Physical Therapy

1.What do they do?

Physical therapists typically perform the following tasks:

• Gather and review patients’ medical history, as well as referrals or notes provided by doctors, surgeons, or other healthcare professionals.
• Conduct assessments to diagnose patients’ functional abilities and movement limitations. This involves observing patients while they stand, walk, and listening to their health concerns.
• Create customized care plans for individual patients. These plans outline the patients’ specific goals and the anticipated outcomes of their treatment.
• Utilize a variety of methods, including exercises, stretching techniques, hands-on therapy, and specialized equipment, to alleviate pain, enhance mobility, prevent further injury, and promote overall health and well-being.
• Continuously assess and document a patient’s progress, making adjustments to the care plan and exploring new treatments as necessary.
• Educate patients and their families about what to expect during the recovery process and provide guidance on how to cope with challenges that may arise throughout their rehabilitation journey.

2. Why take this career?

There are several compelling reasons why individuals choose to pursue this  career

• The field of physical therapy is experiencing rapid growth, with a projected 15 percent increase in employment from 2022 to 2032. This growth rate is much faster than the average for all occupations, providing strong job security and ample opportunities for those entering the profession.
• The median annual wage for physical therapists was $97,720 in May 2022, making it a financially rewarding career choice. The earning potential can increase with experience and specialization.
• Physical therapists play a crucial role in helping injured or ill individuals improve their mobility, manage pain, and enhance their overall quality of life. If you have a passion for making a positive impact on people’s well-being, this career can be highly fulfilling.
• Physical therapists work in various settings, including private offices, clinics, hospitals, patients’ homes, and nursing homes. This diversity allows you to choose a work environment that aligns with your preferences and interests.
• The profession offers intellectual and clinical challenges as you diagnose patients, develop personalized treatment plans, and continually adapt and innovate to meet patients’ needs. The satisfaction of witnessing patients’ progress and improved health can be highly rewarding.
• To become a physical therapist, you’ll need to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and obtain a state license. This educational path equips you with specialized knowledge and skills in the field of physical therapy.
• With a growing aging population and an increased focus on healthcare, the demand for physical therapists is expected to remain strong, ensuring a stable and sustainable career.
• Physical therapy offers opportunities for career advancement, including specialization in areas such as sports medicine, pediatric care, orthopedics, or neurological rehabilitation, allowing you to tailor your career to your interests and goals.

3.  What an average day at the job is like?

• Physical therapists often start their day by evaluating new and existing patients. This involves reviewing medical records, discussing the patient’s condition and concerns, and conducting physical assessments to determine the patient’s mobility, range of motion, strength, and pain levels.
• After the initial assessment, physical therapists develop or adjust individualized treatment plans for each patient. These plans include specific exercises, therapeutic techniques, and goals for rehabilitation.
• Physical therapists may spend a significant portion of their day providing hands-on therapy to patients. This can involve techniques like manual therapy, massage, joint mobilization, or stretching to improve a patient’s physical condition.
• They prescribe exercises that patients can perform both under supervision and as part of a home exercise program. They demonstrate proper techniques and ensure that patients are performing exercises safely and effectively.
• Physical therapists continuously monitor and record their patients’ progress, adjusting treatment plans as needed. They assess changes in mobility, pain, and overall health to ensure that patients are moving toward their goals.
• Educating patients and their families is a crucial aspect of the job. Physical therapists provide information on the condition, recovery expectations, and strategies for managing pain and preventing future injuries.
• They communicate with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and occupational therapists, to coordinate patient care and provide updates on a patient’s progress.
• Keeping detailed and accurate patient records is essential. Physical therapists document their assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and any changes in a patient’s condition in compliance with healthcare regulations.
• Depending on the work setting, physical therapists may also handle administrative duties, such as scheduling appointments, billing, and maintaining equipment and supplies.
• In a hospital or healthcare facility, physical therapists often collaborate with other healthcare team members to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to patient care.
• Staying current with the latest developments in the field and pursuing additional training or certifications may be part of an average day, especially for those seeking to specialize in a particular area of physical therapy.

4. Knowledge and skills needed to succeed?

• Effective Communication: Physical therapists must possess strong communication skills to articulate treatment plans, motivate patients, and actively listen to patients’ concerns, ensuring therapy’s effectiveness.
• Compassion and Empathy: Given their extensive patient interactions, physical therapists should have a genuine desire to help people, particularly those in pain. Empathy and a compassionate approach are essential in providing patient-centered care.
• Attention to Detail: Similar to other healthcare professionals, physical therapists need strong analytical and observational skills to accurately diagnose patients, assess the effectiveness of treatments, and deliver safe and efficient care.
• Manual Dexterity: Physical therapists use their hands for manual therapy and therapeutic exercises, so they should feel confident and skilled in techniques like massage and physical assistance to aid patients in their recovery.
• Physical Endurance: Physical therapists spend a significant portion of their workday on their feet, actively demonstrating exercises, and assisting patients. They should be physically fit and enjoy engaging in physical activity.
• Adaptability: Physical therapists must be resourceful and flexible in customizing treatment plans to suit each patient’s unique needs. Adapting care plans to address specific patient requirements is a vital aspect of their role.
• Effective Time Management: Given the demands of treating multiple patients daily, physical therapists must efficiently balance patient care with administrative tasks. This includes documenting patient progress and ensuring that all necessary paperwork is completed. 

5.  What can you earn

In May 2022, the median annual salary for physical therapists was $97,720. The lower 10 percent earned salaries below $67,910, whereas the top 10 percent earned higher wages, exceeding $128,830.
Breaking down the median annual salaries for physical therapists in different industries in May 2022:

• In the field of home healthcare services, the median annual wage was $105,130.
• For those working in nursing and residential care facilities, the median annual salary was $101,910.
• Physical therapists employed in hospitals (state, local, and private) had a median annual wage of $101,440.
• Those working in offices of physical, occupational, and speech therapists, as well as audiologists, had a median salary of $86,610.

6.  Courses you can do to take up the career.

To pursue a career as a physical therapist, follow these steps:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field with prerequisite courses like anatomy and physics.
• Complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, typically lasting three years, with coursework in anatomy, biomechanics, neuroscience, and clinical practice.
• Apply for DPT programs through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).
• Gain clinical experience during your DPT program in various healthcare settings.
• Obtain a license by passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and meeting state-specific requirements.
• Engage in continuing education to maintain your license.
• Consider specialization through board-certified specialist certification, which requires passing an exam and completing clinical work in your chosen area.