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  2. Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy Courses

Physical therapy courses can help you learn anatomy, biomechanics, patient assessment, and rehabilitation techniques. You can build skills in developing treatment plans, using therapeutic modalities, and enhancing patient mobility. Many courses introduce tools such as ultrasound machines, electrical stimulation devices, and exercise equipment, that support implementing effective treatment strategies and tracking patient progress.

Popular Physical Therapy Courses and Certifications


  • U

    University of Toronto

    Managing Your Health: The Role of Physical Therapy and Exercise

    4.7 stars, 815 reviews, Beginner, Course

    ★ 4.7 (815) · Beginner · Course

    Category: Preview
    Preview
  • U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Science of Exercise

    Skills you'll gain: Exercise Science, Exercise Therapy, Physiology, Nutrition and Diet, Chronic Diseases, Public Health

    4.8 stars, 4.8K reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 4 Weeks

    ★ 4.8 (4.8K) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Category: Preview
    Preview
  • U

    University of Michigan

    Michigan Sport-Related Concussion Training Certification

    Skills you'll gain: Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine, Medical Emergency, Health Care Procedure and Regulation

    4.7 stars, 1.2K reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 4 Weeks

    ★ 4.7 (1.2K) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Category: Free
    Free
  • N

    Niel Asher Education

    Hybrid Trainer: Online Fitness & Rehab Programming

    Skills you'll gain: Telehealth, Record Keeping, Document Management, Information Privacy, Practice Management, Performance Metric, Compliance Management, Training Programs, Rehabilitation, Patient Communication, Business Metrics, Capacity Planning, Education and Training, Workflow Management, Performance Measurement, Train The Trainer, Blueprinting, Physical Therapy, Needs Assessment, Health Care

    Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: New
    New
    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
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  • N

    Niel Asher Education

    Sports Massage Therapist

    Skills you'll gain: Patient Communication, Physical Therapy, Patient Education and Support, Injury Prevention, Health Care, Human Relations Movement

    5 stars, 7 reviews, Intermediate, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 5 (7) · Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
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  • U

    University of Michigan

    Teaching and Assessing Clinical Skills

    Skills you'll gain: Constructive Feedback, Clinical Assessment

    4.7 stars, 842 reviews, Intermediate, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.7 (842) · Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Free
    Free
  • N

    National Academy of Sports Medicine

    Anatomy, Physiology, and Kinesiology for Fitness Professions

    Skills you'll gain: Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Human Musculoskeletal System, Physiology, Mechanics, Injury Prevention, Anatomy, Medical Terminology, Nutrition and Diet

    4.7 stars, 85 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.7 (85) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    The Science of Movement

    Skills you'll gain: Kinesiology, Electrophysiology, Rehabilitation, Exercise Science, Human Musculoskeletal System, Sensory Systems Analysis, Physical Therapy, Neurology, Physiology, Anatomy

    4.7 stars, 18 reviews, Intermediate, Specialization, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.7 (18) · Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • D

    Duke University

    Telehealth: Essentials, Teamwork, and Musculoskeletal Exam

    Skills you'll gain: Telehealth, Teamwork, Collaboration, Clinical Assessment, Vital Signs, Health Technology, Patient Preparation, Patient Coordination, Patient Education And Counseling, Health Assessment, Patient Treatment, Primary Care, End User Training and Support, Health Care, Health Systems, Telecommunications, Patient Evaluation, Care Management, Human Musculoskeletal System, Communication

    4.9 stars, 50 reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 1 - 4 Weeks

    ★ 4.9 (50) · Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • N

    Niel Asher Education

    Somatic Therapy and Body-Based Healing

    Skills you'll gain: Manual Therapy, Self-Awareness, Physical Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Patient-centered Care, Patient Communication, Mental Health Therapies, Athletic Training, Coaching, Communication, Intravenous Therapy

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • N

    Niel Asher Education

    Comprehensive Shoulder Rehabilitation

    Skills you'll gain: Patient Positioning, Rehabilitation, Exercise Therapy, Patient Education And Counseling, Manual Therapy, Patient Evaluation, Contraindication, Patient Education and Support, Physical Therapy, Anatomy, Athletic Training, Pain Management, Medication Therapy Management, Patient Treatment, Clinical Assessment, Occupational Therapy, Intravenous Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mental Health Therapies, Physical Science

    Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • N

    Niel Asher Education

    Clinical Pilates for Strength and Rehab

    Skills you'll gain: Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation, Training Programs, Athletic Training, Professionalism, Coaching, Patient Communication, Education and Training, Communication Strategies, Needs Assessment, Habit Formation, Planning, Human Musculoskeletal System, Decision Making, Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), Prioritization, Adaptability, Health Care, Medication Therapy Management, Mental Health Therapies

    Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: New
    New
    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
1234…162

Best free Physical Therapy courses

High-quality free Physical Therapy courses you can start today.

