Updated June 05, 2023
A physical therapist, also known as a “PT”, is a medical professional whose expertise lies in helping injured and chronically ill individuals improve bodily movement and manage pain. They are trained in a wide variety of care techniques to help improve their patients’ quality of life. They create rehabilitation programs for their patients that include but are not limited to, exercises, massage, muscular manipulation, reflexology, and skeletal manipulation.
Salary (Median Pay)
For physical therapists:
- Salary: $91,010/yr
- Hourly Rate: $43.75/hr
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop rehabilitation and continuing care plans that are specific to each individual patient;
- Diagnose patients’ conditions;
- Improve function and mobility and reduce chronic pain in patients by leading them through exercises, hands-on therapy (massage), stretching;
- Maintain patient records;
- Teach patients how to use therapeutic equipment, such as walkers and wheelchairs; and
- Track patients’ progress and make adjustments to their plans as needed.
Qualifications
- Attention to detail;
- Communication skills;
- Compassion;
- Creative problem solving;
- Detail-oriented;
- Dexterity;
- Good interpersonal skills;
- Physical stamina;
- Resourcefulness; and
- Time-management skills.
How to Become a Physical Therapist (6 Steps)
- Bachelor’s degree (4 years) in healthcare, fitness, recreation, or another related field.
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) (3 years) accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
- Get licensed. Some U.S. states require their own license for a physical therapist to practice in the state. Check with the local state board to find out if they have any licensing requirements.
- Clinical Residency (1 year) with an organization recognized by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education.
- Get board certification as a specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
Popular Physical Therapist Positions
- Caregivers (private homes);
- Home health agencies;
- Hospital Staff;
- Inpatient rehabilitation facilities;
- Nursing Homes;
- Outpatient clinics;
- Private practices;
- Research centers;
- Schools;
- Skilled nursing facilities;
- Sports and fitness facilities; and
- Workplaces.