Physical therapy is a dynamic healthcare profession that helps people of all ages improve their movement, physical abilities, strength, and quality of life. This is accomplished through education, exercise, and hands on treatment. Most important, PT maximizes recovery from injury, illness, or disease, so people enjoy life to the fullest.
How do I become a physical therapist?
You become a physical therapist by earning a doctorate degree in PT from an accredited university. Typically a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) takes 3 years to complete. Some PT programs offer a 3+3 curriculum in which a student finishes 3 years of prerequisite course work and then begins their PT school. Prerequisite courses typically include medical terminology, anatomy, physics, chemistry, biology, psychology, and English.
Once you are accepted into a PT program you take courses related to pharmacology, biomechanics, neuroanatomy, and physiology. Next you take advanced PT-specific classes related to theory, evaluation, and treatment. In addition, you do several internships working under the supervision of a PT. Often internships occur in a variety of settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient clinics.
After graduation you take the National Physical Therapy Exam, which is offered 4 times a year typically in January, April, July and October. By passing this exam, you can become licensed in your state.
What does a physical therapist do?
Physical therapists evaluate patients with physical injuries that occur from trauma, illness, or disease. They create treatment plans designed to restore and improve function and movement. For example, PT’s work with athletes who have sports-related injuries such as a gymnast recovering from an ACL surgery or a baseball pitcher with an overuse shoulder injury.
A PT treats patients who’ve had a neurological problems, such as helping a person learn to walk again after having a stroke, or teaching a child with cerebral palsy how to ride a bike. They work with people who injure their bones, joints, or muscles. For example, they can address back and neck pain after a car accident or treat problems caused by sprains or fractures.
PT’s work in a wide variety of settings. Many PT’s work in hospitals, rehab centers, nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. Some PT’s treat children or older adults in their homes.
PT’s develop customized plans to reduce pain, restore function, and improve movement for each patient. These plans often include using heat/cold packs, ultrasound, E-stim, stretching, strengthening exercises, massage, mobilizations, and education.
Physical therapists work with a host of other healthcare providers. Often the work they do is in collaboration with physical therapy assistants, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and athletic trainers. As part of the rehab team, PT’s play a valuable role in achieve the best outcomes for their patients.
In conclusion, becoming a PT is an excellent career choice for people who like being active both physically and mentally while at work. It is ideal for those who enjoy interacting with others because you are with patients most of the day. People who tend to do best as PT’s motivate others, problem-solve, and pay attention to details.
How much does a physical therapist make?
Salaries for PT’s are on the rise and will continue to increase in the next 10 years. The annual wage for a PT in the United States is $89,440. However, the amount of money a PT makes varies based on the setting, where you live, and your specialty. For example, nursing facility PT’s get an annual wage of $95,540 compared to an average wage of $85,130 for outpatient clinic PT’s. Hospital-based PT’s earn on average $91,260 a year while home health PT’s make about $94,080 a year. Specialty certifications such as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), Clinical Specialist in orthopedics, sports, geriatrics, or Lymphedema Specialist often get a higher salary. In fact, the upper 10% of PT’s earn $124,740 annually.
The location where you work also impacts your salary. Physical therapists in states like Nevada, Alaska, California, New Jersey, and Connecticut have annual salaries between $98,000-109,000. Other states where PT’s make over $91,000 a year include Virginia, Illinois, Alabama, Hawaii, Oklahoma, West Virginia, New Mexico, and Delaware. As you can see, PT’s throughout the United States are well compensated.
What is the job outlook for physical therapists?
The job outlook for PT is bright! The projected growth over the next 10 years is expected to be 18%. This is double the growth expected in other healthcare professions. Job growth is fueled by a number of factors including: the baby boomer generation aging, and a higher survival rate among newborns and those affected by traumatic injuries, advancement in surgical techniques. Additionally, the emergence of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and obesity that impact function and wellness. The projected number of PT job openings is expected to be more than 47,000 over the next 10 years.