  1. 1
    Michigan Sport-Related Concussion Training Certification
    University of MichiganBeginner1 - 4 Weeks4.7(1,244)Free
  2. 2
    Teaching and Assessing Clinical Skills
    University of MichiganIntermediate1 - 3 Months4.7(842)Free

Best Physical Therapy courses from Niel Asher Education

Top-rated Physical Therapy courses offered by Niel Asher Education on Coursera.

  1. 1
    Hybrid Trainer: Online Fitness & Rehab Programming
    Niel Asher EducationIntermediate1 - 3 MonthsNiel Asher Education
  2. 2
    Sports Massage Therapist
    Niel Asher EducationIntermediate3 - 6 Months5.0(7)Niel Asher Education
  3. 3
    Somatic Therapy and Body-Based Healing
    Niel Asher EducationIntermediate1 - 4 Weeks4.6(5)Niel Asher Education

Best Physical Therapy certificate programs

Earn a certificate in Physical Therapy from top universities and companies.

  1. 1
    The Science of Movement
    University of Colorado BoulderIntermediate1 - 3 Months4.7(18)Specialization
  2. 2
    Telehealth: Essentials, Teamwork, and Musculoskeletal Exam
    Duke UniversityBeginner1 - 4 Weeks4.9(50)Specialization
  3. 3
    Comprehensive Shoulder Rehabilitation
    Niel Asher EducationIntermediate3 - 6 Months4.5(2)Specialization

Best Physical Therapy courses for beginners

Top-rated beginner-friendly Physical Therapy courses with no prerequisites.

  1. 1
    Managing Your Health: The Role of Physical Therapy and Exercise
    University of TorontoBeginnerNo prerequisites
  2. 2
    Science of Exercise
    University of Colorado BoulderBeginner1 - 4 Weeks4.8(4,782)No prerequisites
  3. 3
    Anatomy, Physiology, and Kinesiology for Fitness Professions
    National Academy of Sports MedicineBeginner1 - 3 Months4.7(85)No prerequisites

Frequently Asked Questions about Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a healthcare profession focused on the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with physical impairments or disabilities. It plays a crucial role in helping patients recover from injuries, manage pain, and improve mobility. By employing various techniques, including exercises, manual therapy, and education, physical therapists empower patients to regain their independence and enhance their quality of life. The importance of physical therapy extends beyond recovery; it also promotes overall wellness and preventive care, making it a vital component of the healthcare system. ‎

A career in physical therapy can lead to various job opportunities. Common roles include physical therapist, physical therapy assistant, and rehabilitation specialist. Physical therapists work directly with patients to develop treatment plans, while assistants support therapists in implementing these plans. Additionally, there are opportunities in specialized areas such as sports therapy, pediatric therapy, and geriatric therapy. Each role contributes to improving patient outcomes and enhancing the overall healthcare experience.‎

To succeed in physical therapy, you need a blend of technical and interpersonal skills. Key skills include strong communication abilities to effectively interact with patients and their families, critical thinking for developing treatment plans, and empathy to understand patients' challenges. Additionally, knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and rehabilitation techniques is essential. Hands-on skills in manual therapy and exercise prescription are also crucial for delivering effective care.‎

There are several excellent online courses available for those interested in physical therapy. For instance, Managing Your Health: The Role of Physical Therapy and Exercise offers insights into how physical therapy can enhance health and well-being. Other courses may cover specific techniques or populations, providing a comprehensive understanding of the field. Exploring these options can help you find the right fit for your learning goals.‎

Yes. You can start learning physical therapy on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many physical therapy courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in physical therapy, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid. ‎

Learning physical therapy involves a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Start by enrolling in online courses that cover the fundamentals of physical therapy, anatomy, and rehabilitation techniques. Engage in hands-on practice through internships or volunteer opportunities in healthcare settings. Additionally, consider joining professional organizations or forums to connect with experienced practitioners and gain insights into the field.‎

Typical topics covered in physical therapy courses include anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, therapeutic modalities, and rehabilitation techniques. Courses often explore patient assessment, treatment planning, and evidence-based practice. Additionally, specialized topics such as sports rehabilitation, pediatric therapy, and geriatric care may be included, providing a well-rounded education for aspiring physical therapists.‎

For training and upskilling employees in physical therapy, courses that focus on practical skills and evidence-based practices are essential. Programs that cover topics like patient assessment, treatment techniques, and rehabilitation strategies can enhance workforce capabilities. Consider options that provide hands-on training or case studies to ensure employees can apply their knowledge effectively in real-world settings.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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