Physical Therapy Jobs, Training and Career Options

Physical Therapist Job Description

The role of a Physical Therapist is to diagnose and treat patients who have medical problems that may limit their mobility and inhibit them from functioning normally. Once diagnosed, PTs will develop a plan for each patient to help him or her regain strength, mobility and independence in daily activities. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, PTs use treatment techniques that “promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability.” Physical Therapists jobs are available in a variety of settings, including hospitals, offices, rehab facilities and nursing homes.

Physical Therapy Salaries

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, as of May 2016, physical therapists make an average yearly income of $87,220 or $41.93 per hour on average.

For Instances

• New England Baptist Hospital is a provider of orthopedic surgery and treats musculoskeletal diseases and disorders. There are physical therapy jobs in Boston, MA available at this top ranked orthopedic hospital.
• Lee Health System is a community-owned health system in southwest Florida. Several opportunities are available for physical therapists in Fort Myers, Florida.
• RWJBarnabas Health is the New Jersey’s largest healthcare system. Apply for physical therapy jobs in Livingston, New Jersey at one of the system’s many locations.

Training and Requirements

A Doctorate physical therapy program can be completed in 3 years. However, most DPT programs require a bachelor’s degree before entering a professional program. A bachelor’s degree could be a Bachelor’s of Science in Pre-Physical Therapy, biology or health sciences.

Physical therapist education programs in the US only offer doctorate degrees to newly enrolling students. Masters degrees are no longer offered. Also, a degree must be obtained from a CAPTE– accredited education program.

State licensure is required in each state to practice, once a degree in physical therapy is obtained.

A PT may choose to further their education through residencies, and become specialty certified, though it is not required to practice. This can be obtained through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialities (ABPTS). During training, physical therapists focus on a specific area, such as neurology or pediatrics, and become certified in that specialty.

Written by Kristen Smith

Kristen Smith is a full-time RN working as a Case Manager in Labor & Delivery in Tennessee. She’s also a part-time writer, a new mom, and somehow manages to