Physical Therapist
Sydney Marshall
What Physical Therapists Do
Physical Therapists help injured people improve movement and manage their pain through rehabilitation programs. They work with all types of people and people of all ages.
Certifications
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is needed to get to become a Physical therapist. You are also required to take National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
Nature of the Work
Physical Therapists spend a lot of their time on their feet, working with patients. They use exercises, stretches, and hands-on therapy to help their patients get better.
Education Requirements
You must attend a school that offers Physical Therapy degrees. Some courses required for Physical Therapists are biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, and pharmacology. You are required to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination.
Pay
The median wage of Physical Therapists are $79,860 in May 2012.
Necessary Skills
Compassion
Physical Therapists work with people in pain and must have empathy for their patients.
Physical Stamina
They are on their feet most of their time while working with patients.
Detail Oriented
They have strong analytic and observational skills to evaluate treatments and provide safe and effective care.
Work Environments
Work environments of Physical Therapists include clinical offices, hospitals, and home health care service facilities.
Job Outlook
Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 36 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations.
You Can Be Me - A Career in Physical Therapy (APTA)