Physical Therapists: What They Do and How to Join This Exciting Field
Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who help patients recover from illnesses, injuries, or surgeries that have left them with limited mobility. They improve patients’ movement, reduce their pain, and restore their ability to perform daily activities.
Examples of what Physical Therapists do
Physical therapists work in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and sports clinics. They evaluate patients’ range of motion, strength, and posture to create a custom treatment plan. They develop exercise programs designed to improve patients’ strength, flexibility, and balance, teach patients how to use assistive devices, such as canes or wheelchairs, use various techniques to reduce patients’ pain or swelling, such as massage or heat therapy, and provide education on injury prevention and ergonomics.
Education and Training for Physical Therapists
To become a physical therapist, you must have a doctoral degree in physical therapy. This typically takes three years to complete, and requires completion of a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as kinesiology or exercise science.
After completing their degree, aspiring physical therapists must pass a licensing exam in their state.
Progression in the Field
Physical therapists may advance in the field by becoming specialists in certain areas, such as sports medicine or geriatric physical therapy. Some may also move into management roles, overseeing other therapists and programs.
How to Get Started in the Field
If you are interested in becoming a physical therapist, research accredited physical therapy programs in your area. Consider your own interests and career goals when choosing a program, as specialties can vary. Once you have completed your degree and obtained licensure, consider pursuing additional certifications and continuing education opportunities to advance in the field.
A career in physical therapy can be incredibly rewarding, allowing you to help patients improve their quality of life and regain their independence.
Salary Data for Physical Therapists in the US and Selected Geographies
| Occupation | Level | Unionization | Employment Status | Annual Mean Salary | Hourly Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapists | All workers | Nonunion | Full-time | $97,281.60 | $46.77 |
| Physical Therapists | All workers | Nonunion | Part-time | $119,558.40 | $57.46 |
| Physical Therapists | All workers | Union | All levels | $110,739.20 | $53.25 |
| Physical Therapists | Level 09 | Nonunion | Full-time | $94,369.60 | $45.36 |
| Physical Therapists | Not able to be leveled | Nonunion | Full-time | $100,900.80 | $48.51 |
| Physical Therapists | Full-time | None | All levels | $93,870.40 | $45.15 |
| Physical Therapists | Part-time | None | All levels | $119,558.40 | $57.46 |
| Physical Therapists | Time-based pay | None | All levels | $97,926.40 | $47.07 |
| Physical Therapists | Time-based pay | None | All levels | $125,944.00 | $60.55 |
| Physical Therapists | Full-time | None | All levels | $82,409.60 | $39.63 |
Physical therapists’ salaries vary based on their level, unionization, and employment status. The national average annual mean salary for all levels of Physical Therapists is $97,281.60. The average salary for part-time employment (all levels) is higher, at $119,558.40. Unionized Physical Therapists have a higher mean annual salary at $110,739.20, while non-unionized Physical Therapists have a lower mean annual salary at $97,052.80.
The San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA area has the highest mean annual salary for Physical Therapists at $125,944.00. In contrast, the Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY area has the lowest mean annual salary for Physical Therapists working full-time at $82,409.60.
Further research may need to be conducted to determine the overall impact of unionization on this occupation.
