What is a Physical Therapist PT Job?
A Physical Therapist (PT) job is a healthcare profession that helps patients recover from injuries or disabilities that affect their ability to move or perform daily activities. PTs work with patients of all ages, from children with developmental disabilities to elderly patients with chronic conditions. They use a variety of techniques such as exercise, massage, and ultrasound to help patients regain their strength, flexibility, and overall mobility.
What Usually Do in This Position?
Physical therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. The duties of a physical therapist can vary depending on the setting they work in, but typically include:
- Evaluating patients to determine their level of mobility and identify any physical limitations or pain they may be experiencing.
- Developing personalized treatment plans that include exercises, stretches, and other interventions designed to improve the patient's mobility and strength.
- Monitoring patients' progress and adjusting treatment plans as necessary to ensure they are making progress toward their goals.
- Educating patients and their families on how to continue their treatment plan outside of therapy sessions to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Top 5 Skills for Position
- Communication Skills: Physical therapists must be able to communicate effectively with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals. Clear communication is important to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that patients are receiving the best possible care.
- Compassion: Physical therapy can be a challenging and sometimes painful process for patients, so it's important for PTs to have empathy and compassion for their patients.
- Critical Thinking: Physical therapists must be able to assess patients' conditions and develop treatment plans that are tailored to their individual needs. This requires critical thinking skills and the ability to make decisions based on a patient's unique situation.
- Physical Stamina: PTs may spend long periods on their feet as they work with patients and may need to lift or move patients during treatment sessions. Physical stamina is important to ensure that they are able to perform their job effectively.
- Attention to Detail: Physical therapy often involves complex treatment plans and precise movements, so PTs must have excellent attention to detail to ensure that patients are performing exercises correctly and safely.
How to Become This Type of Specialist?
To become a physical therapist, you will typically need to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited physical therapy program. These programs typically take 3 years to complete and include both classroom instruction and clinical experience.
In addition to completing a physical therapy program, you will also need to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to become licensed to practice as a PT.
Average Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for physical therapists in the United States was $89,440 as of May 2020. Salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the type of setting in which the PT is working.
Roles and Types
Physical therapists can work in a variety of settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Private practices
- Schools
- Sports medicine clinics
There are also a variety of specializations within the field of physical therapy, including:
- Orthopedic physical therapy
- Neurological physical therapy
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Geriatric physical therapy
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in the USA
Physical therapy jobs can be found throughout the United States, but some cities and states have a higher demand for PTs than others. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top five states with the highest employment level for physical therapists as of May 2020 were:
1. California
2. Texas
3. New York
4. Florida
5. Pennsylvania
The top five metropolitan areas with the highest employment level for physical therapists were:
1. New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA
2. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
3. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
4. Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH
5. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
What Are the Typical Tools?
Physical therapists use a variety of tools and equipment to help their patients recover from injuries and improve their mobility. Some common tools used by PTs include:
- Resistance bands and weights for strength training
- Foam rollers and massage balls for self-myofascial release
- Treadmills and stationary bikes for cardiovascular exercise
- Ultrasound machines to promote healing
- Orthotics and braces to support injured areas
In Conclusion
Physical therapy is a rewarding and challenging career that can help patients recover from injuries and improve their overall quality of life. PTs work in a variety of settings and use a variety of tools and techniques to help their patients regain their mobility and strength. If you're interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy, be prepared to work hard and commit to several years of education and training, but know that your efforts will be rewarded with the satisfaction of helping others.