Many people who have sought medical care for an injury or debilitating illness have recovered with the help of a physical therapist. Compassionate, and highly educated and trained, these healthcare professionals are in growing demand to provide rehabilitative care for aging baby boomers and other patients.
Empathy and excellent communication skills are also vital attributes for physical therapists, who can be found working in numerous medical settings, including hospitals, rehab centers and assisted living facilities.
Physical Therapist Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities for physical therapists are expected to increase by 39% between 2010 and 2020, almost three times the average rate of growth for all occupations nationwide. Several factors will fuel the increasing need for physical therapists, including: higher levels of physical activity among older Americans; increasing incidences of diabetes and cardiovascular disease; and improved medical technology that will boost survival rates for trauma victims.
As of 2010, about two-thirds of the nation’s almost 200,000 physical therapists worked in doctors’ officers or hospitals. About 7% were self-employed, the BLS reports. In the coming years, employment prospects are projected to be especially strong in nursing and acute-care facilities.
Physical Therapist Job Duties
After scrutinizing patients’ mobility and asking questions, physical therapists establish treatment plans that incorporate exercise, stretching, massage and other types of therapy in order to stimulate recovery and ease pain.
Physical therapists generally work in conjunction with other healthcare practitioners to ensure the best possible treatment for a sick or injured patient. In addition, they educate patients and their families about the recommended course of treatment, helping patients set personal goals and establish realistic expectations. For patients in severe pain, coping techniques and positive encouragement are essential during the course of treatment; as a consequence, therapists often serve an emotional, as well as a physical, function in their patients’ lives.
Some physical therapists specialize in a particular field, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, women’s health or sports injuries.
Physical Therapist Salary Potential
The BLS reports that physical therapists nationwide earned a median annual wage of almost $80,000 as of May 2012. The top 10% earned more than $112,000. Salaries tended to be higher for physical therapists employed in home healthcare settings.
As with other career fields, salary and employment prospects for physical therapists vary from region to region. Other factors to consider include a candidate’s educational qualifications and work experience.
Physical Therapist Education and Training
Physical therapists are required to be licensed in the state in which they practice. Obtaining a license generally involves passing a state or national exam, and physical therapists may have to meet continuing education requirements in order to maintain their licensure.
A postgraduate degree is a necessity in order to practice as a physical therapist, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Master’s and doctorate degree programs typically call for students to have a bachelor’s degree, plus coursework in subjects such as chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology.
After completing their degree, including a clinical internship, physical therapists may undertake a residency program in a specialized type of care. Some physical therapists may also pursue board certification.
