Physical Therapist Career

For those people who enjoy helping others who have been injured, or are suffering from a physical disorder, a physical therapist career may be a wise choice. The ability to assist with the rehabilitation and to see that person back on the road to good health is both rewarding and satisfying.

What is a Physical Therapist?

A physical therapist is a person who has the professional capabilities to assist anyone who is suffering from a physical impairment or injury. They are involved in reestablishing function and mobility as well as providing relief from pain. People who have had accidents or have chronic pain in certain parts of their body are often referred to a physical therapist by their health care professional.

Physical Therapist Job Duties

First and foremost, a physical therapist will examine the patient after carefully studying their medical history. The exam will involve testing muscle function, mobility, coordination, and motor functions. A thorough examination will enable a plan of action to be formulated relating to the particular complaint. Certain therapies may be suggested that are aimed at improving muscle flexibility or mobility. The main goal of the physical therapist is to get the patient back to as near to normal as possible given the situation.

Physical Therapy Skills

A physical therapist must have good communication skills and be able to relate to the patient on a personal level. Genuine compassion for the injured person is a valuable asset. Patients in pain need to know that the therapist has their best interests in mind when suggesting and recommending treatment options. Physical therapy exercises are often painful, and the therapist should be sympathetic to this fact.

Physical Therapist Education

An interested candidate must first enroll in an accredited school or university that offers physical therapy courses of study. A potential student will be required to take the National Physical Therapy Exam or NPTE before gaining acceptance to the school. Four years of study is needed to attain a degree, and an additional two years is required for a master’s degree. Studies will focus on biology, chemistry and physics, along with anatomy and other pertinent subject matters to the profession. At the end of the education, the graduate will be required to pass another exam to obtain a license to practice.

Physical Therapist Salary

A physical therapist career is one of the most highly paid in the medical industry, and the salary earned will depend on experience, location, and specialty. It is not unusual for a physical therapist to earn around $72,000 annually, and this salary amount will be reflected by the number of hours worked. For a therapist who has been practicing for a number of years, this amount could easily be substantially higher.

Physical Therapist Job Outlook

Statistics show that physical therapy units are experiencing a phenomenal growth in the medical field and this growth is expected to continue to rise. A career in physical therapy is guaranteed to be stable and provide an income well above the average median for many years. The demand for licensed physical therapists will continue to grow, and this career choice is one of the few that remains at the top of the medical industry.

Once a student has met the educational requirements for becoming a licensed physical therapist, he or she will be able to choose where to work with relative ease. As people live longer, health conditions become problematic, and physical therapists will remain in demand for years to come.