 |
|
|
|
Physical therapists work closely with patients of all ages who have medical conditions, illnesses or injuries that prevent them from doing the day-to-day activities they need to do in order to function independently. They aim to help individuals by restoring function, promoting better movement, preventing disability and reducing pain. Physical therapists also teach patients and their families proper care after the physical therapy is over.
Physical Therapist Overview
For those who have been injured in an accident or disabled due to a medical event, a physical therapist can be their ticket to a better life. Physical therapy can take many forms, including functional training, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy assistance, electrotherapy options and help with assistive or adaptive devices and equipment.
Most physical therapists are employed by hospitals, rehabilitation centers or private practices. The work can often be physically demanding as physical therapists often have to stoop, kneel, lift, and stand for long periods of time. Moving heavy equipment or helping patients stand and walk can also be physically draining. Occasionally, the work can be emotionally demanding as well.
When an individual is injured or otherwise disabled, they often have a team of doctors working on their care. The physical therapist will often work closely with primary physicians, occupational therapists, nurses, educators, dentists and social workers to determine the best course of treatment for the patient.
Physical Therapist Training: Degrees and Coursework
A graduate degree is required to begin work as a physical therapist. In 2009, there were 212 physical therapy degree programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Two hundred of those programs awarded doctoral degrees, while the remaining 12 awarded master's degrees. A bachelor's degree program takes approximately four years and a master's degree usually adds two more years. A doctoral program can be expected to last three years.
Undergraduate studies should focus heavily on the following courses:
Courses one can expect during the physical therapy program include:
Clinical courses can include diagnostic process, therapeutic intervention, medical screening and practice management.
All states regulate the practice of physical therapy. Licensing requirements vary from state to state, but the most common requirements include graduation from an accredited physical therapy program, passing the National Physical Therapy Exam and fulfilling all state exams that might be required in your specific state. Many states also require continuing education to keep your license up to date.
The best physical therapists should be strong communicators who can empathize with patients and their loved ones. They should be able to explain the medical situation in easy-to-understand terms. They should also be compassionate, with a desire to help others improve their day-to-day lives.
Physical Therapist Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 60 percent of physical therapists in 2008 worked in hospitals or in the offices of other health care professionals. Many of those physical therapists worked part time and held more than one job.
Job growth is expected to reach 30 percent from 2008 to 2018, or much faster than the average for all occupations, notes the BLS. An increasing number of elderly patients and those from the "baby boom" generation will all push the demand for physical therapy services up. Job opportunities in hospitals, nursing facilities and orthopedic settings should be good.
In 2009, the BLS reported a median annual income for physical therapists of $74,480. Those at the upper end of the pay scale brought in a median salary of $105,900 per year. Those who worked in consulting services made the most, while those who worked in the home health setting made a bit less. Individual and family services, office administrative services and nursing care facilities rounded out the top five paying industries for physical therapists.
Resources for Physical Therapists
These schools offer particularly quick info upon request, and we have written detailed profiles for each (click school names to see the profiles).
Request info from multiple schools, by clicking the Get Info links.
| School | Locations | Degrees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashworth College | Online | Diploma | |
| Brown Mackie College | AZ, GA, IA, ID, IN, KS, KY, MO, NM, OH, OK, SC | Associate | |
| Carrington College | AZ | Certificate | |
| ECPI University | VA | Associate | |
| Everest College | ON | Diploma | |
| Hesser College | NH | Associate | |
| Kaplan Career Institute | PA | Associate | |
| Kaplan College KHE | CA | Diploma | |
| Keiser University Campus | FL | Associate | |
| Medical Careers Institute | VA | Associate | |
| New England Institute of Technology | RI | Associate | |
| Sanford Brown College | MO | Associate | |
| South University Campus | AL, FL, GA | Associate | |
| Stratford Career Institute | Online | Diploma |
Copyright © QuinStreet, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
