Become A Physical Therapist

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Working As A Physical Therapist

Assisting and Caring for Others
Documenting/Recording Information
Performing General Physical Activities
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

Deal with People
Make Decisions
Stressful
$67,870
Average Salary

What Does A Physical Therapist Do

Physical therapists, sometimes called PTs, help injured or ill people improve their movement and manage their pain. These therapists are often an important part of rehabilitation, treatment, and prevention of patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.

Duties

Physical therapists typically do the following:

Review patients’ medical history and any referrals or notes from doctors, surgeons, or other healthcare workers
Diagnose patients’ functions and movements by observing them stand or walk and by listening to their concerns, among other methods
Develop individualized plans of care for patients, outlining the patients’ goals and the expected outcomes of the plans
Use exercises, stretching maneuvers, hands-on therapy, and equipment to ease patients’ pain, help them increase their mobility, prevent further pain or injury, and facilitate health and wellness
Evaluate and record a patient’s progress, modifying a plan of care and trying new treatments as needed
Educate patients and their families about what to expect from the recovery process and how best to cope with challenges throughout the process

Physical therapists provide care to people of all ages who have functional problems resulting from back and neck injuries; sprains, strains, and fractures; arthritis; amputations; neurological disorders, such as stroke or cerebral palsy; injuries related to work and sports; and other conditions.

Physical therapists are educated to use a variety of different techniques to care for their patients. These techniques include exercises; training in functional movement, which includes the use of equipment such as canes, crutches, wheelchairs, and walkers; and special movements of joints, muscles, and other soft tissue to improve movement and decrease pain.

The work of physical therapists varies by type of patient. For example, a patient working to recover mobility lost after a stroke needs different care from a patient who is recovering from a sports injury. Some physical therapists specialize in one type of care, such as orthopedics or geriatrics. Many physical therapists also help patients to maintain or improve mobility by developing fitness and wellness programs to encourage healthier and more active lifestyles.

Physical therapists work as part of a healthcare team, overseeing the work of physical therapist assistants and aides and consulting with physicians and surgeons and other specialists.

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How To Become A Physical Therapist

Physical therapists need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. All states require physical therapists to be licensed.

Education

In 2015, there were more than 200 programs for physical therapists accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). All programs offer a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.

DPT programs typically last 3 years. Most programs require a bachelor’s degree for admission as well as specific educational prerequisites, such as classes in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and physics. Some programs admit college freshmen into 6- or 7-year programs that allow students to graduate with both a bachelor’s degree and a DPT. Most DPT programs require applicants to apply through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).

Physical therapist programs often include courses in biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, and pharmacology. Physical therapist students also complete at least 30 weeks of clinical work, during which they gain supervised experience in areas such as acute care and orthopedic care.

Physical therapists may apply to and complete a clinical residency program after graduation. Residencies typically last about 1 year and provide additional training and experience in specialty areas of care. Therapists who have completed a residency program may choose to specialize further by completing a fellowship in an advanced clinical area.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

All states require physical therapists to be licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state but all include passing the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Several states also require a law exam and a criminal background check. Continuing education is typically required for physical therapists to keep their license. Check with state boards for specific licensing requirements.

After gaining work experience, some physical therapists choose to become a board-certified specialist. The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties offers certification in 8 clinical specialty areas, including orthopedics, sports, and geriatric physical therapy. Board specialist certification requires passing an exam and at least 2,000 hours of clinical work or completion of an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)-accredited residency program in the specialty area.

Important Qualities

Compassion. Physical therapists are often drawn to the profession in part by a desire to help people. They work with people who are in pain and must have empathy for their patients.

Detail oriented. Like other healthcare providers, physical therapists should have strong analytic and observational skills to diagnose a patient’s problem, evaluate treatments, and provide safe, effective care.

Dexterity. Physical therapists must use their hands to provide manual therapy and therapeutic exercises. They should feel comfortable massaging and otherwise physically assisting patients.

Interpersonal skills. Because physical therapists spend a lot of time interacting with patients, they should enjoy working with people. They must be able to clearly explain treatment programs, motivate patients, and listen to patients’ concerns to provide effective therapy.

Physical stamina. Physical therapists spend much of their time on their feet, moving as they demonstrate proper techniques and help patients perform exercises. They should enjoy physical activity.

Resourcefulness. Physical therapists customize treatment plans for patients. They must be flexible and able to adapt plans of care to meet the needs of each patient.

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Physical Therapist jobs

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Physical Therapist Demographic

Gender

Female
63.0%
Male
35.0%
Unknown
2.0%

Ethnicity

White
73.8%
Asian
11.8%
Hispanic or Latino
11.5%
Unknown
2.3%
Black or African American
0.7%

Languages Spoken

Spanish
47.9%
Hindi
7.2%
Russian
4.5%
French
4.3%
Gujarati
4.0%
Portuguese
3.6%
Italian
3.1%
Chinese
2.9%
Polish
2.9%
Arabic
2.8%
Mandarin
2.6%
Swedish
2.2%
Korean
2.2%
German
2.1%
Japanese
1.9%
Marathi
1.4%
Filipino
1.2%
Tagalog
1.2%
Vietnamese
1.0%
Thai
0.9%

Physical Therapist

Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.

