What Is a Physical Therapist?
Physical therapists diagnose and treat people who have limited physical abilities due to injuries, illnesses, diseases, or other medical conditions. They evaluate a patient’s condition through physical examinations in order to determine movement dysfunction and limitations.
Taking this information they then create a rehabilitation plan that will improve the patient’s ability to move and function, reduce their pain, and prevent further disability. Plans can include treatments such as therapeutic exercise, functional training, manipulative therapies, adaptive equipment, and electrotherapeutics. To make sure patients are receiving the best treatment, these types of therapists often collaborate with other professionals like doctors, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, educators, audiologists, and speech-language pathologist.
Physical therapists work in specially equipped healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, and private offices, where they spend most of their time visiting patients and administering therapies. Most therapists work during regular business hours, although it is not uncommon for them to work evenings and weekends in order to accommodate patients’ schedules.
How to Become a Physical Therapist
Those interested in becoming physical therapists must earn a post-baccalaureate degree from a physical therapy program. Acceptance into physical therapy programs typically requires one to have a bachelor’s degree in within an area related to health or science as well as experience working within a physical therapy department.
In these types of programs, students learn about the science behind physical therapy and how to apply it in a clinical environment. Common courses include anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, diagnostic process, pathology, exercise physiology, medical screening, therapeutic interventions, cellular histology, neuroscience, and clinical reasoning.
After graduating from a program, they then must pass a national licensing examination as well as meet any State requirements before entering the field professionally. Many of these types of therapists start out in entry-level positions within physical therapy departments before advancing to independent practice or clinical specialties.
Physical Therapist Career Outlook & Salary
When unexpected injuries and illnesses occur, people need physical therapists to help them get their lives back on track. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of physical therapists is projected to increase by 30% within the next decade. This is due to more insurance companies covering physical therapy services, a growing elderly population, and an increase in medical and technological developments.
Job growth is especially expected within acute hospital, skilled nursing, and orthopedic environments, and there will continue to be a demand for physical therapists in schools and rural areas. Even with plenty of job opportunities within the field of physical therapy, competition for jobs is still expected. Licensed physical therapists with relevant educational backgrounds and solid work experience are expected to have the best job prospects.
The Bureau reported that the median annual wages of physical therapists was $72,790 in May 2008, with those working in home health care services and nursing facilities earning the highest amounts.
