To become either a physical therapist or a physical therapy assistant, one must undergo extensive academic training at accredited physical therapy schools that will provide the necessary knowledge, experience, and degree to be able to legally practice the profession.

Physical Therapy Schools Background

There are about 250 accredited physical therapy schools in the United States and an increasing number of them are now offering degrees online.  A physical therapist education often includes a master's or doctorate degree in order to become a licensed professional, and an extensive background in the physical sciences.

Physical Therapy Assistant Schools

Many physical therapist schools double as physical therapy assistant schools, where aspiring PTAs may go to learn their profession.  The curriculum for each degree is often very different, however, with PTAs striving for an associate's or bachelor's degree.  Therefore, a PTA looking to become a full physical therapist should perhaps choose their school carefully. 

Physical Therapy Books

Physiotherapy books, or physical therapy books, generally take many forms on the marketplace.  On the one side, they can often represent medical text books devoted to those looking to learn physical therapy professionally.  On the other side, they can be sold to layman looking for basic, do it yourself physical therapy to improve their appearance or quality of life. 

Physiotherapy Courses

Physiotherapy courses generally are different from program to program, and are absolutely different between physical therapy degrees and PTA associate degrees.  Those looking to enter an accredited physical therapy school will want to have a background in advance physiotherapy courses as well as nearly all the medical and physical sciences that they are able to study. 

Physical Therapy Continuing Education

Physical therapy continuing education has never been more easy now due to many new programs offered on the internet; however, earning an appropriate physical therapy degree is still greatly predicated on prior educational experience, and thus may be extremely difficult for anyone who many already have a bachelor's with a limited focus on science.