How to Become a Physical Therapist: Steps, Education & Licensing

Published on: December 24, 2025

Offering the chance to help people regain mobility and reduce pain, a career in physical therapy is demanding yet undoubtedly rewarding. Before embarking on this path, you’ll need to complete thorough training that encompasses six to seven years of post-secondary education — including a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, extensive clinical experience and passing a national licensing exam. Read on as we detail each stage, from undergraduate studies to licensing and finding your first job. 

Get Your Physical Therapy Degree

Step 1: Understand the Role of a Physical Therapist 

Before beginning your journey toward becoming a physical therapist, it's important to understand what the profession actually entails. Here’s how physical therapists, or PTs, work with patients of all ages to help them improve movement, reduce pain and prevent disability following injuries, illnesses or surgeries:  

Key Responsibilities of PTs 

After reviewing medical history and referrals, physical therapists diagnose movement by observing patients and listening to concerns, then design individualized care plans. They use exercises, stretching, equipment and hands-on therapy to manage pain, increase mobility and prevent injury. PTs also record progress, modify plans and educate patients and families about the recovery process. 

Types of Patients Physical Therapists Work With 

Physical therapists may specialize in five main areas:  

• Orthopedic PT restores musculoskeletal function after injuries or surgery (e.g., sports injuries, fractures, sprains).  

• Geriatric specialists treat older adults with conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis and fall injuries.  

• Neurological therapists help patients with conditions like strokes, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.  

• Cardiovascular and pulmonary PT aids recovery from heart attacks or treats conditions like COPD.  

• Pediatric physical therapists treat infants to adolescents for injuries, diseases or developmental delays. 

Common Treatment Approaches 

Physical therapists rely on evidence-based treatments, tailored to patients' needs, to alleviate pain. Techniques include manual therapy, therapeutic exercises and modalities (heat, cold, electrical currents, ultrasound) to reduce inflammation, nerve irritation and muscle tension. Rehabilitation focuses on strengthening, stretching and active/passive movements to improve mobility. Treatment may involve:  

• Manual pressure/massage. 

• Assistive devices. 

• Neuromuscular reeducation for balance. 

• Patient education on posture, body mechanics and home exercises for active recovery. 

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree 

Begin by earning a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, as most DPT degree programs require it. While any major is acceptable, choosing one that meets prerequisites will ease the transition to graduate school. Also, gain 40 to 100 hours of documented observation experience by volunteering or working with licensed physical therapists. 

Recommended Majors  

Common undergraduate majors — exercise science, biology, kinesiology and psychology — align with DPT prerequisites. Biology is a general life science, while kinesiology focuses on human movement, making it highly relevant for physical therapy's emphasis on movement dysfunction and rehabilitation. Health science degrees also offer a strong base in anatomy, physiology and healthcare policy, preparing students for the holistic nature of physical therapy. 

GPA and Admission Requirements 

PT schools typically require a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, but competitive programs tend to prefer 3.5 or higher, particularly for science prerequisite courses like anatomy, physiology, chemistry and physics. Most programs evaluate multiple GPAs including your overall cumulative GPA, your last 60 credit hours and your prerequisite course GPA to determine admissions eligibility. Most DPT programs have minimum GPA requirements. While these minimums may seem achievable, the average GPA of accepted students is often significantly higher due to competitive applicant pools. 

Step 3: Enroll in a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program 

After a bachelor's degree and prerequisites, the next step is a three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy program. DPT degree programs involve rigorous coursework in subjects like anatomy, physiology and biomechanics. All programs must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) for graduates to be eligible for licensure. 

Why the DPT Is the Entry-Level Degree (Master’s Degrees Are Phased Out) 

Physical therapy education in the United States has transitioned from the master's in physical therapy (MPT) to the DPT degree. The DPT is now the standard entry-level qualification — reflecting a focus on advanced clinical skills, expanded knowledge and comprehensive care to meet modern healthcare demands. 

Typical Length and Structure of a DPT Program 

The three-year curriculum integrates clinical rotations, totaling 22 to 38 weeks, before graduation. Coursework progresses from basic to clinical sciences. Students spend 25 to 35 hours weekly in the classroom during the first two years of didactic work. Full-time clinical rotations involve 40 hours per week of hands-on experience in various settings (e.g., hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers and private practices). 

Importance of Accreditation 

Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited program is mandatory for licensure in all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico as well as for eligibility to take the licensing exam and treat Medicare patients. Accreditation ensures the public that physical therapy education programs meet professional standards through extensive evaluation, self-evaluation and periodic review. Attending a non-accredited program prevents you from gaining licensure anywhere. 

Step 4: Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) 

After DPT graduation, you must pass the NPTE exam for licensure. This exam assesses basic entry-level competence for physical therapists, with a scaled score of 600 required to pass. 

What the NPTE Covers 

The NPTE is divided into two main domains: Body Systems and Non-systems.  

• Body systems encompass cardiovascular, pulmonary, integumentary, metabolic, endocrine, gastrointestinal, genitourinary and lymphatic systems.  

• Non-systems cover equipment, therapeutic modalities, safety, professional responsibilities and evidence-based practice.  

Up to 70% of questions focus on the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems, so these areas are essential for success. 

Application, Preparation and Retake Policies 

The NPTE-PT is offered four times per year — January, April, July and October — at Prometric testing facilities. Register and pay the $485 exam fee by the deadline to receive an Authorization to Test after FSBPT and jurisdiction approval. Retakes are permitted, but state policies govern the number of attempts and waiting periods. 

