Who Are Physical Therapists?

Physical therapists are health care professionals who help you restore and improve motion to achieve long-term quality of life.

Physical therapists diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.

By examining each individual, physical therapists develop a plan of care using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapists also work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

Physical therapists provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices.

All PTs must receive a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapist program before taking the national licensure examination that allows them to practice. The majority of programs offer the doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree.

For more information about a career in physical therapy, visit www.beapt.org

Physical Therapy Profession Thrives in a Tough Economy

Even in difficult economic times, the demand for physical therapists is strong and the profession thrives. Click here for articles from US News & World Report, Washington Post, and AOL about physical therapy as top and thriving career:

What do Physical Therapists Earn?

More than 172,000 physical therapists are licensed in the U.S. today. The median salary for a physical therapist is $75,000 depending on position, years of experience, degree of education, geographic location, and practice setting.

 

 

 

 

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