Page "Physical therapy" Paragraph 16

The primary physical therapy practitioner is the Physical Therapist ( PT ), who is trained and licensed to examine, evaluate, diagnose and treat impairments, functional limitations and disabilities in patients or clients.

Currently, most Physical Therapist education curricula in the United States culminate in a Doctor of Physical Therapy ( DPT ) degree, but many currently practicing PTs hold a Master of Physical Therapy degree and some hold a Bachelor's degree.

The World Confederation of Physical Therapy ( WCPT ) recognises there is considerable diversity in the social, economic, cultural, and political environments in which physical therapist education is conducted throughout the world.

WCPT recommends physical therapist entry-level educational programs be based on university or university-level studies, of a minimum of four years, independently validated and accredited as being at a standard that accords graduates full statutory and professional recognition.

WCPT acknowledges there is innovation and variation in program delivery and in entry-level qualifications, including first university degrees ( Bachelors / Baccalaureate / Licensed or equivalent ), Masters and Doctorate entry qualifications.

What is expected is that any program should deliver a curriculum that will enable physical therapists to attain the knowledge, skills, and attributes described in these guidelines.

Professional education prepares physical therapists to be autonomous practitioners, that may work in collaboration with other members of the health care team.

Curricula in the United States are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education ( CAPTE ).

As of 2011, APTA reports that 222 out of 227 entry-level professional degree programs accredited in the United States are at the doctoral level.

According to CAPTE, as of 2012 there are 25, 660 students currently enrolled in 210 accredited PT programs in the United States.