Orthopedic Physical Therapist Overview

Required Education and Training To Become an Orthopedic Physical Therapist

Best Schools to become a Orthopedic Physical Therapist in U.S. 2024

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

San Marcos, CA

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:N/A
Total Enrollment:5,152

California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, CA

In-State Tuition:$5,742
Out-of-State Tuition:$17,622
Admission Rate:67%
Graduation Rate:69%
Total Enrollment:40,386

California State University-Northridge

Northridge, CA

In-State Tuition:$5,742
Out-of-State Tuition:$17,622
Admission Rate:91%
Graduation Rate:56%
Total Enrollment:37,579

The University of Texas at San Antonio

San Antonio, TX

In-State Tuition:$6,233
Out-of-State Tuition:$18,487
Admission Rate:87%
Graduation Rate:54%
Total Enrollment:34,393

The University of Montana

Missoula, MT

In-State Tuition:$5,515
Out-of-State Tuition:$27,168
Admission Rate:95%
Graduation Rate:46%
Total Enrollment:9,955

Indiana University-Bloomington

Bloomington, IN

In-State Tuition:$10,012
Out-of-State Tuition:$37,685
Admission Rate:82%
Graduation Rate:81%
Total Enrollment:47,005
Orthopedic Physical Therapist Job Description:
  • Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become an Orthopedic Physical Therapist

Job Duties for Orthopedic Physical Therapists

  • Perform and document an initial exam, evaluating data to identify problems and determine a diagnosis prior to intervention.

  • Plan, prepare, or carry out individually designed programs of physical treatment to maintain, improve, or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain, or prevent physical dysfunction in patients.

  • Record prognosis, treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enter information into computer.

Technologies and Skills Used by Orthopedic Physical Therapists

Medical software

  • MEDITECH software
  • eClinicalWorks EHR software

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Word processing software

  • Exercise routine creation software
  • Microsoft Word

Basic Skills

  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • Reading work related information

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Social

  • Looking for ways to help people
  • Understanding people's reactions

Current Job Market and Opportunites for an Orthopedic Physical Therapist

Additional Resources To Help You Become an Orthopedic Physical Therapist

FAQs About Becoming an Orthopedic Physical Therapist