Physical Therapist Jobs and What You Need to Get One

Their job is to help alleviate pain and improve mobility of their patients. Physical therapists do this by exercise, massage, and hot and cold compresses. They also help teach their patients how to use wheelchairs, crutches, and prosthetic limbs if needed.

Becoming a physical therapist requires a degree and a physical therapy license. A master’s degree from an accredited physical therapy education program is accepted, but a doctoral degree can be acquired. As of 2007, there were 209 accredited physical therapy education programs available, so there are plenty to choose from. These programs focus on classes such as neuroanatomy, human growth and development, and therapeutic procedures. Laboratory and clinical experience is also a part of this program. After you receive a degree you will need to get a physical therapy license before you can start practicing as a physical therapist. The score for passing the licensing exams vary from state-to-state.

Physical therapists do many different jobs from day-to-day. They typically have to check their patient’s medical history before they can proceed with treatment. Then they check their patient’s basic skills, such as balance, coordination, strength, and motor function. They do this to determine what level their patient is at and where they should begin in treatment. Physical therapists usually map out a treatment plan after these tests. After all of that, they begin treatment. Treatment usually includes exercises to improve mobility, strength, and flexibility. They also use massage, electrical stimulation, and hot and cold compresses in their treatments.

Physical therapy has many different specialty areas. Neurological physical therapy deals with patients with a neurological disorder that affects them physically, like cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. Orthopedic physical therapy deals with patients with musculoskeletal disorders like arthritis, back and neck, and sports injuries. Pediatric physical therapy is for infants, children, and young adults. Integumentary physical therapy is for patients with skin disorders, like burns and wounds that cause physical impairment. Cardiopulmonary physical therapy has to do with disorders that cystic fibrosis, pulmonary disease, and heart attacks. Geriatric physical therapy deals with problems resulting from aging like arthritis, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Physical therapy is not a limited career, there are plenty of opportunities.

The annual salary for a physical therapist ranges from ,000-,000. Their salary varies depending on what environment they work in (hospital, nursing home, home health) and what field of physical therapy they are in. Physical therapists that own their own clinic typically earn more than those who don’t.

Physical therapist jobs are both rewarding and challenging. It is a physically demanding job, but you get to improve the lives of people every day. Physical therapy is a great career choice if you enjoy working with and helping people and learning new things.

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