The Physical Therapist Workforce in the U.S.: Supply, Distribution, Education Pathways, and State Responses to the COVID -19 Emergency


  • Abstract

    The traditional role of physical therapists is to prescribe exercises and provide hands-on care to help patients develop, maintain, and restore functional ability that may be limited by injuries, aging, and chronic or progressive diseases. Physical therapists may provide preventive care, rehabilitation, education, and treatment for those with chronic conditions including scoliosis, arthritis, obesity, amputations, and cerebral palsy.


  • Authors:

    Oster NV, Skillman SM, Stubbs BA, Dahal A, Guenther G, Frogner BK

  • Journal/Publisher:

    Center for Health Workforce Studies, University of Washington

  • Edition:

    Nov 2020.

  • Documents:

    Policy Brief

  • Citation:

    Oster NV, Skillman SM, Stubbs BA, Dahal A, Guenther G, Frogner BK. The Physical Therapist Workforce in the U.S.: Supply, Distribution, Education Pathways, and State Responses to the COVID -19 Emergency. Center for Health Workforce Studies, University of Washington, Nov 2020.

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