Physical Therapy Specialties: 11 Types to Consider

someone performing physical therapy

As a physical therapist (PT), you may choose one or more physical therapy specialties throughout your professional career. Adding a specialty certification demonstrates your expertise in your area of passion, enhances your credentials and opens doors to new job possibilities, some of which may even be virtual.

To specialize in different types of physical therapy, first become a physical therapist and practice direct patient care for at least 2,000 hours in your area of specialization or submit evidence of successful completion of an APTA-accredited post-professional clinical residency within the specialty area, completed within the last 10 years.¹ After that, you can apply for specialty certification from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in one of ten physical therapy specialties.² In some cases, you must also take classes or an exam; in others, proving your prior experience is all that is needed.

What Is a Physical Therapy Specialization?

According to the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS), choosing to pursue a specialization in physical therapy helps PTs raise their competency level, advance their career, earn professional recognition and be at the forefront of developments in research and practice.³

More than 45,000 physical therapists in the United States have certified specializations in physical therapy as of July 2026.⁴ Those who choose to specialize in physical therapy hone their skills in one area of expertise and work toward becoming mentors and leaders.

Board-Certification Eligibility Requirements

Different types of physical therapy specialties have criteria for obtaining physical therapist certification. However, the following requirements must be met by all candidates:¹

Obtain licensure to practice physical therapy in the United States.
Complete a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice in your chosen specialty area (25% of which must have occurred within the last 3 years). Alternatively, completing an APTA-accredited residency or fellowship fulfills this requirement.
Pay the application review fee of $550 for APTA members or $895 for non-APTA members prior to July 1 (or the rate increases to $650 for APTA members and $995 for non-members).⁵
Submit a separate application for each specialist certification you wish to obtain.
Pass the clinical specialty exam. Exam fees are $810 for APTA members and $1,535 for non-members.⁵

Understanding the Different Types of Physical Therapy Specialties

Different types of PT

ABPTS recognizes ten areas of physical therapy specializations.² Read on for a description of the different physical therapy specialties you can embark on in your career.

“Earning a specialty certification is more than a credential; it’s proof that you’ve invested the time and experience to master a specific area of care. Whether you are interested in orthopaedics, geriatrics, pediatrics, or another area, specializing will help you raise your clinical competency and stay on top of the latest research and techniques. You may even discover an opportunity that you hadn’t imagined, like a leadership role or a virtual position.”

—Margaret Wicinski, PT, DPT, EdD, Senior Program Director—Florida DPT Programs for the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

1. Cardiovascular & Pulmonary

Established by APTA in 1981, the cardiovascular and pulmonary specialization was the first of the different types of physical therapy specialties to be board-certified.⁶ Cardiovascular and pulmonary clinical specialists (CCS) are equipped to help patients manage heart and lung conditions. For example, they help patients recover from heart attacks or open-heart surgery and manage respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).⁷

To become a cardiovascular and pulmonary specialist, applicants must meet the following requirements:¹

Hold current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification by the American Heart Association.
Submit evidence of participation within the past 10 years in a clinical data analysis project directly related to the cardiovascular and pulmonary specialty area.
Complete a prerequisite amount of direct patient care practice in this specialty through either 2,000 working hours (25% of which must have occurred within the last three years) or an APTA-accredited post-professional clinical residency.

2. Geriatric

Due to an increasingly aging U.S. population, this is one of many PT specialties that is becoming more relevant. Physical therapists who specialize in geriatrics, Geriatric Clinical Specialists (GCS), are experts in helping patients with musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis, as well as progressive neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.⁸

To earn their specialization in geriatrics, applicants must meet the following minimum APTA requirements:¹

2,000 hours of direct patient care in geriatrics within the past 10 years (25% of which must have occurred within the last three years) or
Successful completion of an APTA-accredited geriatrics residency within the past 10 years

