If you’re interested in a career as a physical therapist, you’ll need to first gain some qualifications. There are several different types of PT degrees out there, and you can specialize in sports therapy, orthopedic PT, pediatric PT, or movement & rehabilitation therapy. Once you’ve achieved your qualification, you’ll need to find a job and start practicing. Here are some tips on how to become a physical therapist!
What is the Role of a Physical Therapist?
A physical therapist is a healthcare professional who helps people with physical disabilities by providing rehabilitation and therapeutic services. A physical therapist typically works with patients to help them regain their ability to move and function independently. They may also work with patients to prevent further injury or disability.
The Education and Training Required for Becoming a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists are required to have a doctoral degree in physical therapy from an accredited institution. After completing their doctoral program, physical therapists must pass the National Physical Therapist Examination (NPTE). Once they have achieved this certification, physical therapists must complete an ongoing education program to maintain their certification.
The Certification Process for Physical Therapists
The certification process for physical therapists is extensive and typically requires at least an undergraduate degree in physical therapy from an accredited school. After completing an accredited program, students must then complete a 192-hour post-professional residency in physical therapy. Additionally, many states require physical therapists to pass a national certification examination.
The National Physical Therapy Association (NPTA) is the leading organization for physical therapist certification. NPTA offers two types of certification: clinical and professional. Clinical certification is available to individuals who have completed an accredited physical therapy program and passed the NPTA’s National Board Examination. Professional certification is available to individuals who have completed an accredited physical therapy program, passed the NPTA’s National Certification Examination, and completed a post-professional residency in physical therapy.
What are the Specializations of a Physical Therapist?
A physical therapist can specialize in a number of different areas, including but not limited to:
– Sports/Fitness Therapy
– Manual Therapists
– Pediatrics
– Rehabilitation
– Geriatrics
– Women’s Health
– Men’s Health
How Much Does a Typical Physical Therapist Salary Look Like?
Physical therapists work in a variety of settings, but the national median salary for PTs is $72,000. In order to get a feel for how much physical therapists earn across the nation, we analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Some factors that may impact a PT’s salary include education level, years of experience, and geographic location. For example, those with a doctoral degree will earn more than those who have a graduate degree or an associate’s degree. Additionally, PTs in larger metropolitan areas typically earn more than those in smaller cities or rural areas. Additionally, PTs who work in hospitals or long-term care facilities tend to make more money than those who work in outpatient settings.
What are the Requirements for Licensing as a Physical Therapist?
To become a licensed physical therapist in the United States, you will first need to complete an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. After that, you will need to obtain a professional degree in physical therapy from an accredited school. In addition, you will need to pass both the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) Registration Examination.
The Career Outlook for Physical Therapists
Physical therapists are in high demand and can enjoy excellent career prospects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), physical therapists held about 142,000 jobs in 2016. This represents a 7% growth rate since 2010, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS projects that this number will grow by 20% through 2026, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
The good news for physical therapists is that there are many different types of jobs that they can pursue. Many physical therapists work as independent practitioners or in settings such as hospitals, clinics, schools, and sports teams. Others work as part of a team with other health professionals such as occupational therapists, speech therapists, and neurologists. Physical therapists may also work in research and development centers or in government agencies.
So what kind of education does a physical therapist need? The BLS states that a bachelor’s degree is usually required for entry-level positions, but some employers may accept a PT degree from an accredited college or university. However, many employers now prefer PTs with an associate’s degree or even a certificate program. Many PTs also obtain additional certifications such as the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) Commission on Accreditation.
The good news for physical therapists is that the field is growing rapidly, and there are many opportunities for those who are qualified. The BLS projects that the number of jobs will increase by 20% through 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. So if you are interested in a career in physical therapy, be sure to get your education and certification in order so that you can start enjoying excellent career prospects.
