Physical Therapist

Print

Work Tasks

• Examine, treat, and prevent physical problems which make it hard for people to move
• Help patients relieve pain, improve movement, and keep problems from getting worse
• Look at a patient's medical history; test the patient's strength, range of motion, and ability to function; and design treatment plans
• Record patient progress and change treatments if necessary
• Work for hospitals, hospices, outpatient and treatment facilities, day care programs, schools, sports injury treatment centers, and private practices
• Work with medical histories, tests, evaluations, traction equipment, braces, walkers, canes, crutches, casts, wheelchairs, artificial supports and limbs, exercise equipment, ultrasound, whirlpools, billing and insurance forms

Salary, Size & Growth

• $73,000 average per year ($35.00 per hour)
• A large occupation (180,300 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (3.0% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A master's degree in physical therapy
• Employers Prefer: A doctoral degree in physical therapy
• Skills/Courses: College courses include biology, chemistry, and physics, biomechanics, neuroanatomy, human growth and development, manifestations of disease, examination techniques, and therapeutic procedures.
• Certification/Licensing: All states require physical therapists to be licensed.