Physical Therapy

The Profession of Physical Therapy

The practice of physical therapy is an integral component of health care. Physical therapists strive to promote functional independence, with the overall goal of helping individuals to achieve maximum potential as members of society.

Physical therapy is the health profession dedicated to rehabilitation or prevention of disability, injury and disease specifically related to movement and function of the neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary and integumentary systems of the human body. Physical therapists work with people of all ages and acute and chronic conditions, to detect, assess, prevent, correct, alleviate and eliminate pain, physical impairments, functional limitations and disabilities.

More information can be obtained from the American Physical Therapy Association or from the Physical Therapy Association of Georgia.

The Division
The Division of Physical Therapy at Georgia State University offers an entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree beginning fall semester 2005. The entry-level curriculum is a full-time program covering nine semesters and 137 credit hours. The program is designed as an integrated, case-based curriculum. The program will develop a practitioner who is competent, flexible, a problem-solver, and a life-long learner; one who can integrate science and clinical arts and who is able to adapt to the changes in practice anticipated in this millennium. Graduates of this accredited program will be eligible to sit for the national licensure exam.