Physical therapy professionals evaluate and treat people with a wide variety of movement dysfunction, such as those resulting from congenital disorders, trauma, stroke, neurological disease, or cardiovascular disease. They work with patients and other health care professionals to preserve, develop, and restore optimal physical function. Physical therapists practice in acute care or sub-acute care hospitals, private facilities, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, schools, and pediatric centers. Others work in research institutions or teach in colleges or universities.
Areas of Work and Emerging Areas of Specialty
Physical Therapists practice in traditional hospital settings, private practice, rehabilitation centers, public and private school systems, home health care, nursing homes, and industry.
Emerging areas of specialty:
- Evaluation of worksites
- Development exercise programs
- Education of safe work habits to employees in the hope of reducing injuries in the workplace
- Home consultation for design and accessibility
Job Outlook
Recent information published by the U.S.Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that the job outlook for physical therapists will increase much faster than the average, as growth in the number of individuals with disabilities or limited functioning spurs demand for therapy services.
Salary range
$50,330 to $71,760
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