Physical Therapist Career Guide

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Overview

Physical Therapists are healthcare professionals who specialize in helping patients recover from injuries or illnesses that affect their physical abilities. They play a crucial role in rehabilitation by providing personalized treatment plans, exercises and hands-on therapies to improve mobility, reduce pain and enhance overall quality of life. Essential job functions in this specialty include assessing patients' conditions, developing

Education

Becoming a Physical Therapist requires a solid educational background. Aspiring PTs must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which typically takes three years to complete. Admission to DPT programs usually requires a bachelor's degree with specific prerequisite coursework in subjects like biology, anatomy, physiology and psychology. Additionally, applicants must complete supervised clinical experiences to gain practical

Qualifications

DPT

Certifications

Licensing

Skills

Staff and Travel Physical Therapists require a diverse set of skills to excel in their specialty. Firstly, they need a strong foundation in anatomy, kinesiology and biomechanics to understand the human body's mechanics. Knowledge of various therapeutic techniques, manual therapies and exercise physiology is essential to design effective treatment plans.

Hard skills involve expertise in using therapeutic equipment and

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Responsibilities

Physical Therapists have a wide range of responsibilities that center around patient care. They begin by evaluating patients, identifying impairments and establishing treatment goals. Treatment plans include therapeutic exercises, manual therapies and modalities that PTs implement during one-on-one sessions with patients.

Educating patients about their conditions, the importance of home exercises and injury prevention is a vital responsibility to foster long-term

Salary Insights

Salary guide

Compare your pay with the most up-to-date job market data using our comprehensive salary calculator.

Physical Therapist

$1,716-2,496/week

The average salary for a Physical Therapist is $2,076.78 per week.

Last updated on April 26, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Rewarding Career: Helping patients regain their physical abilities and improve their quality of life can be immensely gratifying.
Job Demand: As the aging population grows and healthcare awareness increases, the demand for Physical Therapists is expected to remain high.
Diverse Work Settings: PTs can work in various settings, including hospitals, private clinics, sports facilities and schools, allowing for diverse career opportunities.
Competitive Salary:

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