What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy is a medical practice that helps those with injuries, diseases, and other physical limitations move and function better, as well as manage pain, through various treatments. The overall goal of physical therapy is to improve the life of the patient. Reaching that goal may involve the use of exercise, manipulation, manual therapy, electrophysical modalities, devices, and medication. The origins of physical therapy date back to the time of the famous Greek physician Hippocrates , who used hydrotherapy to help people with skin, joint, and muscle problems.

What kind of people are best suited for roles in physical therapy?

Anyone who is interested in a career in physical therapy and related practices should be interested in helping others better themselves. You should be able to maintain a positive attitude, even through trying circumstances, and you should be an excellent communicator. It's also important to be a keen observer and pay close attention to detail. You'll need to be physically strong as well, since the job sometimes requires you to lift and hold patients who can't stand on their own.

Why learn physical therapy?

Learning about physical therapy can lead to an exciting career as a physical therapist. Physical therapists who enter this profession can help patients in private offices, hospitals, hospice facilities, nursing homes, home health care, schools, and rehab clinics. They may also open their own practices. Even if you don't want to pursue a career in the field, learning about physical therapy can help you better understand your own body. You'll discover new ways to stay physically healthy.

What are some typical careers that use physical therapy?

Most people who study physical therapy become physical therapists. However, there are several other options in this area. You may go on to become an athletic trainer for sports teams or a chiropractor with your own practice. You can become a personal trainer, exercise instructor, or exercise physiologist. Some people who study physical therapy go on to explore other therapeutic careers, such as speech, recreational, or occupational therapy. You can use your education as the basis for a career as a physician's assistant, nurse practitioner, or audiologist too.

What are the benefits of taking an online Physical Therapy course?

Online Physical Therapy courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Physical Therapy skills. Choose from a wide range of Physical Therapy courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

Top Physical Therapy Courses - Learn Physical Therapy Online

Explore the Physical Therapy Course Catalog

Status: Free
University of California, Davis
Materials Science: 10 Things Every Engineer Should Know
Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Failure Analysis, Manufacturing Processes, Structural Analysis, Engineering Analysis, Chemistry, Thermal Management, Electronics Engineering, Physical Science, Electronics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.5K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica
Introdução ao Controle de Sistemas
Skills you'll gain: Control Systems, Process Control, Systems Design, Systems Engineering, Systems Analysis, Engineering Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Performance Testing, Differential Equations
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Colorado Boulder
Introduction to battery-management systems
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Systems, Electrical Safety, Thermal Management, Basic Electrical Systems, Control Systems, Systems Engineering, Failure Analysis, Electronic Components, High Voltage, Energy and Utilities, Manufacturing Processes, Chemistry, System Monitoring, Performance Testing, Engineering Calculations
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
National Taiwan University
3D CAD Fundamental
Skills you'll gain: 3D Modeling, SketchUp (3D Modeling Software), Software Installation, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Computer Graphics
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
650 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
National Academy of Sports Medicine
Anatomy, Physiology, and Kinesiology for Fitness Professions
Skills you'll gain: Kinesiology, Respiration, Physical Therapy, Neurology, Mechanics, Cardiology, Injury Prevention, Anatomy, Orthopedics, Medical Terminology, Nutrition and Diet, Biology, Torque (Physics)
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
31 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of California, Irvine
The Arduino Platform and C Programming
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Software, Embedded Systems, Debugging, C (Programming Language), Electronic Hardware, Integrated Development Environments, Electronic Components, Development Environment, Computer Programming Tools, Computer Hardware, Computer Programming, Digital Communications
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
7.1K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Copenhagen Business School
Strategic Management
Skills you'll gain: Strategic Thinking, Business Strategy, Business Strategies, Strategic Decision-Making, Strategic Leadership, Business Transformation, Technology Strategies, Competitive Analysis, Global Marketing, Market Share
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.5K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of California, Davis
GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality
Skills you'll gain: Spatial Data Analysis, Spatial Analysis, ArcGIS, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, Data Quality, Data Mapping, Data Modeling, Data Storage, Data Sharing, Data Manipulation, Relational Databases, Query Languages
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.1K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
University of Pittsburgh
Disaster Preparedness
Skills you'll gain: Triage, Mitigation, Emergency Response, Safety and Security, Emergency Medicine, First Aid, Healthcare Ethics, Risk Analysis, Stress Management, Resourcefulness, Adaptability, Water Resources, Cultural Diversity, Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales)
Introduction to Systems Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Systems Engineering, Conceptual Design, Systems Design, Requirements Analysis, Systems Development Life Cycle, Requirements Elicitation, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Engineering Design Process, System Design and Implementation, Concept Of Operations, Configuration Management, Prototyping, System Requirements, Design Reviews, Verification And Validation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
807 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Leeds
Managing Major Engineering Projects
Skills you'll gain: Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Engineering Management, Scope Management, Risk Management, Project Finance, Project Scoping, Program Management, Project Portfolio Management, Project Risk Management, Project Management, Business Risk Management, Governance, Project Management Life Cycle, Project Performance, Contract Management, Financial Analysis, Project Implementation, Return On Investment, Cost Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
University of Alberta
Astro 101: Black Holes
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Storytelling, Scientific Methods, Science and Research, General Science and Research, Simulations, Scientific Visualization
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months