Physical Therapy Careers

Physical Therapy Careers
Maybe you’ve had a good experience with a physical therapist in the past, or you’re looking for a hands-on health care field with a great future. The role of physical therapy is expanding within our health care system as a means of promoting health, preventing disease, improving function, easing pain and limiting disabilities from injury or disease. Demand is also expected to grow with the increasing elderly population.

What do Physical Therapists do?
Administering physical therapy is only part of the job. A physical therapist must also be skilled in examining, evaluating and planning courses of treatment. Many supervise other health care workers. Some treat a wide range of ailments, while others specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine, neurology and cardiopulmonary physical therapy. PT’s may also teach, provide consultation or perform clinical research.

Where do Physical Therapists work?
Hospitals
Rehabilitation centers and institutions
Private practice
Sports medicine centers
Schools and colleges
Nursing homes
Patients’ homes

What will I like (or dislike) about this work?
Satisfaction from helping others
Opportunity for problem-solving
Working with other professionals

How is the job outlook?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (2010-2011): “Employment of physical therapists is expected to increase 27 percent between 2006 and 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. Job opportunities will be good, especially in acute hospital, rehabilitation and orthopedic settings.”

What are the Educational Requirements?
Master’s degree
Doctoral degree (DPT) from an accredited program (The American Physical Therapy Association’s Vision 2020 states that by 2020, all physical therapists should be trained at the DPT level.)
Licensing through national exam