Physical Therapist
Why Is Physical Therapy a Job of Tomorrow?
The healthcare industry will always be recession proof. No matter what state the economy is in, or what trends come and go, there will always be a need for healthcare professionals. Inevitable illnesses and other health-related conditions keep physicians, nurses, and other medical staff in constant demand. As the world population increases, this demand will only heighten, making healthcare one of the fastest growing industries today. Physical therapists provide a valuable service in rehabilitating those who are injured or otherwise impaired, and as the population ages, physical therapy for the elderly will become more commonly sought. Employment positions for physical therapists expect to see a 27 percent growth in opportunities by 2016, a much faster growth than the average rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average annual salary for physical therapists is $66,200.
What Does a Physical Therapist Do?
Physical therapists work with patients who are enduring difficulties in mobility or pain management for any variety of reasons, including normal aging pains, injuries, or illnesses. Therapists aim to alleviate or at least lessen pain, restore movement and function to injured areas of the body, improve mobility, and promote overall wellness in patients. Patients who have suffered from an injury, as well as those with debilitating conditions, such as arthritis or chronic back pain, often need the aid of a physical therapist to help condition their muscles to perform basic everyday activities, such as walking. After examining a patient, a physical therapist creates a treatment plan to increase the patient’s endurance, strength, and balance to promote the patient’s independence. Physical therapists are also responsible for monitoring the progress of the patient. If a new issue arises, therapists must tailor the plan to work with the new complication. There are varying specializations of physical therapy, including cardiopulmonary, geriatric, neurological, orthopedic, pediatric, and integumentary therapies.
What Kind of Training Do I Need to Become a Physical Therapist?
Physical therapists typically have a master’s or doctoral degree in healthcare from an accredited program of study. Physical therapy programs are only accredited at these degree levels, according to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The master’s degree program typically lasts two years, and the doctoral program typically lasts three years. In all, prospective physical therapists should expect to spend at least six years in schooling before becoming certified to practice professionally. The requirements for licensure vary between states, so those looking to earn an education in one location and begin practicing in another should be aware of the differing criteria for physical therapists. However, all states generally require that the applicant have a master’s or doctoral degree, professional work experience, and evidence that he or she completed and passed the certification exam.
