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PHYSICAL THERAPIST

CAREER INFORMATION

Meet Jesse!

I grew up on Maui surrounded by people whose lives depended on movement, from family members who worked in the sugar cane fields to performers and dancers in the community. Seeing how injuries affected the people around me inspired me to pursue physical therapy so I could help them get back to living their normal lives. After exploring different areas of rehabilitation and earning my Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Loma Linda University, I discovered my passion for orthopedic and outpatient care.

Today, I’m grateful to serve the Maui community as a Physical Therapist at Kaiser Permanente. What I enjoy most is helping patients regain confidence through movement and supporting them through recovery, whether they’re coming back from surgery, injury, or other physical challenges. Being able to give back to the community that raised me is the most rewarding part of my work.

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RESPONSIBILITIES
What do they do?

  • Help patients restore movement, improve mobility, and reduce pain after injury, illness, or surgery.

  • Develop personalized treatment plans to improve strength, coordination, and flexibility.

  • Work with patients recovering from:

    • Sports injuries

    • Strokes and neurological conditions

    • Orthopedic surgeries (hip/knee replacements, fractures, etc.)

    • Chronic pain conditions (arthritis, back pain, etc.)

  • Use manual therapy, exercise programs, electrical stimulation, and education to promote healing.

  • Teach patients how to prevent further injury and maintain physical health.

  • Collaborate with physicians, orthopedic surgeons, and other healthcare professionals.

  • Extensive Knowledge in: 

    • Human anatomy and physiology

    • Kinesiology and biomechanics

    • Neurology and orthopedics

    • Pain management and rehabilitation science

    • Exercise prescription and patient education

    • Gait analysis and prosthetic training

What equipment do they use?

  • Resistance Bands

  • Dumbbells

  • Exercise Balls

  • Treadmill

  • Goniometers

  • Dynamometers

  • Treatment Tables

  • Hot Packs

  • Cold Packs

  • TENS Unit

  • Therapeutic Ultrasound Machine

  • Gait Belt

EDUCATION
Education Guide

To become a physical therapist, complete a bachelor’s degree, complete physical therapy school, and earn licensing and certification.

STEP 3

Gain Licensing

Licensing

  • Must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)

  • Obtain a Hawaii State License through the Hawaii Board of Physical Therapy

  • Some therapists pursue board certification in specialties such as:

    • Orthopedics (OCS)

    • Sports (SCS)

    • Neurology (NCS)

    • Pediatrics (PCS)

What opportunities are in Hawaiʻi?

University of Hawaii Programs

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University of Hawaii at Mānoa – Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

  • 3-year hybrid DPT program in partnership with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)

  • Combines online coursework with in-person labs and clinical experiences throughout Hawaii.

  • Focuses on rural and island healthcare needs

Admissions Process:

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  • Apply via the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS)

  • Submit official transcripts, GRE scores (if required), and letters of recommendation

  • Must complete all prerequisite courses

  • Participate in interviews and submit a personal statement

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For more info: UH Mānoa DPT Program

General Courses

  • Biology

  • Chemistry

  • Physics

  • Anatomy & Physiology

  • Kinesiology

  • Exercise Physiology

  • Neuroscience

  • Psychology

  • Biostatistics

  • Medical Ethics

STEP 1

Complete a bachelor's degree. 

Bachelor's Degree

  • 4 years at a university (any major, but typically in health sciences, biology, or kinesiology)

  • Prerequisites required for PT school usually include:

    • Biology

    • Anatomy and Physiology

    • Chemistry

    • Physics

    • Psychology

    • Statistics

  • Maintain a high GPA and gain volunteer or work experience in clinical settings

STEP 2

Earn Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

  • 3-year graduate program from an accredited physical therapy school

  • Combines classroom instruction with clinical rotations in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient clinics

  • Coursework includes:

    • Neuroscience

    • Musculoskeletal Evaluation

    • Therapeutic Exercise

    • Clinical Reasoning

    • Evidence-Based Practice

STEP 4

Continuing Education

Continuing Education

  • Required to maintain licensure and stay updated on best practices.

  • PTs must renew their license every two years in Hawaii and complete continuing competence units

CAREERS

Work Environments

  • Hospitals and acute care centers

  • Outpatient clinics and rehabilitation centers

  • Sports medicine and orthopedic facilities

  • Schools and pediatric clinics

  • Home health care

  • Skilled nursing facilities

Work Schedule

  • Typically 40 hours per week, but can include weekends or evenings

  • May work longer hours for inpatient or home care roles

  • Flexible schedules common in private or outpatient practic

Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Salary.com (as of May 2023):

  • Median Annual Salary (U.S.): $99,710

  • Average Salary in Hawaii: ~$98,000–$105,000

  • Salaries may vary depending on experience, location, and specialty area

*Average pay as of 2025*

SOURCE: Hawaii Career Explorer

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CAREERS
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