Physical therapist jobs are growing in popularity in the medical field, as the demand for physical therapy services continues to rise. As more and more people seek to manage their physical health and well-being, physical therapists are in high demand.

If you're considering a career as a physical therapist, you may have a few questions. What do physical therapists do? What kind of salary can they expect? What educational requirements must they meet? Read on to learn more about physical therapist jobs.

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

Physical therapists (PTs) are healthcare professionals who help people improve their physical health and movement. They work with patients to diagnose and treat physical conditions and injuries, as well as provide guidance on how to prevent further injury or health problems.

The job duties of a physical therapist may include examining a patient's medical history, performing diagnostic tests, developing treatment plans, providing physical therapy treatments, and advising patients on preventive care. PTs may also conduct research, teach courses in physical therapy, and serve as consultants to other healthcare professionals.

Education Requirements for Physical Therapist Jobs

In order to become a physical therapist, you must have at least a master's degree in physical therapy from an accredited school. Most states also require physical therapists to be licensed or certified.

Physical therapists must also have an understanding of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. In addition, they must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.

Physical Therapist Salaries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for physical therapists was $87,930 in 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned an average of $65,720, while the highest 10 percent earned an average of $123,350.

The salary for physical therapist jobs may depend on the type of employer, geographic location, and years of experience.

Career Paths for Physical Therapists

Physical therapists may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, physician's offices, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and private practices. Some physical therapists also specialize in a particular field, such as sports medicine or geriatrics.

Physical therapists may also choose to pursue a career in academia, teaching physical therapy courses at universities or other institutions. They may also conduct research, develop new treatments and therapies, or serve as consultants to other healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

Physical therapist jobs are growing in popularity in the medical field, as the demand for physical therapy services continues to rise. Physical therapists help people improve their physical health and movement, and they may work in a variety of settings. To become a physical therapist, you must have at least a master's degree in physical therapy from an accredited school, and most states require physical therapists to be licensed or certified. Physical therapists may earn a median annual salary of $87,930, and they may choose to specialize in a particular field or pursue a career in academia.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of degree do I need to become a Physical Therapist?

To become a physical therapist, you must obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. This degree typically requires at least three years of full-time study and includes clinical practice.

What is the job outlook for Physical Therapists?

What are some of the duties of a Physical Therapist?

What is the average salary for a Physical Therapist?