Physical Therapy Specializations to Consider for Your PT Career

As a physical therapist, you likely chose an allied health career because of a desire to positively impact patient outcomes. Choosing a specialization within the physical therapy (PT) profession can make an already rewarding career even more fulfilling by allowing you to focus on an area you love or work with a patient population you are passionate about helping.

Physical therapy specializations can offer significant benefits, including career advancement, increased expertise, and improved outcomes for specific types of patients.

Whether you are completing your education or exploring a career shift, consider the following PT specializations and how they can enhance your knowledge and ability to make a difference in your profession.

Specializing in PT: Why It Is Worth It

Physical therapy specializations are more than just a résumé enhancement—they open doors to new career opportunities while allowing you to develop expertise in treating specific patient populations. Specializing can also position you as a mentor and leader in the field, helping others develop their skills while advancing patient care.

The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) is the governing body responsible for overseeing and administering the certification process for physical therapists who wish to specialize in a particular area. The board ensures that specialists meet rigorous standards of excellence and have the advanced knowledge needed to improve patient care.

Overview of ABPTS-Recognized Specialties

The ABPTS recognizes 10 distinct specialization areas, each with its own unique standards and requirements. Here is an overview of the approved specialties to consider:

1. Cardiovascular and Pulmonary

Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapists help patients with heart and lung conditions—like heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)---improve their quality of life.

In this specialty, you might teach breathing techniques, help patients learn to use assistive devices like oxygen tanks, monitor patient progress with spirometry and electrocardiogram technology, and prescribe exercises to improve circulation, endurance, and breathing.

2. Clinical Electrophysiology

This specialty requires expertise in using electrical currents to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions.

You will perform diagnostic tests and design treatment plans that include modalities like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), and iontophoresis.

3. Geriatrics

As a geriatric physical therapist, you will work with older adults to improve their balance, mobility, and overall strength. This will involve recommending exercises, assistive devices, manual therapy, or lifestyle changes to help improve conditions that typically affect this population, such as arthritis and osteoporosis.

4. Neurology

Physical therapists who specialize in neurology treat patients with nervous system injuries or diseases like multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease.

In this role, you will help patients improve their balance, coordination, and movement as you seek to restore brain-body connections. This may involve balance, gait, and resistance exercise training, functional muscle lengthening, help with speech and swallowing, or prescribing orthotics.

5. Oncology

In the oncology specialty, physical therapists work with patients who have cancer or are undergoing treatment. In addition to helping these patients improve their mobility, strength, and endurance, you might also provide techniques for managing pain and swelling associated with their condition or treatments.

6. Orthopaedics

If you are interested in treating conditions related to the muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue, an orthopedic specialty might be for you.

As an orthopedic physical therapist, you will use techniques such as electrical stimulation, soft tissue manipulation, myofascial release, joint mobilization, and traction to help patients manage pain and restore movement after an injury, surgery, or conditions like arthritis.

7. Pediatrics

Pediatric physical therapists work with children who have developmental, neuromuscular, or physical challenges, such as cerebral palsy.

You may work with patients from infancy through adolescence in various settings, including schools, rehab facilities, and homes. Your role involves helping children manage their conditions, enhance their motor skills, achieve milestones, and gain functional independence.

8. Sports

As a physical therapist specializing in sports medicine, you can help athletes prevent and recover from injuries. This may involve recommending exercises, electrical stimulation, kinesio taping, massage, or hydrotherapy. You might also prescribe other treatments to improve mobility and range of motion and strengthen injured areas.

9. Women's Health

If you are passionate about supporting women’s health, specializing in this area of physical therapy enables you to treat conditions unique to women at different stages of life.

You might design treatment plans for conditions such as pelvic pain, pregnancy-related changes, osteoporosis, and menopause, using exercise and rehabilitation techniques to manage pain and restore function.

10. Wound Management

The wound management specialty allows physical therapists to gain the necessary knowledge to evaluate wounds and help restore function and mobility to wounded areas. Your care plans might include circulation and sensation testing, exercises to build range of motion and strength, and training with casts, orthotics, or prosthetics.

Benefits of Pursuing a Physical Therapy Specialization

Pursuing a physical therapy specialization allows you to develop advanced expertise in a specific area, enhancing your skills while keeping you at the forefront of research and advancements in the field.

Additionally, specializing can open up more job opportunities by increasing your market value through advanced expertise. It can also establish you as a recognized expert, especially if you engage in research and leadership roles.

How to Become a Board-Certified Specialist

If you wish to pursue board certification for a specialty within the realm of physical therapy, you will need to take the following steps:

• Become a licensed physical therapist in your state
• Gain 2,000 hours of direct patient care in your preferred specialty area
• Complete and submit your specialist certification application through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) by September 30
• Prepare for, take, and pass the clinical specialist exam in your area

Keep in mind that you may need to review and meet additional requirements for your particular specialty area. For example, cardiology and pulmonary physical therapists must submit a data analysis project or case report with their initial application.

Considerations When Choosing a Specialization

As you contemplate a specialization, make sure to take stock of your interests and passions within the physical therapy space.

If you enjoy working with women, children, or older adults, for instance, choose a focus that will allow you to learn more about and help that specific population. Knowing how you want to make an impact in the field can also help you align your specialty choice with your long-term career goals.

Additionally, consider the demand for specialists in various areas. Choosing an in-demand specialty will ensure access to more job opportunities and possibly help you secure a higher salary. In-demand specialties may also have more mentors and resources available to help you expand your knowledge.

Advancing Your Career With GHR Healthcare

For decades, GHR Healthcare has supported physical therapists in advancing their specialized careers. Our team is dedicated to connecting therapists with opportunities that match their expertise, passions, and long-term goals.

We offer comprehensive guidance throughout the application, interview, and job placement process, helping you secure roles that align with your career goals, whether in travel assignments or staff positions. 

Connect with our team today to explore current specialized physical therapy opportunities and find a role that suits you.