3. Orthopaedic

Orthopaedics has historically been considered the most popular of the different types of physical therapy, with 25,306 certified specialists in the United States as of July 2026.⁹ Orthopaedic clinical specialists (OCS) treat injuries and adverse conditions of the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints.¹⁰ They also see patients with musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis or those recovering from surgery.¹ ⁰

The requirements to become an orthopaedic specialist include:¹

2,000 hours of direct patient care in orthopaedics, or evidence of observational or mentored patient care hours under the supervision of a certified orthopaedic clinical specialist, subdivided into body region groupings, or
Successful completion of an APTA-accredited orthopaedic residency
Successful completion of the examination for either pathway

Please note these new requirements for Initial Orthopaedic Specialty Certification, effective for the 2027 Exam Administration.

4. Neurologic

PTs who pursue the in-demand neurology specialty treat patients as Neurologic Clinical Specialists (NCS) with developmental, systemic and traumatic disorders affecting the neuromuscular system.¹¹ Relative to other physical therapy specialties, as of July 2026, there are 5,768 PTs specialized in this category of practice.¹¹

Physical therapists looking to obtain a specialization in neurology must complete these patient care prerequisites:¹

2,000 hours of direct patient care in neurology within the past 10 years (25% of which must have occurred within the last three years); or
Successful completion of a post-professional APTA-accredited neurology residency within the past 10 years

5. Pediatric

Pediatric clinical specialists (PCS) treat physical conditions in young people, from infants to children.⁷ Compared to other types of physical therapy specialties, pediatric specialists commonly see young patients with conditions such as cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis and other conditions.⁷

The requirements to become a pediatric specialist include:¹

2,000 hours of direct patient care in pediatrics within the past 10 years (25% of which must have occurred within the last three years) or
Successful completion of an APTA-accredited pediatrics residency within the past 10 years

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6. Oncology

Oncology specialists (OS) study the treatment of various types of cancer and work with patients who are undergoing treatment or recovering from cancer and other chronic illnesses.¹² Relative to other PT specialties, oncology specialists help patients manage and recover from musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, integumentary, cardiovascular and pulmonary rehab needs.¹²

Oncology specialists must complete these requirements to obtain certification for cancer care:¹

2,000 hours of direct patient care in oncology within the past 10 years (25% of which must have occurred within the last three years) or
Successful completion of an APTA-accredited oncology residency within the past 10 years
One case report demonstrating specialty practice in oncologic physical therapy within the last three years

7. Women’s Health

A newer specialization in physical therapy, women’s health spans advanced knowledge in foundational science, behavioral science, clinical science, client management and practice management in conditions affecting women of all ages.¹³ Compared to other types of physical therapy specialties, pelvic and women’s health clinical specialists (PWCS) often help women experiencing pelvic region issues such as incontinence or sexual problems.⁷

Research from Sabina Khan, PhD, OTD, MS, OTR/L, USAHS assistant professor, OT programs, underscores the importance of supporting women during the postpartum period, when role transitions, psychological challenges and postpartum depression can affect well-being. Her work highlights strategies such as strengthening support networks, promoting health management and helping new mothers reengage in meaningful daily activities—areas that align with the holistic, patient-centered approach of women’s health rehabilitation.¹⁴

To become a women’s health specialist, applicants must fulfill specific requirements, including:¹

2,000 hours of direct patient care in women’s health within the past 10 years (25% of which must have occurred within the last three years) or
Successful completion of an APTA-accredited women’s health residency within the past 10 years
A case study demonstrating specialty practice in women’s health that occurred with a patient/client within the last three years

8. Clinical Electrophysiology

As one of the newest PT specialties, electrophysiologic clinical specialists (ECS) treat human dysfunctions utilizing electricity to monitor, measure or produce physiologic responses in patients and clients.¹⁵

The requirements to become an electrophysiologic clinical specialist are as follows:¹

