Top Physical Therapy Schools in the U.S.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Physical therapists help people who have physical impairments. They develop programs to strengthen and condition the bodies of those impaired. If you plan on entering this field, you'll need a formal education in physical therapy.

Here are some of the nation's top physical therapy schools that will prepare you for a career in the field.

University of Southern California in Los Angeles. This private school was named a 2010 Best Western College by the Princeton Review. In fact, USC's physical therapy program earned the nation's top ranking in 2008 by U.S. News & World Report. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education approved this school's physical therapy programs. USC offers a number of research-centered physical therapy programs. These include a Master of Science in Biokinesiology and a Ph.D. in Biokinesiology. Students interested in pursuing a professional physical therapy career can earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Post-professional residencies in sports, orthopedic and neurological physical therapy are also offered. For more information, call (213) 740-2311.

Washington University in St. Louis in Missouri. This private university offers as many as 90 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs. The school was named a Best Midwestern College by the Princeton Review in 2010. And U.S. News & World Report ranked Washington University in St. Louis second in the nation for physical therapy programs. The school offers accredited entry-level and post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees, as well as residencies and fellowships in orthopedics or women's health. Students wishing to pursue teaching and research careers can work toward a Ph.D. in Movement Science or a dual DPT/Ph.D. degree. For more information, call (314) 935-5000.

Other top Physical Therapy Schools include:

• Ohio State University
• University of Florida
• University of Minnesota
• New York University
• Boston University
• University of Iowa
• University of North Carolina
• University of Utah
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Illinois at Chicago

For an added perspective, check out this video:

Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients. Please see more of his blogs and view additional job postings on Beyond.com.