Physical Therapist Lauren Sisco
What is a Physical Therapist? A physical therapist (PT) is a professional who examines an injured or ill patient and develops a care plan that encourages movement, reduces pain, restores function, and prevents disability. They help people recover from a disease or injury of a bone, joint, nerve, or muscle.
Tasks on the Job During a day's work, physical therapists examine, diagnose and create a care plan that is beneficial to the patient. A plan of care may include short and long-term goals, exercise, traction, ultrasound and electrotherapy, mobilization, manual therapy, and vestibular training. You will demonstrate how to do certain procedures and stretches to prevent injury. PTs file progress reports and do insurance claims throughout most of the day. They can prescribe intervention devices such as crutches, wheelchairs, orthotics, and prosthetics.
Examples of Common Treatable Injuries Rotator cuff tear Back pain Tennis elbow Muscular dystrophy Cystic fibrosis Trigger finger Spinal cord injury Carpal tunnel Sprains and fractures Wounds and burns Stroke and head injuries
Work Environment and Conditions There is a wide variety of work settings for a physical therapist. They can work in hospitals, clinics, private offices, or they can travel to hospitals, homes, and schools. There is also a large variety of clients to work with. PTs can work with children, adults, the elderly, or athletes.
Personality and Physical Requirements Being a physical therapist is a highly demanding job. You will need to be physically fit and healthy. This job requires problem solving skills and communication skills. People who typically go into this field of study are usually patient and love helping people.
Salary and Wages As of 2015 the median salary for a PT is $84,020 a year; however, this may very depending on your location, years of experience, and degree of education. The top 10 highest paid PTs made $119,790 a year and the 10 lowest paid PTs made $57,060 a year.
Education and Licensing High school courses that will help you get ready for this career are biology, chemistry, and physics classes. To become a physical therapist, you need at least three years of education with a four year undergraduate degree and it is mandatory that you pass the National Physical Therapy Examination. A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curriculum may include biology,anatomy, biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, sociology, clinical reasoning, musculoskeletal, etc. You will be responsible for renewing your license every few years.
Job Outlook The job outlook of physical therapists is expected to increase by 34% between 2014 and 2024. This growth rate is greater than most occupations. There are are low unemployment rates in this career. Physical therapists were ranked #6 overall and #5 in health care jobs as of 2015.
Advantages Job security Get to choose location Excellent job opportunities Excellent salaries Wide variety of clients and work settings
Disadvantages Education is costly Must enter a doctoral program Physically demanding Must renew license every few years Emotionally stressful