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Make movement your mission. Discover a career in physical therapy.

Dreaming of a career where you can make a difference every day?
Physical therapy could be the path for you. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants help people of all ages move better, recover from injuries, manage pain, and regain independence — improving quality of life through movement.

Whether you're passionate about sports, pediatrics, geriatrics, neurology, orthopedics, or even advancing research and policy, a career in physical therapy opens the door to a wide range of meaningful and rewarding opportunities.

Jump to: Students / Advisors, Counselors, and Educators / Ambassadors

Your Journey Starts Here

For Students

Explore what it means to become a PT or PTA and find resources to guide your next steps — from understanding what the profession is all about to preparing your application.

  • HOSA Competitive Event Guidelines
  • View Video Resources
    • DISCLAIMER: The HOSA Core Skills videos were specifically created by the American Physical Therapy Association to correspond with the HOSA Physical Therapy Competition guidelines. These videos should only be used as a general guide and are not designed to be relied on as the sole resource for competition preparation. It is solely the responsibility of the HOSA Advisor and the member to ensure compliance with the specific rules of the HOSA competition guidelines. Use of these videos constitutes acknowledgement that APTA bears no liability or responsibility for any injury, professional judgment, interpretation, or other outcome resulting from the use of or reliance on the content of the videos.

All reference to, publication, or display of these videos must include a written version of the above paragraph as a citation.

Skill I: Ambulating With a Transfer (Gait) Belt – With a Patient Fall

Skill I: Ambulating With a Transfer (Gait) Belt – Without a Patient Fall 

Skill II: Ambulating With a Walker

Skill III: Ambulating With a Cane — Three Point Gait

Skill III: Ambulating With a Cane — Two Point Gait

Skill IV: Ambulating With Crutches — Four Point Gait

Skill IV: Ambulating With Crutches — Three Point Gait

Skill IV: Ambulating With Crutches — Two Point Gait

Skill V: Passive Range of Motion

Skill VI: Cold Application With Ice Bag

Skill VII: Transfer From Supine to Sitting Position

Skill VIII: Donning and Removing Transmission-Based Isolation Garments

Hear From DPT Students

Get inspired by real stories from students pursuing their doctor of physical therapy degree.

For Advisors, Counselors, and Educators

You play a key role in helping students explore future career paths. We’ve built tools to help you introduce physical therapy as a rewarding, high-demand health care profession.

Resources for Advisors

Want a PT or PTA to speak at your school or event?
Email the APTA Student Recruitment Team to get connected with a local APTA PT Moves Me Ambassador.

PT Moves Me Ambassadors

The PT Moves Me Ambassador Program is one of the key parts of our national PT Moves Me campaign. Ambassadors are passionate PTs, PTAs, and students who help introduce others to the power of the physical therapy profession.

In 2024, ambassadors:

  • Hosted or participated in more than 100 events across 20 states.
  • Connected with over 5,000 K-12 and college students nationwide.

Ways to Get Involved

Interested in becoming an ambassador? There are a few ways to take part, depending on where you are in your physical therapy journey:

  1. Through Your Educational Institution
    If you’re part of a DPT or PTA program, you can represent your school and share your passion for the profession with prospective students.
  2. Through Your Local APTA Chapter
    Get involved with your state APTA chapter to participate in outreach events and help connect future PTs and PTAs to our community.
  3. Through Your Practice
    If you’re a practicing PT or PTA, you can engage your clinic or workplace to host events, speak to students, or mentor those interested in the field.

Get Connected

Want to bring a PT Moves Me Ambassador to your school or event?

Email the APTA Student Recruitment Team to get connected with a local APTA PT Moves Me Ambassador.

Want to become an ambassador yourself?

Contact the APTA Student Recruitment Team for more information about getting started.

Why Physical Therapy?

  • PTs and PTAs are in demand and make a meaningful impact every day.
  • Ranked among the top health care jobs by U.S. News & World Report.
  • Strong job growth and flexibility across settings.
  • Opportunities in research, education, and leadership.
  • Make a difference every day, helping people move without pain and live life to the fullest.
  • You can specialize in nearly any area of health care.
  • You'll be part of a community dedicated to helping people live fuller, healthier lives.

Learn more about Careers in Physical Therapy

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