Physical Therapist

Physical therapists, also referred to as PTs, are the health care professionals responsible for diagnosing patients with problems related to the mobile, functional activities that maintain daily life. This could include back and neck injuries, sprains, strains, fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and injuries related to work and sports.

The physical therapist offers treatments that promote movement, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent long-term disability. They also provide fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier, more active lives.

Physical therapists rely on graduates from physical therapy assistant programs in their practice, similar to a dentist relying on a dental assistant. There are also health care professions similar to physical therapy, such as occupational therapists and massage therapists. Physical therapists consult with health care professionals such as physicians, dentists, nurses, educators, social workers, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists.

To learn more about physical therapist education, request more information or read further.

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage of physical therapist education graduates in 2008 was approximately $73,000. The lowest earned approximately $50,000 and the highest earned over $105,000. Physical therapists in home health care services earned more than those in the offices of health practitioners.

Training and Qualifications

A graduate or doctoral degree from an accredited physical therapist education program is required to practice physical therapy in all States. In addition, the aspiring PT must receive passing scores on national and State examinations.

The American Physical Therapy Association accredits physical therapist education programs through their accreditation branch, the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). In 2009, 212 physical therapist education programs received accreditation. Of these programs, 12 awarded a master degree and 200 awarded a doctoral degree. Master degree programs are typically 2 to 2.5 years in length, while doctoral degrees take 3 years.

States regulate the licensure of physical therapy through jurisprudence exams. Physical therapists must also pass the National Physical Therapy Examination for licensure. Many States require continuing physical therapist education in order to maintain licensure.

Undergraduates interested in applying for a physical therapy program should focus on subjects like anatomy, biology, chemistry, physics, social science, mathematics, and statistics. Many programs may require previous volunteer experience (or experience from physical therapy assistant programs) in a physical therapy department, hospital, or clinic before being admitted.

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapists will receive a staggering 30 percent employment increase in the decade of 2008 to 2018, one of the largest growth rates of all jobs in the United States. This is attributed to two factors: the first, the aging population; and the second, the access of physical therapy to more of the public as insurance companies change their approach to the readiness of physical therapy reimbursement.

In addition, a federally mandated act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, ensures that all students have access to the therapeutic and rehabilitative services of physical therapists. This will spike the demand for physical therapists within the education industry.

Advancement

Physical therapists continue their advancement by participating in workshops and attending continuing education courses. Some physical therapists move on to become board certified in a clinical specialty of physical therapy. Physical therapists may also advance to research or participate in the education industry, or pursue self-employment and open their own private practice.

Many physical therapists have already experienced advancement after moving from physical therapy assistant programs to a full-fledged physical therapist education.

Learn More

To learn more about physical therapist education, fill out the form for information. Alternatively, check out physical therapy assistant programs.