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PHYSICAL THERAPIST

CAREER INFORMATION

Meet Dorien!

I was born and raised on Maui and attended Seabury Hall High School. I did my undergraduate degree at Boston College. I then attended MCP Hahnemann University in Philadelphia for physician assistant school. I always wanted to return to the islands and serve the community and I feel grateful to be home.

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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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