Physical therapists diagnose and treat patients whose function and movement are limited due to illness, injury, weakness, or other causes

How much money can you make?

What type of training will it take?

And what does the job actually entail?

Read on to find out whether this is the job for you

What will I be doing all day?

Physical therapists diagnose and treat patients whose function and movement are limited due to illness, injury, weakness, or other causes. They help patients improve their functioning and manage their pain through a variety of techniques, including exercises, massages and stimulation, and assistive and adaptive devices. A PT’s responsibilities include evaluating, establishing a therapy plan, administering therapy, monitoring progress, and educating patients and their families.

What kind of schooling do I need?

To qualify as a physical therapist, one must graduate from a postgraduate physical therapy program. Today, most programs award a doctor of physical therapy degree (DPT), though some programs give a master’s degree (MPT). Programs typically take three years and require a bachelor’s degree in order to be admitted, including certain prerequisite science courses. After graduating, you must pass a national exam in order to become licensed.

Many physical therapists choose to become board certified in a specific clinical specialty, which requires passing another exam.

What will my work environment be like?

Physical therapists work as part of a health care team, together with physicians and other paramedical professionals like occupational therapists. Typical work settings include hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab facilities, schools, sports and fitness facilities, nursing homes, and home health agencies.

Some specialties within the field:

Orthopedic physical therapists work with the musculoskeletal system, dealing with injuries to the muscles, joints, tendons, and bones.

Geriatric physical therapists help older patients retain their mobility and independence while accommodating physical limitations.

Pediatric physical therapists treat babies, children, and adolescents with mobility limitations due to health conditions, neurological disorders, injuries, or developmental delays of gross motor skills.

Neurological physical therapists treat patients with neurological conditions such as brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s.

Cardiopulmonary physical therapists concentrate on patients with cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions, helping them improve their overall health, endurance, and functional independence.

What can I expect to make?

The average starting salary is $65,000–$75,000.

Median salary in the US is $91,000. With experience, salaries can reach $100,000–$120,000.

Do I have the personality for it?

A good physical therapist enjoys working with people, and is empathetic, patient, hard-working, and a good motivator. A physical therapist also needs to be physically fit, since they’re engaging in exercises all day.