Physical Therapist

Your Fit

Income

$100K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

15.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Physical Therapist?

Physical Therapists are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Physical Therapist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Physical Therapist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$72K per year	$82K per year	$100K per year	$114K per year	$131K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $52K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Physical Therapist do?

Work environment

Physical Therapists typically work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes.

Quick task list

Diagnoses and manages movement dysfunction and enhances physical and functional abilities.
Restores, maintains, and promotes not only optimal physical function but also optimal wellness and fitness and optimal quality of life as it relates to movement and health.
Prevents the onset, symptoms, and progression of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities that may result from diseases, disorders, conditions, or injuries.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Orthopedic Physical Therapy: Focuses on treating musculoskeletal injuries involving muscles, bones, ligaments, fascias, and tendons.
Neurological Physical Therapy: Specializes in the treatment of individuals with a neurological disorder or disease such as stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or brain injury.
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Specialized in aiding patients with cardiopulmonary disorders and post-operative cardiac or pulmonary surgery.
Pediatric Physical Therapy: Assists in early detection of health problems in infants, children, and adolescents.
Geriatric Physical Therapy: Covers a wide area of issues concerning people as they go through normal adult aging.

Description

Physical Therapists play a critical role in the healthcare system by helping patients regain mobility and manage pain, often reducing the need for long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects. They work with patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly, in a variety of therapeutic settings.

Their role is not just limited to rehabilitation but also includes promoting overall health and wellness through proactive management of conditions. Physical Therapists must be excellent communicators, both in listening to the concerns of their patients and in explaining treatment protocols.

The profession requires a strong foundation in science, including biology, anatomy, and physiology. It is a career that demands patience, compassion, and the ability to motivate patients, along with an in-depth understanding of physical movement and the human body.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a tangible difference in patients' lives by improving their physical function and quality of life.
Engaging in diverse clinical challenges across different patient populations.
Opportunities for continual learning and specialization in various areas of physical therapy.

You might make a good Physical Therapist if you are...

Compassionate and possess a desire to help others improve their physical abilities.
Interested in human anatomy and physiology.
Patient and able to motivate people during their recovery process.
Good at problem-solving and have strong observational skills to diagnose and treat impairments.
Able to communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals.

Pros:

Rewarding career with direct impact on patients' well-being.
Diverse opportunities in various healthcare settings.
Growing demand due to aging populations and healthcare advancements.

Cons:

Physically demanding, often requiring movement and support of patients.
Emotionally challenging, dealing with patients in pain or distress.
Requires ongoing education to stay current in the field.

How to become a Physical Therapist

Typical education

To become a Physical Therapist, an individual usually needs to complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, which typically takes about 3 years following an undergraduate degree, amounting to approximately 7 years of post-secondary education.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Chemistry to understand the basics of human biology and science.
Physics to gain an understanding of mechanics and movement.
Mathematics for developing problem-solving skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Sports or fitness activities to appreciate physical health and wellness.
Volunteering at healthcare facilities to gain early exposure to the medical field.
Participating in clubs that focus on science and health education.

Preparation after high school

Pursue an undergraduate degree in a related field like biology, health sciences, or kinesiology.
Gain volunteer or work experience in physical therapy settings.
Complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
Obtain licensure as required in your state or country.

More resources

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) - Offers resources, education, and networking opportunities.
The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) - Provides information on licensure and examinations.
Physical Therapy Web - A resource for news, articles, and job postings in the field of physical therapy.
World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) - Offers international perspectives and resources for physical therapists.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.