Career as a Physical Therapist

A YOUNG MOTHER STRUGGLES WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS. A teenager sustains a concussion playing football. A soldier loses a leg. A child is born with cerebral palsy. An elderly man suffers a stroke. Thanks to the efforts of physical therapists, the young mother can now hold her child without fear of falling. The teenager is no longer experiencing dizziness and headaches. The soldier learns to walk normally with a prosthesis. The child takes her first step. The elderly man regains function and resumes daily activities. Physical therapists, sometimes called PTs, play a major role in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of people with all kinds of injuries, illnesses, and chronic conditions. The most common goal is to help people improve their movement and manage their pain. Treatment plans may include a combination of exercise, traction, mobilization, muscle manipulation, ultrasound, electrotherapy, vestibular training, motor development, and patient education. Assistive and adaptive devices may be used, such as crutches, wheelchairs, orthotics, and prosthetics. An important component of physical therapy is teaching an individual how to move or perform particular tasks in ways that will speed recovery and prevent further injury. Physical therapy, which has been evolving for more than 200 years, can treat a wider range of problems with greater success than ever before. Today, there are many different kinds of physical therapy. Which kind is needed depends on the type of health problem. For example, a patient recovering from a heart attack needs different care than an athlete with a sports injury. Physical therapists are trained to be able to treat all kinds of patients. Because there are so many different kinds, many PTs specialize in one particular area, such as orthopedics or pediatrics. A physical therapist can become board certified in any of nine areas, but there are many more specialties that can be practiced without certification. Physical therapists must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and become licensed to practice in their state. In total, it takes seven years of intense schooling after high school graduation to get to that point. Is it worth the time and hard work? Absolutely, say those in the field. In fact, physical therapy has been consistently ranked among the best careers to pursue. At a glance, the over 35 percent job growth over the next 10 years is exceptional. PTs are needed everywhere and the demand is far outpacing supply. Salaries are also good, generally ranging from $85,000 to $100,000 a year. The single reason most PTs are happy in their careers is the enormous satisfaction they get from helping people return to normal, fulfilling lives. Are you looking for a career that offers great job security and the opportunity to earn a comfortable living? If you are compassionate, patient, and physically fit, read on. Physical therapy may be what you are looking for.