Here are some tips for selecting schools, based on an analysis comparing each school to all others across dozens of factors:
Schools Concentrating On Physical Therapists
- Focus: For schools with a focus on this career area, look at Alabama State and University of South Alabama.
Fastest Response From Schools
- Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.
Student Body
- Part-Time: For schools emphasizing part-time studies, consider University of South Alabama, Alabama State, and UAB.
- Diverse: For a diverse student body, consider Oakwood University and UAB.
School Setting
- Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of Oakwood University, Alabama State, University of South Alabama, and UAB.
- Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of Oakwood University, Alabama State, UAB, and University of South Alabama.
Excellence
- SAT: For students with high SAT scores, look at UAB.
- % Accepted: For selective institutions, look at Alabama State and Oakwood University.
- Class Size: For small class sizes, look at UAB, Oakwood University, Alabama State, and University of South Alabama.
Working as a Physical Therapist in Alabama
Physical therapists follow prescriptions written by health care professionals to create treatment plans for patients. They combine the use of physical measures and exercises, devices and equipment, instructions and education to help patients retain or regain physical strength, flexibility and endurance. They also oversee all healthcare staff within the practice. Read a detailed Physical Therapist job description and schools overview.
Physical therapists in Alabama can enhance themselves professionally through the Alabama Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association.
State Requirements
- New physical therapists must be graduates from an approved physical therapist program in order to be licensed. Many programs require previous experience as a volunteer in a physical therapy department of a hospital or clinic for admission.
- Physical therapists who wish to practice in Alabama must complete an application and pass an exam governed by the Alabama Board of Physical Therapy.
Major Industries
Most physical therapists work in clinics or hospitals. Other industries in Alabama include:
- Home Health Care Services
- Nursing Care Facilities
- Outpatient Care Centers
- Community Care Facilities for the Elderly
- Grant making and Giving Services
- Individual and Family Services
- Offices of Physicians
Major Employers
A few representative major employers of physical therapists in Alabama include:
- Springhill Senior Residence (Nursing Care Facility)
- Gentiva Health Services (Medical Clinic)
- University of Alabama (Medical Clinic)
- Alabama Hospital Association (Hospitals)
- Baptist Health Systems (Hospitals)
- Department of Public Health (Home Health Service)
- Alacare Home Health and Hospice (Home Health Service)
- Pain and Rehabilitation Institute (Outpatient Care Center)
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Study from Anywhere at Online Schools Related to This Career
- Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Coursework, Diploma