98 2026 | Tennessee Career Guide Physical therapy and exercise science are dynamic health care professions focused on optimizing human movement, function and quality of life. Physical therapists are licensed health care professionals who examine, diagnose and treat individuals with injuries, disabilities or health conditions that limit movement and daily activities. Exercise science professionals promote health, fitness and human performance through scientific principles of movement and physiology. These careers span clinical rehabilitation, sports medicine, fitness and wellness, research and preventive health care — all focused on improving human movement and physical well-being. What is a Typical Day Like? A physical therapist's day begins with reviewing patient charts and treatment plans, followed by individual patient sessions including hands-on manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, movement analysis and patient education. You'll conduct initial evaluations for new patients, assessing movement patterns, strength and functional capabilities to develop treatment plans. Exercise scientists in clinical settings conduct fitness assessments, design exercise programs for cardiac rehabilitation patients or lead group exercise classes. Those in research analyze movement data, conduct laboratory experiments or write grants. Sports medicine professionals work with athletes on performance testing and injury prevention. Corporate wellness specialists design workplace fitness programs and conduct health screenings. Photography by Shutterstock® Restoring Movement, Enhancing Lives Physical Therapy & Excercise Science Profession Overview Work Sector: Health Care n Physical Therapist Median Pay: $99,710/yr (2025) n Top 10% of Physical Therapists: $130,870/yr+ n Employment Growth (2023-2033): 14% (Above average) n New job openings per year: Approximately13,000 n Exercise Physiologist Salary Range: $60,000- $80,000/year n Required Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree n Exercise Science Education: Bachelor's degree minimum n Work Type: Full-time, some evenings/weekends n Physical Therapist Jobs (2023): 259,200 n Growth Rate vs. US Economy: Nearly 3x higher than average Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, American Physical Therapy Association Information On This Career Provided By: Belmont University 1900 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212 www.belmont.edu [email protected] 615-460-6785 or 800-56ENROLL
