Physical Therapist : Career Profile, Education & Job Outlook

Rated among the best careers by Wall Street Journal's Career Journal, the physical therapist's job brings higher job satisfaction. There is a high percentage of physical therapists that say they are completely satisfied with their job. And those who aspire to make a career in physical therapy can easily check out the reasons that make physical therapy job one of the most satisfying for people. The very first reason behind this job satisfaction is that you function like a one-on-one coach while working as a physical therapist. While doing your job, you can easily track and see progress in patients. While physicians may have a 12-minute appointment with a patient, a physical therapist can see a patient for the span of an hour, resembling a one-on-one fitness coach.

The job outlook for physical therapy professionals is quite strong and professionals can also choose from a wide range of work setting including hospitals, physician's office, patient's home and physical therapy clinics among others. It is one of those occupations where professionals can earn a higher income and get a handsome paycheck than when they are self employed. Since most of the physical therapists function as generalists, they treat a variety of patients. Patients can range from a brain injured child and a football player to an Iraq veteran amputee.

Working hours for physical therapists do not usually include nights and weekends like in the case of other professionals in healthcare industry. Physical therapy professionals are usually required to work normal hours. Though lower-cost physical therapy assistants have been in use, the job market for physical therapists is expected to remain strong for a longer period.

Besides giving professionals a number of benefits, the physical therapy career also happens to be quite demanding. If you are not looking for a desk job, you will not have in difficulty in moving patients around and demonstrating different exercises for the treatment of injury. While working, you may also face some burnout situations. You will come across patients that can be in pain and show slow progress. At times, patients can also get quite frustrated with the painful exercises you prescribe them. So, a physical therapist's job requires you to handle all this.

Education & Training in Physical Therapy
There are a number of physical therapy schools and colleges in the US offering different physical therapy education programs and degrees. To become a physical therapist, you need to obtain a master's degree in physical therapy or a doctorate degree for greater career opportunities. If you have obtained a bachelor's degree in some other field and now want to pursue physical therapists career, you can get enrolled in a master's degree program.

Doctorate in physical therapy degree is of one year longer duration. The degree helps professionals earn higher income as well as obtain the doctor title. Today, students can come across a number of physical therapy degree and training programs. It is important for candidates to check out whether the degree program they have enrolled in is accredited. There are numerous physical therapy schools in the United States providing American Physical Therapy Association accredited degree programs. Though bachelor's and master's degree are available, a 3-year doctor of physical degree is becoming the new standard to become a physical therapist.

Job Outlook & Salary
People suffer from chronic pain injuries and other injuries in different field of activities. There is a constant demand of physical therapists and the job market is expected to remain very strong in the coming years as well. Physical therapy professionals cater to five most common specialty areas including orthopedic, geriatric, neurological, cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation and pediatric. A physical therapist can earn an annual salary ranging between $66,000 and $84,800. The median annual salary for professionals having eight years of experience is $70,200.