What Can You Do With A Physical Therapy Degree? Exploring Career Opportunities and Growth

physical therapy jobs

Physical therapy is a rewarding career field with various opportunities for individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact on their patients’ lives. As movement experts, physical therapists improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education (APTA) .

Physical therapy is an alternate way of treating injuries that does not involve the use of medicine or surgical procedures when treating patients with physical ailments. It is an area of study that focuses on different physical treatment methods to help people with certain illnesses or conditions that prevent them from accurately and efficiently performing day-to-day activities.

This growing field offers diverse career paths, including roles as a physical therapist, assistant, and aide, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting high growth for physical therapy jobs.

In these careers, professionals work in various settings such as hospitals, private practices, home health agencies, outpatient rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, schools, and medical clinics. People who major in physical therapy can make a difference in people’s lives on a daily basis.

Physical Therapy Career Overview

Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat patients with medical problems or injuries affecting their movement and functionality. They play a crucial role in enhancing patient mobility, managing pain, and preventing further complications.

Education and Licensing Requirements

To become a physical therapist, individuals must complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in the United States, which typically takes three years to finish. The curriculum includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and various clinical experiences. After completing their education, aspiring physical therapists must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and obtain a state license to practice.

Practice Settings

Physical therapists can work in a variety of settings, such as:

  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Home health agencies
  • Schools
  • Private practices
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Government facilities
  • Workplace wellness programs

The employment opportunities and work environment for physical therapists vary, but their primary goal remains to improve the physical well-being and quality of life for their patients.

Types of Physical Therapy Careers

The field of physical therapy offers a variety of career paths and specializations. In this section, we will explore some of the most popular types of physical therapy careers.

Orthopedic Physical Therapists

Orthopedic physical therapists specialize in treating musculoskeletal conditions and disorders, including injuries to the bones, muscles, and joints. Common issues addressed by orthopedic physical therapists include fractures, sprains, strains, and post-surgical rehabilitation. These therapists use various techniques, such as manual therapy, exercise, and patient education to promote healing and recovery.

Pediatric Physical Therapists

Pediatric physical therapists focus on improving the physical abilities and well-being of children, from infants to adolescents. These professionals work with children experiencing developmental delays, disabilities, or injuries. Pediatric physical therapists use child-friendly techniques and activities to help improve their patients’ mobility, strength, and coordination.

Geriatric Physical Therapists

Geriatric physical therapists address the specific needs of the elderly population. They help patients manage age-related ailments and conditions, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, balance disorders, and movement restrictions due to chronic illnesses. Geriatric physical therapists aim to improve patients’ quality of life by enhancing their mobility, strength, and functional ability.

Neurological Physical Therapists

Neurological physical therapists specialize in treating patients with neurological conditions, like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injuries. These therapists work to improve patients’ motor skills, balance, and coordination, with the goal of helping them regain independence and perform daily activities more effectively.

Sports Physical Therapists

Sports physical therapists work with athletes and active individuals to prevent and rehabilitate sports-related injuries. They develop personalized treatment plans, including exercises, stretches, and manual therapies, to help patients regain their strength and return to their sport or activity. In addition to injury recovery, sports physical therapists also work on injury prevention and performance enhancement.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Physical therapists have several avenues for career growth and advancement. This section outlines three key areas to explore: continuing education, specialized certifications, and leadership roles.

Continuing Education

Continuing education is crucial for physical therapists to stay updated with the latest research, techniques, and best practices. Pursuing post-professional programs through the ABPTRFE and participating in residency and fellowship opportunities offered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE) can significantly enhance a physical therapist’s expertise and skills.

Additionally, physical therapists can earn a terminal degree for further advancement in their field, such as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree or a PhD in a related field.

Specialized Certifications

Achieving specialized certifications can help physical therapists stand out in their profession and provide specialized care to their patients. The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) offers several options for certification, including:

  • Geriatrics
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Sports
  • Neurology
  • Cardiovascular and Pulmonary
  • Clinical Electrophysiology
  • Women’s Health

These certifications allow physical therapists to demonstrate advanced clinical knowledge and skills in their chosen specialty area, making them more competitive in the job market.

Leadership Roles

Physical therapists can advance their careers by taking on leadership roles within their organizations or industry. These positions may include Rehabilitation Services Director, Clinical Manager, or Team Lead. By assuming additional responsibilities, physical therapists can help shape policies, goals, and the overall direction of their workplace or profession.types of physical therapy

Additionally, physical therapists can pursue involvement in professional associations, committees, and educational institutions to further influence the field of physical therapy and shape the future of the profession.

*Note: Most positions require licenses to practice.

Companies that Hire People with Physical Therapy Degrees

Companies around the world are looking for people with physical therapy degrees in order to better their businesses.

For example, Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital hires positions for orthopedic physical therapists and more

Physical therapy is a highly useful field. It is incredibly beneficial to workers and patients alike. If you have a passion for helping to heal others without the use of surgery or medicine, then perhaps earning a physical therapy degree is the start to your bright, successful future.

4 thoughts on “What Can You Do With A Physical Therapy Degree? Exploring Career Opportunities and Growth”

  1. With all due respect, much of what is written above reads like it’s 10-15 years old as far as my field is concerned. Other parts of the article are simply factually incorrect. It really needs to be re-written by someone with knowledge of the field.

    Physical Therapy itself has been a very rewarding career. There are few other places I could imagine where someone walks in my door with debilitating pain and in many cases I can get them out within the hour walking better with much reduced or abolished pain/symptoms, and have them back to good function within weeks while also educating them on the underlying cause of their issues rather than simply treating the symptoms.

    It takes a lot of work and dedication. Current minimal entry requirements are completion of a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (there are no bachelor or masters degrees anymore) and passing the national board exam. If you’re looking for a job look somewhere else. If you’re looking for a career then physical therapy may be of interest.

    Respectfully,
    Jeremy Brady, Doctor of Physical Therapy

    1. Hi Jeremy! Thank you so much for reading… and for your feedback. Feel free to send us an article that would make this better, and we’ll talk about putting it here. Looking forward to seeing it!

    2. I can see why Jeremy feels the article may read a bit dated, but I think the article is meant more as an introduction to the field. I don’t think it is meant to be the most up to date cutting edge current info on physical therapy. It seems more of a high level overview that simply introduces someone who may know nothing or very little about the medical field.

      Here is a more in depth article with videos from leading professionals in physical therapy that goes over some of the many different types of jobs you can work in with a physical therapy degree. Physical Therapy Jobs: Descriptions & Video Overviews From Leading PTs

      Thanks for putting this together, I think it is a good starting point to introduce prospective students to a physical therapy degree if they hadn’t considered one yet.

  2. Pingback: Physical Therapy Graduate Programs – Facts To Remember | WSHB | Franchises Business

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