Physical Therapist Typical Career Paths

Average Length of Employment

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant 6.8 years
Occupational Therapist 6.2 years
Physical Therapist 5.0 years
Registered Physical Therapist 4.7 years
Physical Therapist Assistant 4.4 years
Staff Physical Therapy Assistant 3.5 years
Per Diem Physical Therapist 3.2 years
Orthopedic Physical Therapist 2.8 years
Director Of Physical Therapy 2.2 years
Physical Therapist Technician 2.1 years
Student Physical Therapist 1.0 years
Physical Therapy Internship 0.5 years

Physical Therapist Education

Schools

University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences
8.9%
Northeastern University
8.3%
Ithaca College
7.9%
Temple University
7.2%
Quinnipiac University
6.2%
University of Montana
5.3%
Boston University
4.7%
New York University
4.5%
State University of New York Stony Brook
4.4%
Loma Linda University
4.3%
University of Pittsburgh -
4.3%
Utica College
4.2%
State University of New York Buffalo
3.9%
University of Indianapolis
3.8%
University of Central Arkansas
3.8%
Sacred Heart University
3.8%
University of Connecticut
3.7%
Nova Southeastern University
3.6%
Marquette University
3.6%
Saint Louis University-
3.6%

Majors

Degrees

Doctorate
31.2%
Bachelors
26.7%
Masters
21.2%
Other
13.1%
Associate
5.1%
Certificate
2.0%
Diploma
0.5%
License
0.2%

Physical Therapist

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Real Physical Therapist Salaries

Job Title	Company	Location	Start Date	Salary
Physical Therapist	Sportslabnyc LLC	New York, NY	Jan 01, 2016	$156,525 - $187,830
Physical Therapist	American INDO Global Solutions LLC	Allentown, PA	Aug 04, 2015	$156,525
Physical Therapist	Sportslabnyc LLC	New York, NY	Jun 02, 2015	$156,525 - $187,830
Physical Therapist	Brighter Days Early Interventionagency LLC	Newtown, PA	Sep 15, 2015	$150,264
Physical Therapist	Morya Group LLC	San Antonio, TX	Aug 16, 2016	$146,090
Physical Therapist	Morya Group LLC	San Antonio, TX	Dec 08, 2016	$146,090
Physical Therapist	Total Care Home Health Services, Inc.	Southfield, MI	Sep 23, 2015	$146,090
Physical Therapist	Morya Group LLC	San Antonio, TX	Dec 10, 2016	$146,090
Physical Therapist	Arm Healthcare LLC	El Paso, TX	Jan 01, 2016	$138,000
Physical Therapist	Intrepid USA	Jackson, TN	Mar 21, 2016	$135,655
Physical Therapist	Sentara Healthcare	South Boston, VA	Oct 09, 2016	$75,758
Physical Therapist	Intergro Resources Inc.	Chico, CA	Jul 14, 2015	$75,754
Physical Therapist	Genesis Eldercare Rehabilitation Services, Inc.	Streetsboro, OH	Jul 01, 2015	$75,633 - $89,678
Physical Therapist	Genesis Eldercare Rehabilitation Services, Inc.	Cleveland, OH	Jul 01, 2015	$75,633 - $89,678
Physical Therapist	Advanced Care Rehab Services LLC	Farmers Branch, TX	Jan 09, 2016	$75,629
Physical Therapist	National Therapy Services LLC	Farmers Branch, TX	Sep 19, 2016	$75,629
Physical Therapist	Active Outpatient Therapy LLC	Farmers Branch, TX	Sep 19, 2016	$75,629
Physical Therapist	Advanced Care Rehab Services LLC	Farmers Branch, TX	Sep 19, 2016	$75,629
Physical Therapist	Management Health Systems, Inc.	Ewing, NJ	Jul 01, 2015	$66,888
Physical Therapist	Management Health Systems, Inc.	Trenton, NJ	Aug 31, 2015	$66,888
Physical Therapist	Tender Touch Rehab Services LLC	Trenton, NJ	Aug 15, 2015	$66,888 - $76,551
Physical Therapist	Genesis Eldercare Rehabilitation Services, Inc.	VA	Aug 17, 2015	$66,847 - $98,339
Physical Therapist	Genesis Eldercare Rehabilitation Services, Inc.	Ashland, VA	Jan 04, 2015	$66,847 - $98,339
Physical Therapist	Genesis Eldercare Rehabilitation Services, Inc.	Richmond, VA	Jan 04, 2015	$66,847 - $98,339
Physical Therapist	Genesis Eldercare Rehabilitation Services, Inc.	VA	Jan 04, 2015	$66,847 - $98,339
Physical Therapist	Genesis Eldercare Rehabilitation Services, Inc.	Goochland, VA	Jan 04, 2015	$66,847 - $98,339

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Top Skills for A Physical Therapist

Top Physical Therapist Skills

Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy Assistants
Rehab

You can check out examples of real life uses of top skills on resumes here:

Worked closely with members of the interdisciplinary team including occupational therapy, social work and nursing.
Coordinate care with occupational therapists, nursing staff, home health agency, physicians, and physical therapy assistants.
Assist rehabilitation director with orientating and mentoring new staff.
Completed clinical rotations in both inpatient hospital and outpatient clinic settings.
Chaired and implemented first Restraint Reduction team, in-serviced staff, meeting goal for Restraint Free Facility.