Physical Therapy Careers Guide

Thomas Broderick
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Updated on May 29, 2024
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Physical therapists help patients improve their movement and regain independence. Learn more about physical therapist job requirements.

Seeing someone in pain and immobile can be difficult. But imagine being there the moment the pain goes away. Or the moment they’re able to walk on their own again.

As a physical therapist, you can. Physical therapists (PTs) help people improve their movement and manage pain, especially when they’re recovering from injuries or illnesses, or living with chronic pain.

For this reason, it’s no surprise that 2020 research from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) shows physical therapy has high levels of job satisfaction. But how do you become a physical therapist?

The following guide provides an overview of physical therapist jobs and specializations.

Featured Online Physical Therapy Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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3 Careers in Physical Therapy

Physical therapy careers are great for people interested in fitness and medical care. You can choose from three main jobs in the field: physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, and physical therapist aide.

All three work in settings like hospitals, home healthcare services, and nursing care facilities. And each role allows you to work closely with clients, improve their health, and connect with them personally.

1. Physical Therapist

  • Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$99,710
  • Degree Level: Doctorate
  • Certification/License: Required

Physical therapists help patients overcome injuries, manage chronic conditions, and regain mobility. They help patients find ways to reduce pain, gain mobility, and live without restriction.

Physical therapists must possess a doctoral degree (DPT) from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). DPT programs typically take three years of full-time study to complete.

2. Physical Therapist Assistant

  • Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$64,080
  • Degree Level: Associate
  • Certification/License: Required

Physical therapist assistants work under the guidance of physical therapists and provide direct care to patients following the physical therapist’s plan. They observe patients’ statuses, treat patients with exercises and stretches, and educate patients and family members about continuing treatment.

Physical therapist assistants need an associate degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. They also need about 16 weeks of supervised clinical experience and a state license or certification.

3. Physical Therapist Aide

  • Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$33,520
  • Degree Level: Not required
  • Certification/License: Not required

Physical therapist aides perform administrative duties, like scheduling appointments and purchasing supplies. They may also clean therapy rooms before and after treatments and prepare equipment for sessions.

Physical therapist aides need a high school diploma or the equivalent and on-the-job training. The training for these roles can last between one week and one month.

What Are the Different Types of Physical Therapy?

Physical therapists can specialize in one or more areas. And you can choose from many. Before you can apply for a specialty certification from APTA, you need at least 2,000 hours of experience in that area.

  • minus

    Cardiovascular and Pulmonary

    Cardiovascular and pulmonary specialists help patients with heart and respiratory issues, such as COPD and heart disease. Rehabilitation techniques improve overall heart and lung health.
  • minus

    Clinical Electrophysiology

    Clinical electrophysiology specialists assist with muscle and nerve injuries. Their techniques can help with tissue repair, muscle spasms, and wounds like diabetic ulcers.
  • minus

    Geriatrics

    Geriatric specialists help elderly patients maintain mobility and reduce pain from osteoporosis and arthritis. They can also assist with neurological problems related to Parkinson’s and dementia, and heart and respiratory health conditions.
  • minus

    Neurology

    Neurology specialists help patients recover or manage symptoms related to nervous system conditions. These conditions — such as cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis — hinder mobility, speech, and learning. They also disrupt respiratory and cardiovascular processes.
  • minus

    Oncology

    Oncology specialists work with patients with cancer who experience musculoskeletal issues during and after treatments. They may help patients with fatigue, ongoing pain, coordination, and memory loss.
  • minus

    Orthopedics

    Orthopedic specialists treat bones, joints, and other musculoskeletal issues. Patients may need help recovering from hip replacement surgeries or injuries like strained muscles and broken bones.
  • minus

    Pediatrics

    Pediatric specialists treat patients from birth through adolescence for various conditions, including autism, cerebral palsy, and scoliosis. They work with other medical and developmental professionals to build treatment plans and help families understand at-home rehab strategies.
  • minus

    Sports

    Sports-based physical therapists help athletes recover from things like concussions, ACL tears, and rotator cuff injuries. They use techniques like exercising and dry needling.
  • minus

    Women’s Health

    This specialization focuses on women’s health issues like pelvic pain and incontinence. These physical therapists also offer prenatal and postpartum care and help women recover from surgeries like hysterectomies.
  • minus

    Wound Management

    Wound management physical therapists work with medical teams to build treatment plans for issues like diabetic sores, edema, and post-surgery marks. Responsibilities include cleaning and dressing wounds and providing compression therapy, electrical stimulation, and whirlpool techniques.

Physical Therapist Job Requirements: What Can You Expect?

Physical therapist job requirements vary somewhat by specialization. For example, pediatric PTs mask exercises as play activities to keep children engaged, while geriatric PTs help older adults with mobility issues and pain management.

Day-to-day tasks typical to all specializations include:

  • check Encouraging patients and their families
  • check Creating personalized physical therapy exercises and routines
  • check Collaborating with other healthcare professionals
  • check Leading patients in exercise routines

These and other responsibilities require stamina and overall good physical fitness. A compassionate and empathetic attitude also helps you build rapport with patients.

Pros

  • check-circle The career offers many specialization options and avenues for advancement.
  • check-circle You get to help improve patients’ physical health and wellness.
  • check-circle You can work in many different settings.
  • check-circle You get to work with people and develop a strong rapport with patients.

Cons

  • x-circle Earning a doctorate may require taking out student loans.
  • x-circle A heavy workload can lead to poor work-life balance.
  • x-circle Physical therapy jobs can be very physical and hard on therapists’ own bodies.
  • x-circle Physical therapists experience burnout at a significant rate.

“If you’re considering becoming a physical therapist, spend time shadowing in different settings to really get a feel for the job. Spend time learning about both the positive and negative aspects of the job.”

Dr. Jasmine Marcus, PT, DPT, CSCS | A licensed doctor of physical therapy

Featured Online Physical Therapy Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Where Do Physical Therapists Work?

Physical therapists’ work locations depend on their specialization. Over 60% of all physical therapists work at a physician’s office or a hospital, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Top employers for orthopedic physical therapists include private physical therapy centers, such as outpatient clinics.

Your specialization may involve unique responsibilities. School-based physical therapists collaborate with teachers and administrators in writing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). IEPs help students with a physical or mental disability get the most from their education.

Top Industries for PTs

  • Outpatient Clinics
  • Hospitals and Acute Care Facilities
  • Nursing and Assisted Care facilities
  • Home Healthcare Services
  • Schools
  • Private Practice
  • Sports and Fitness Facilities

Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy Careers

Physical therapy is a fast-growing career. According to the BLS, physical therapists earned a median annual salary of $99,710 in May 2023. As a PT, you can work in medical, school, and sports settings.

The BLS projects jobs for physical therapists to grow by 15% between 2022-2032, much faster than the average of 3% for all occupations. Meanwhile, the BLS projects jobs for physical therapist assistants and aides — who earned median salaries of $64,080 and $33,520 per year, respectively, in 2023 — to grow by 19%.

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