Physical Therapist Jobs
Those working in physical therapist jobs examine patients’ medical histories and then test and measure the patients’ strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function. They also determine patients’ ability to be independent and reintegrate into the workplace after injury or illness. Once history is assessed, physical therapists develop plans describing a treatment strategy, its purpose, and the anticipated outcome.
Physical therapists work with athletes as well as anyone that has a serious injury requiring significant attention. This can range from torn muscles to sprained ankles to whiplash or tendonitis. To pursue a Physical therapy career you’ll need more schooling that is required for most other health and fitness positions. One can’t practice as a PT unless he or she has at the very least a master’s degree and often a PHd. It should be noted, however, that those interested in this field can work as a PT-Aid with only an undergraduate degree in a health-related field.
In 2014, there were 208 accredited physical therapy programs in the U.S. with 95 offering masters degrees and 113 offering doctoral degrees.
Compensation:
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, the median income for PT’s is $60,180. A more specific breakdown of salaries includes:
Consultation and Business – $64,650
Food and Nutrition Management – $61,720
Education and Research – $61,270
Clinical Nutrition/Ambulatory Care – $60,350
Clinical Nutrition/Long-Term Care – $60,130
Note that salaries vary dependent upon years of practice, education level, geographic region and the size of the community.
More Physical Therapist Salary Information:
Resources:
The American Physical Therapy Association – https://www.apta.org/
The Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association