Physical Therapy Profession and Degree Program

The profession of physical therapy will appeal to people who enjoy physical activity, service to others, and one-on-one therapeutic relationships. Physical therapists work with individuals with movement or mobility problems in order to prevent, restore or resolve the dysfunctional condition. Physical therapists find work in hospitals, private clinics, public schools, health maintenance organizations, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and home health agencies. Currently, a conservative estimate of the annual salary for a new graduate is $57,000.

Certain essential attributes and skills are exercised in the practice of the profession. These include: the ability to learn new tasks; emotional stability; the ability to make sound judgments; effective communication skills; the ability to detect subtle changes; functional discernment of spatial relationships; the ability to perform, evaluate and interpret diagnostic tests; good problem solving skills; the ability to safely assist others with their movements; and demonstration of professional ethical behaviors. (A detailed Essential Skills document is available on this website.)

The University of Washington Curriculum in Physical Therapy (PT) is accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The curriculum is a graduate professional entry-level education program designed to follow the completion of a four-year bachelor's degree in some other discipline. Program graduates earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and are eligible to take the national PT licensing exam in any state.

For more information, follow these links:
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (DPT)
UWMC Physical Therapy Clinic

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