Physical Therapists
Physical therapists work to relieve pain, promote fitness, improve mobility, prevent disability, limit the amount of permanent disability, and restore function to individuals affected by illness and/or injury.
Duties, Activities, and Scope of Practice
The physical therapist examines and assesses patients for functional ability and loss through a series of tests, reviews medical history, and works with the physician to develop a plan to treat the individual. This can include treatment for an existing or potential problem related to an illness or injury.
Treatment plans can include one or all of the following: exercises to strengthen and stretch muscles, and to increase flexibility, range of motion, and endurance; electrical stimuli, hot or cold packs, massage, and ultrasound to reduce swelling and pain; traction or deep-tissue massage to reduce pain.
Pts work with patients to improve their mobility and range of motion, to reduce pain and swelling, and to improve balance, coordination, and endurance. They also instruct patients in the proper use of assistive devices such as canes, crutches, splints, braces, and wheelchairs or scooters.
Education and Training
Applicants to P.T. schools are often required to have logged a number of volunteer hours in a P.T. clinic or hospital department. The bachelor's degree should have included a strong science background in chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology, and physics.
The master's degree program builds on this basic math and science background and includes courses in biomechanics, therapeutic procedures, neuroanatomy, and human growth and development. Clinical experience is included and is supervised by licensed physical therapists.
Fact
A master's degree or doctoral degree in physical therapy is required to practice as a physical therapist, as is a license. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), there were 205 accredited schools of physical therapy in the United States in 2004.
Licensure/Certification
The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy administers a licensing examination for P.T.s in all fifty states and the District of Columbia. Many states require continuing education for renewal.
Work Settings and Salaries
About one-third of all physical therapists work in hospitals. Others work for P.T. offices, M.D.s, home health care agencies, skilled-nursing facilities, rehab centers, and outpatient care facilities. Many physical therapists hold more than one job. One in four works part-time.
The median salary for 2004 according to the U.S. Department of Labor was $60,180. Salaries ranged from $42,010 to $88,580.
Career Potential and Additional Information
Physical therapy jobs are expected to grow faster than the average for all jobs through 2014. As the population ages the need for physical therapists will expand. Technological advances will save the lives of more accident victims, as well as the lives of infants and children with severe disabilities, which will also increase the need for P.T.s.
For further information about physical therapy careers and educational programs, contact the American Physical Therapy Association. Their Web site is