Submit a list of at least one (but no more than three) relevant individual learning experiences completed under the guidance of a physical therapist who is board-certified in clinical electrophysiology or a physician who is board-certified in electrodiagnostic testing within the past 10 years, along with a letter from the colleague providing oversight of that experience.
Submit three patient reports completed and testing log documentation of 500 of the most recent electrodiagnostic examinations completed within the past 10 years.
2,000 hours of direct patient care in electrophysiology within the past 10 years (25% of which must have occurred within the last three years) or
Successful completion of an APTA-accredited clinical electrophysiology residency within the past 10 years

9. Sports

This might be one of the most exciting physical therapist specialties to pursue. Sports clinical specialists (SCS) treat amateur and professional athletes like Olympic athletes, with the circular marks of cupping therapy in recent years. As experts in injury management and rehabilitation, sports medicine specialists have career options, making it a great option among physical therapy specialties.

To become a sports clinical specialist, physical therapists must meet the minimum APTA requirements, which include:¹

CPR certification via the American Heart Association’s BLS Healthcare Provider Course or the American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer course
Acute Management of Injury & Illness certification or proof of completion of specialty council-approved coursework
2,000 hours of direct patient care in sports within the past 10 years (25% of which must have occurred within the last three years). Of those 2,000 hours, 100 of them must be in an athletic venue (50% of which must be performed with a contact sport like basketball or football) or
Successful completion of an APTA-accredited sports residency within the past 10 years

10. Wound Management

Of the different physical therapy specialties, wound management is the newest. The first certification examination in wound management was administered in 2022. As of July 2026, the ABPTS has certified 38 wound management clinical specialists (WMCS) in this field of physical therapy.¹⁶ A PT who specializes in this type of physical therapy ensures wounds heal (for example, after surgery) appropriately and assists in your recovery to normal movement.⁷

Compared to other physical therapist specialties, earning certification as a wound management PT requires the following:¹

2,000 hours of direct patient care in sports within the past 10 years (25% of which must have occurred within the last three years) or
Successful completion of an APTA-accredited wound management residency within the past 10 years
A case report demonstrating specialty practice in this field that’s occurred within the last three years
Certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), completed through the American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer course or the American Heart Association’s BLS Healthcare Provider course

11. Vestibular Therapy

Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized area of physical therapy that is not one of the ten APTA-recognized specialties. Board-certified neurologic physical therapists have advanced expertise in examining and treating people with neurologic dysfunction, which can include patients with vestibular disorders. Advanced credentials, such as the Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) certification, are available through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).¹¹

Vestibular physical therapists help people with dizziness, balance problems or vision issues related to vestibular disorders using exercise-based interventions to improve balance, movement and overall function.¹⁷

To become a vestibular physical therapist, you must first:

Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program
Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
Meet your state’s physical therapy licensure requirements through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and state licensing board

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many physical therapy specialties are there?

The ABPTS recognizes 10 board-certified specialty areas, including orthopaedics, sports, neurology, pediatrics, geriatrics, cardiovascular and pulmonary, oncology, women’s health, clinical electrophysiology and wound management.

What is the difference between APTA and ABPTS?

APTA is the national professional association for physical therapists. ABPTS is the APTA-governed board responsible for establishing specialty certification standards and awarding board certification to qualified physical therapists.

Do you have to specialize to become a physical therapist?

No. You can practice as a licensed physical therapist without earning board certification. However, specialization can demonstrate advanced clinical expertise, support career advancement and may create opportunities in leadership, teaching or highly specialized practice settings.

How long does it take to become board certified?

Physical therapists may pursue board certification while gaining clinical experience. Eligibility generally requires either completion of an accredited clinical residency or approximately 2,000 hours of direct patient care in the specialty area, followed by passing a specialty certification exam.

Can you earn more than one board certification?

Yes. Physical therapists may hold multiple ABPTS board certifications if they meet the eligibility requirements and pass the certification exam for each specialty.

How do I choose the right specialty?

