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Physical Therapist

(aka: Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, PT)

We understand the mechanics of the human body better than ever in the 21st century, yet thanks to an uptick in general human jackassery (thanks, Internet!), injury rates are as high as ever. Moreover, with an aging population of baby boomers, PT employment is projected to grow by 36% from 2012 to 2022, far outpacing most other employment fields.

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What do Physical Therapists do?

• Diagnose patient injuries. Patients will often describe pain or mobility limitations in general terms ("It hurts when I do THIS"), and PTs need to gather information and perform diagnostic tests to understand the underlying physiological causes and explain them to the patient.
• Develop a plan of care. Once the underlying cause of an injury is understood, a physical therapist develops an integrated treatment plan, which may involve stretching, massage, mobility exercises, or other techniques.
• Perform hands-on exercises with patients. Some rehabilitation exercises require a trained practitioner for application, or specialized equipment patients are unlikely to have at home. Most PTs will schedule recurring sessions with patients, while assigning them other exercises to do on their own.
• Monitor patient progress and adjust the plan of care accordingly. Rehabbing joint or muscle injuries (without surgical intervention) requires regular check-ups with the patient to ensure a plan of care is being followed diligently and is having the desired effects.

CHECK OUT JOBSTR'S INTERACTIVE Q&A WITH A PHYSICAL THERAPIST AND ASK HER ANYTHING!

How much do Physical Therapists make?

The median salary for physical therapists in 2012 was an astonishing $79,900, with the top 10% earning $112,000. Pay will obviousy depend heavily on work setting: freelance PTs or those running their own practice will generally earn a higher hourly rate than those employed in hospitals or doctor's offices, though typically have to spend more time building a client base.

How do I become a Physical Therapist?

Education Requirements. Physical Therapists need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which typically takes 3 years and requires a bachelor's degree. All U.S. States require PTs to be licensed, with requirements varying by State, but all requiring successful completion of the National Physical Therapy Examination.

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