevent further injury, and return to daily activities. It’s a hands-on, movement-based field that blends medical science with real-life function.
Physical therapists are also doctors. Most hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. That’s the standard for entry into the field. The DPT’s meaning is simple: it’s a clinical doctorate that prepares PTs to assess, diagnose, and treat patients safely and independently.
How to Become a Physical Therapist
Becoming a physical therapist takes time, planning, and a clear path forward. Here are 12 practical steps to help you understand what it takes and how to get started in this growing healthcare field.
1. Focus on Science in High School
If you’re thinking ahead, high school is a great time to start laying the groundwork. Choose subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics to build your understanding of how the human body works.
Math, particularly statistics and algebra, is also important for learning how to track patient progress and interpret research. Participating in sports or health-related clubs can give you early exposure to the importance of movement and injury prevention, all of which are relevant to what a physical therapist does.
2. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (Preferably in a Health-Related Field)
To become a physical therapist, you’ll first need to earn a bachelor’s degree. While there’s no strict requirement on your major, programs like kinesiology, biology, or exercise science are closely aligned with physical therapy.
These majors cover anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and other subjects that form the foundation of a DPT program. Choosing a relevant major also makes it easier to meet prerequisite course requirements later.
3. Complete the Required Prerequisites
Each Doctor of Physical Therapy program has a list of required undergraduate courses. Common prerequisites include anatomy and physiology, general and organic chemistry, physics, statistics, and psychology.
These courses are essential to understanding the science behind movement and rehabilitation. Completing them with strong grades will show admissions committees that you’re academically ready for graduate-level work in a DPT program.
4. Shadow or Volunteer in a PT Setting
Hands-on experience is a must. Most DPT programs require you to complete a set number of observation or volunteer hours in a clinical physical therapy setting. Try to gain hours in different environments, like sports clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, to get a full picture of what a physical therapist does. This experience helps confirm whether this career is a good fit and gives you examples to include in your personal statement.
5. Maintain a Strong GPA
GPA plays a big role in admissions decisions. Most physical therapy schools require a minimum GPA of 3.0, but to be competitive, you’ll want to aim for 3.5 or higher, especially in science courses. Keeping your grades up is crucial for demonstrating your ability to handle the rigor of a Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
6. Take the GRE (If Required)
Some DPT programs still require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), though many have dropped it. If your target schools ask for it, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to study and take practice exams. Strong scores in the verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections can help offset a lower GPA or strengthen your overall application.
7. Apply to DPT Programs via PTCAS
The Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) improves the application process for most U.S.-based DPT programs. Through PTCAS, you’ll upload your transcripts, personal statement, letters of recommendation, GRE scores (if needed), and documentation of clinical experience. Your personal statement should reflect your passion for physical therapy, explain what motivates you, and show how your experiences align with the values of the profession.
8. Get Accepted and Complete Your DPT Degree
Once admitted, you’ll begin a three-year journey through your Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Coursework includes advanced anatomy, neuroscience, biomechanics, clinical reasoning, and therapeutic interventions.
You’ll also complete clinical rotations in various settings where you’ll apply your knowledge directly with patients. This is where the DPT meaning becomes more than a title; it becomes a hands-on role in healing and movement.
9. Pass the NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam)
Graduating with a DPT degree means you’re almost there, but you still need to pass the NPTE to be licensed. The exam tests your clinical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of physical therapy principles. It’s a comprehensive test, and most students spend several months preparing using study guides, practice questions, and review courses.
10. Apply for State Licensure
After passing the NPTE, you’ll apply for a license to practice in your specific state. Each state has slightly different requirements, but most include a background check and a jurisprudence exam to test your knowledge of state laws and professional ethics. Once approved, you’re legally able to work as a physical therapist.
11. Start Practicing or Pursue a Residency
Now that you’re a licensed physical therapist, you can start working in outpatient clinics, hospitals, schools, or home health care. Some new PTs choose to enter a clinical residency to gain advanced training in a specialized area like orthopedics, neurology, or pediatrics. This step isn’t required but can set you apart if you’re aiming for board certification later on.
12. Stay Certified and Keep Learning
A career in physical therapy means you’re always learning. To maintain your license, you’ll need to complete continuing education courses every renewal cycle. Many physical therapists also pursue additional certifications or advanced specialties. Staying current ensures that you continue delivering high-quality care, and it shows your commitment to excellence in the field.
The Deeper Purpose Behind Becoming a Physical Therapist
Choosing to become a physical therapist goes beyond career security or academic achievement; it means stepping into a role where your work directly improves someone’s quality of life. You’re helping people walk again, lift their kids, return to their passions, or simply live without pain. It’s a job where progress isn’t measured in titles or promotions, but in every small win your patient achieves because of your guidance. If that kind of impact matters to you, then physical therapy might be more than a profession, it might be your calling.