Consider the patient populations you enjoy working with, your long-term career goals and the practice settings that interest you. Clinical rotations during your DPT program, mentorship and post-graduate residency experiences can help you determine which specialty best aligns with your interests.

Which PT specialties pay the most?

While salaries vary based on factors such as experience, location and practice setting, sports physical therapy is consistently among the highest-paying specialties, with an average annual salary of $76,388.¹⁸^,^19**^† Neurology, geriatrics, pediatrics, cardiovascular and pulmonary are also highlighted as top-paying specialties.¹⁸

Want to know more about our DPT Program?

The largest PT school in the United States,* the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) offers a hands-on Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Join a collaborative cohort of peers who learn under the mentorship of expert faculty-practitioners. Practice with mock and real patients in our state-of-the-art simulation centers and learn anatomy with our high-tech tools. Prepare for clinical practice with a wide range of patients, as well as for advanced roles in research, practice leadership and policymaking. Residential (blended didactic courses + in-person labs on weekdays), Hybrid Immersion** (online coursework with on average two immersive on-campus labs per term) and Flex (online courses + in-person labs on select weekends) formats are available.

*Based on total DPT degrees conferred during 2020-2023, as reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data is captured by IPEDS through interrelated surveys conducted annually by the Department of Education’s National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES).

Applicants interested in the Hybrid Immersion DPT format should contact an enrollment advisor using the request for information form on our site.

**The information provided on this website is based on self-reported data and is intended for general informational purposes only. Payscale is a limited data source that relies on voluntary submissions from individuals and employers. Please be aware that the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the data may vary due to its voluntary nature and limited scope. While efforts are made to maintain the data’s accuracy, we cannot guarantee its absolute correctness or currency.

†This data represents national figures, is not based on school-specific data and represents national median annual wages, not starting pay for recent grads. Conditions in your area may vary. USAHS does not guarantee salary levels.

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Sources:

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“APTA Specialization Program Fee Schedule and Deadlines,” American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), 2025, https://specialization.apta.org/become-a-specialist/fees-deadlines.
“Become a Board-Certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist,” American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), 2025, https://specialization.apta.org/become-a-specialist/cardiovascular-pulmonary.
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Yu, C., “The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Older Adults,” WebMD, April 2, 2024, https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/cm/physical-therapy-benefits-for-seniors.
“Become a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist,” American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), 2025, https://specialization.apta.org/become-a-specialist/orthopaedics.
WebMD Editorial Contributors, “What Is An Orthopedic Physical Therapist?,” WebMD, July 10, 2023, https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/what-is-an-orthopedic-physical-therapist..
“Become a Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist,” American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), 2025, https://specialization.apta.org/become-a-specialist/neurology.
“Become a Board-Certified Oncologic Clinical Specialist,” American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), 2025, https://specialization.apta.org/become-a-specialist/oncology.
“Become a Board-Certified Pelvic and Women’s Health Clinical Specialist,” American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), 2025, https://specialization.apta.org/become-a-specialist/pelvic-womens-health.
Khan, S., “Occupational Therapy Guidelines for Supporting Role Transitions and Managing Stress in Women Experiencing Postpartum Depression,” Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, March 10, 2025, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0164212X.2025.2476167.
“Become a Board-Certified Clinical Electrophysiologic Clinical Specialist,” American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), 2025, https://specialization.apta.org/become-a-specialist/clinical-electrophysiology.
“Become a Board-Certified Wound Management Clinical Specialist,” American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), 2025, https://specialization.apta.org/become-a-specialist/wound-management.
“Vestibular Rehabilitation,” Cleveland Clinic, 2026, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/rehabilitation/services/vestibular-rehabilitation.
“Top Paying Physical Therapy Specialties,” ClinicSense, May 8, 2025, https://clinicsense.com/blog/top-paying-physical-therapy-specialties.
“Average Sports Medicine Physical Therapist Salary,” Payscale, 2026, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Sports_Medicine_Physical_Therapist/Salary.