Physical Therapists
What Does a Physical Therapist Do?
A physical therapist (PT) evaluates how someone moves and functions, then builds a treatment plan to reduce pain, improve strength and flexibility, and restore mobility for an individual with a developmental condition. PTs provide therapeutic exercise, gait and balance training, manual therapy, and mobility/transfer training, and they teach patients and families how to prevent re-injury and manage symptoms at home. They also recommend and train people on assistive devices (like walkers, crutches, wheelchairs) and document progress to adjust the plan of care over time.
In school and early intervention settings, PTs support individuals with disabilities, Birth to 26 years by improving access and participation—things like safe movement in hallways/classrooms, seating and positioning, playground access, stair navigation, and stamina for school routines. They collaborate with the Special Educator, Paraeducator, Occupational Therapist, and Speech-Language Pathologist to align services with IEP goals and everyday participation needs.
A Physical Therapist helps individuals with disabilities, Birth to 26 years, move safely and participate at school. They support strength, balance, mobility, positioning, equipment use, and access to classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, and daily routines.
Tap a Section Below to Explore:
Explore Careers as a Physical Therapist in Michigan
If you’re interested in supporting students with disabilities and building a meaningful career in education, becoming a school physical therapist may be a strong fit.
OPTIMISE connects individuals with information, resources, and pathways to explore special education careers across Michigan.
Skills and Qualities of an Effective Physical Therapist
An effective physical therapist combines clear communication and empathy with strong clinical problem-solving. They’re observant and detail-oriented in assessment and documentation, patient and motivating during slow progress, and adaptable/creative in tailoring exercises to different needs. They also bring teamwork and professionalism, plus safe body mechanics and stamina for hands-on care.
Education and Training Requirements for Physical Therapists
Education and training requirements to become a Michigan Physical Therapist include:
- Complete a Bachelor’s degree with PT prerequisite courses.
- Some schools offer 3+3 track (3 yrs. Undergrad, apply / enter DPT phase of program
- Complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program accredited by Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Pass the NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination) through FSBPT.
- Pass the Michigan PT Jurisprudence Exam
- Apply for your Michigan license (MiPLUS)
Michigan Physical Therapist Degree Programs
Click a orange pin to pursue an advanced career.
Financial Resources to Pursue a Physical Therapy Degree
Michigan Scholarships & Grants
Michigan Reconnect Program
Michigan Reconnect is a scholarship program that pays you to attend your in-district community college tuition free or pays up to the in-district rate if you attend a community college where you’re considered out-of-district. Applicants must be 25 years old to apply.
High School Graduate Michigan Achievement Scholarship
Amount: $2,000 – $5,500
Michigan Promise Zones
Thirteen Promise Zones have already begun awarding scholarships. Educators, businesses, families and civic leaders are also striving to embed a pervasive culture of learning in these communities – an essential ingredient in any recipe for education success.Â
APTA Scholarships & Grants
The APTA Michigan Institute for Education and Research was created by the APTA Michigan Board of Directors to provide a tax sheltered non-profit entity to promote research and education related to physical therapy in the State of Michigan. Annually scholarships, research grants, and awards are given out by the institute to encourage research and the continuation of the physical therapy profession.
Federal Scholarships & Grants
File Your FAFSA
Colleges and career schools use the FAFSA form to determine how much financial aid you’re eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.You must apply for aid every year.
Federal Student Aid Estimator
The Federal Student Aid Estimator provides an estimate of how much federal student aid the student may be eligible to receive. These estimates are based on the Student Aid Index (SAI), an index to determine federal student aid eligibility.
Subsidized/Un-Subsidized Loans
Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans are federal student loans offered by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to help eligible students cover the cost of higher education at a four-year college or university, community college, or trade, career, or technical school.
Pell Grant
A federal grant for undergraduate students with financial need.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness*
Amount: up to $17,500
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)*
If you’re employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, you might be eligible for the PSLF Program. The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans
*Borrowers can’t receive credit toward TLF and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for the same period of service. That means, if you seek and receive TLF, the five-year period of service that supported your eligibility will NOT count toward PSLF. We recommend that you consider whether you’re interested in PSLF before deciding to pursue TLF, because we can’t make changes once you receive forgiveness.
Graduate or Professional Direct PLUS Loan
Direct PLUS loans can help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. The U.S. Department of Education makes Direct PLUS Loans to eligible graduate or professional students through schools participating in the Direct Loan Program.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Grant for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need, administered directly by financial aid office at each participating school, not all schools participate
Federal Work-Study
part-time employment while enrolled in school, available to undergrad, grad, and professional students with financial need, available to full and part-time students, administered by participating schools, emphasizes employment in civic education and work related to course of study or civic education, on or off campus