Physical Therapy Careers Information
With an overall increase in health promotion and awareness, physical therapy is a rapidly growing field. Physical therapists help individuals with physical disabilities or injuries and aim to improve mobility, restore function, alleviate pain, and prevent permanent damage. They examine patients’ conditions and devise a course of treatment based on their medical history, current medical condition, and physical limits (i.e. strength, coordination, range of motion, etc.).
Physical Therapy Careers & Degrees
- South University: Montgomery
Illinois School of Health Careers: O'Hare (Cumberland) Branch
Concorde Career College: Aurora
As patients advance through their treatment, therapists monitor their progress and modify the treatment as necessary. Therapy services most commonly include exercise but can also include deep tissue massage, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and hot packs/cold compresses.
Patient education is also a large and important aspect of physical therapy. Patients often include individuals suffering from arthritis, heart disease, fractures, cerebral palsy, or accident victims. Therapists can work in a variety of settings like hospitals, private clinics, or schools.
Physical Therapy Careers Path
A bachelor’s degree, as well as a master’s degree, from an accredited physical therapy program is required. Therapists must also pass a state licensing exam.
Physical Therapy Careers Compatible Personality Traits
Strong desire to help others, compassionate, empathetic, patient, observant, detail oriented, exceptional problem solver, excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Physical Therapist Interview
Read More from a Physical Therapist…
Physical Therapy Careers Salary Expectations
The median annual salary is approximately $72,790, with the middle 50% of therapists earning between $60,300 and $85,540.
Physical Therapy Careers Job Outlook
Job opportunities are expected to increase 30% through 2018. The growing elderly population will play a large role in stimulating the need for therapeutic services. Advancements in medical technology will also drive the demand for physical therapy services as courses of treatment will become available for conditions that were once untreatable.
Physical Therapy Associations and Resources
American Physical Therapy Association
Slightly off the Footpath
Occupational Therapist
Recreational Therapist
Chiropractor
Rehabilitation Counselor
Registered Nurse
Fitness Trainer
Athletic Trainer
DietitianSource: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Psychologists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos080.htm (visited November 1, 2011).
