Physical therapy, otherwise known as physiotherapy, is focused on treating patients who have health problems that affect their bodily movements. It is often recommended to individuals to relieve pain, prevent disability, recover from an injury, and the like. Physiotherapy can be beneficial to individuals of all ages. Some examples of PT treatments are deep soft tissue massage, functional training, and therapeutic exercise.
With that, physical therapists or physiotherapists have licensed health professionals who conduct the said treatments. After successfully studying physical therapy, one may work in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and more. In this article, we will take a look at the best schools for therapy in the world!
What is the Highest Degree in Physical Therapy?
When it comes to a formal degree in physical therapy, the highest possible level a student can earn in the field is Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and that requires multiple years of study on top of various research projects and papers that need to be published in the respective field. Attaining such a degree is quite astonishing, and students that graduate at this level tend to become experts in their field. At the moment, we do not have quite enough information on this course, but you can check other courses that are suitable and have things in common, so feel free to check all the available courses on our website.
Is Physical Therapy a Good Career Path to Follow?
In today’s world, a career in physical therapy is considered a good choice, especially for people interested in working in healthcare and being of help to others. Physical therapists find that their career has many pros, including job security since the career is growing and expanding, and there seems to be a growing need to address ailments and injuries that hinder people’s physical performance. The pay is also usually high, as it is a specialized course, and one can pursue opportunities in various fields, from sports to pediatric health to neurology, among others. There is also a lot of flexibility in the field as you can choose to be a full-time, part-time, or per diem physical therapist, making it a very good career path to consider if you are interested.
Click to See: Best Countries to Study Physical Therapy
Top Physical Therapy Schools in the World
1. University of Delaware
The University of Delaware (UD) is one of the USA’s oldest universities and an excellent school for physical therapy in the world. Its roots date back to the year 1743 and it was formerly known as Newark College and then Delaware College. Presently, there are around 23,600 students and approximately 4,700 employees thriving at UD. Furthermore, it has 10 colleges and schools, over 150 majors and minors, and more than 250 graduate and post-baccalaureate study programs.
UD’s College of Health Sciences has seven academic departments: Behavioral Health and Nutrition, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Epidemiology, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Medical and Molecular Sciences, School of Nursing, and of course, Physical Therapy. In line with this, the university’s physical therapy graduate program is #1 in the country according to the US News and World Report.
2. University of Pittsburgh
Situated in the state of Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) is a public research university and among the best institutions for physical therapy in the world that was established in 1787. Additionally, Pitt has regional campuses in Bradford, Greensburg, Johnstown, and Titusville. Moreover, there are 16 schools and colleges at Pitt offering a wide range of study programs for undergraduates and postgraduates. On another note, the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings deemed the Pittsburgh campus as the best public university in the Northeastern USA.
At Pitt’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, the Department of Physical Therapy offers study programs that will provide students with much-needed hands-on experience and training to mold them into outstanding physiotherapists.
3. University of Southern California
A top higher education institution located in California’s sunny Los Angeles, the University of Southern California (USC) was established in 1880, making it the state’s oldest private research university. With one academy, two colleges, two divisions, and 18 schools, USC offers a great number of courses and programs for all prospective students to choose from. Currently, around 49,500 students are pursuing their studies at the institution.
USC’s Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy offers an excellent Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, two Master’s programs, and one Ph.D. program.
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4. University of Toronto
Located in the Great White North’s city of Toronto, the University of Toronto is a public research university and a top university for physical therapy in the world that was founded in 1827. The institute is also sometimes referred to as U of T or UToronto. However, back when it was first established, it was known as King’s College. Presently, it is a distinguished center of learning in the country and it is also known worldwide.
U of T’s Department of Physical Therapy was founded in 1929. It began as a physical therapy program offered by the university’s Department of Extension, and it was the first PT study option in Canada. Aside from their Master’s and Ph.D. programs, they also have a Bridging Program called the Ontario Internationally Educated Physical Therapists Bridging (OIEPB) Program.
5. University of Sydney
The University of Sydney (USYD) is a public research university in Australia and a recognized university for physical therapy in the world. It was founded in 1850 and is considered the country’s first university. With that, it is also a part of the Land Down Under’s six sandstone universities. According to the QS World Rankings, it is the top university in Australia when it comes to graduate employability. Speaking of graduates, many of USYD’s alumni are now respected individuals in their fields such as heart surgeon Dr. Victor Chang, global health innovator Dr. Anna Lau, and cochlear ear implant inventor Professor Graeme Clark FRS.
USYD has eight faculties and schools: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Faculty of Science, School of Architecture, Design, and Planning, University of Sydney Business School, Conservatorium of Music, and Sydney Law School.
At USYD’s Faculty of Medicine and Health, the Sydney School of Health Sciences offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the discipline of physiotherapy. In addition to this, all of their course offerings are accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council or APC.
Check Out: The University of Sydney Admission Process and Tips
6. Emory University
Emory University is a private research university and a well-known institution for physical therapy across the globe that is located in Georgia’s capital city of Atlanta. It was founded in the year 1836 and was previously known as Emory College. Currently, there are approximately 14,400 students and 15,400 faculty and staff at Emory. Additionally, the university has two campuses. There is the Clairmont Campus and the Oxford Campus.
Emory University’s School of Medicine has a Division of Physical Therapy that offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, four dual degrees, and residency training.
7. The University of Queensland
The University of Queensland (UQ) is a public university in Australia’s lively city of Brisbane. It was established in 1909 and because of that, it is part of the country’s six sandstone universities. UQ is an excellent university for physical therapy in the world and has various campuses and other campus locations such as the St. Lucia campus, Gatton campus, Herston campus, Heron Island Research Station, Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, and a lot more.
UQ’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences does not only specialize in Physiotherapy. It also provides top-quality study programs in Audiology, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Pathology.
We hope that this article on the Best Therapy Schools in the World was helpful. If you are interested in knowing more about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