Step 5: Obtain State Licensure and Certification 

To practice legally in the U.S. as a PT or PTA, you must pass the NPTE and obtain state licensure. Each state's regulatory board manages licensure and may have additional requirements like background checks, jurisprudence exams and specific application procedures, in addition to the national NPTE. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) also provides information on licensure. 

State-by-State Licensure Requirements 

State-specific physical therapist licensure requirements vary significantly, covering application procedures, continuing education (CE) and jurisprudence exams. Some states also require fingerprinting, background checks, observation hours or additional exams beyond the NPTE to verify understanding of state laws. 

Maintaining Licensure — Continuing Education, Renewal 

State requirements for physical therapist CE and licensure renewal vary significantly, ranging from 0 to 40 contact hours every two years. Licensure or certification is mandatory for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) in every state/jurisdiction where they work, and regular renewal is required. Most states mandate continuing education for both PTs and PTAs to renew their licenses, which typically occurs on a biennial or triennial basis. PTs must meticulously track their CE hours to meet state board requirements and maintain continuous licensure. 

Step 6 (Optional): Pursue Residency, Fellowship or Certification for Specialization 

Residency and fellowship programs are optional, one-to-two-year postprofessional education opportunities offering one-to-one mentoring and structured learning. They aim to improve patient care quality and practitioner knowledge in specialty/subspecialty areas, preparing physical therapists for board certification via the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) to develop advanced clinical expertise. 

Specialty Areas 

Residency programs prepare physical therapists for ABPTS certification in one of 10 specialties:  

• Orthopedics 

• Sports physical therapy 

• Pediatrics 

• Neurology 

• Geriatrics 

• Cardiovascular and pulmonary 

• Clinical electrophysiology 

• Oncology 

• Women's health  

• Wound management 

Certification requires specific clinical hours, passing an exam and ongoing continuing education. 

Benefits of Additional Training 

According to APTA's 2023 Wage Report, board-certified physical therapists consistently earn higher wages across all clinical settings, with the advantage especially significant for those who obtain board certification within the first five years of practice. Beyond financial benefits, specialized physical therapy training:  

• Enhances clinical expertise.  

• Increases professional credibility. 

• Positions therapists for leadership roles.  

• Allows practitioners to provide higher-quality specialized care to specific patient populations with complex needs. 

Step 7: Begin Your Career as a Licensed Physical Therapist 

Once licensed, you can begin your physical therapy career path in various healthcare environments. Your choice of work setting will affect your daily responsibilities, patient populations and opportunities for career growth and specialization. 

Common Work Settings 

Examples of PT workplace settings include:  

• Hospitals, focusing on acute care for patients who have been admitted for a short-term illness, surgery or accident. 

• Outpatient clinics with patients referred for help with musculoskeletal or neuromuscular injuries/impairments.  

• Skilled nursing facilities that provide long-term nursing care and rehabilitation. 

• Sports medicine facilities. 

• Schools where PTs work with students on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). 

• Government agencies like the Veterans Health Administration. 

• Home health services where therapists travel to patients' homes to provide care.  

Typical Career Progression and Advancement Opportunities 

Physical therapists may advance into management, specialization or even owning a practice. Hospital roles can progress from staff PT to lead, senior PT, manager or director — with titles varying (e.g., Staff PT I-III, Senior PT, Program Specialist). Other opportunities include:  

• Academia as professors 

• Healthcare recruiting  

• Telehealth services 

• Tech startups, helping to develop rehab products 

How Long Does It Take to Become a Physical Therapist? 

Becoming a licensed physical therapist typically takes six to seven years, encompassing a bachelor's degree and a three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy program, plus clinical rotations and licensure. Traditional programs total seven years (four-year undergraduate + three-year DPT), while accelerated 3+3 programs can reduce the timeline to six years. 

Essential Skills and Qualities for Physical Therapists 

Success as a physical therapist calls for a combination of clinical knowledge, interpersonal abilities and personal qualities that enable you to provide effective patient care.  

Clinical Reasoning and Anatomy Knowledge 

Physical therapists need comprehensive knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and kinesiology to understand how the body moves and responds to injury or disease. Solid analytical and clinical reasoning skills allow PTs to evaluate complex patient presentations, interpret test results, identify movement dysfunctions and develop evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each individual’s specific needs and goals. 

Communication and Patient Education Skills 

Physical therapists must clearly explain treatment programs, motivate patients and listen to their concerns to provide effective therapy. PTs spend significant time educating patients and their families about recovery processes, home exercise programs and strategies for preventing future injuries — requiring the ability to break down complex medical information into understandable terms and adapt communication styles to different patient populations and learning styles. 

Empathy, Physical Stamina and Adaptability 

Due to extensive patient interaction, physical therapists need strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and a desire to help people in pain. The job also necessitates physical stamina for prolonged standing, demonstrating exercises, assisting patients and moving between areas, along with adaptability to customize treatment plans based on responses. 

Commitment to Continuing Learning and Professional Development 

Physical therapy is an evolving field that requires a commitment to lifelong learning. Beyond mandatory continuing education for licensure, successful physical therapists:  

• Actively pursue further physical therapy training.  

• Attend conferences.  

• Read current literature.  

• Join professional organizations.  

• Seek opportunities to expand their knowledge and clinical skills to deliver the highest quality patient care. 

Start Your Physical Therapy Journey at Husson University 

At Husson University, our School of Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive Doctor of Physical Therapy program with rigorous coursework, clinical experiences and expert mentorship to prepare students for a successful career. Get in touch today and explore our physical therapy and health science programs to start achieving your goal of helping patients enhance movement, manage pain and elevate their well-being.