Becoming a Physical Therapist In Today's Economy

The Physical and Rehabilitation Therapy fields are expected to grow by 30% over the next ten years. This is good news for individuals seeking a stable, well-paying career. Providing aid to victims of accidents and other types of disabling conditions, is a rewarding job and different from usual medical areas.

Schooling

Physical therapy schools offer different programs to those looking to enter this career. At the very minimum, you can take a two-year associate degree program to become an assistant for a Physical Therapist. The programs offered beyond this include receiving a Master or Doctorate toward your selected level of expertise. Undergraduate programs can last three years, or longer.

The general classes that are part of physical therapy schools include English, writing, chemistry, biology, psychology, statistics and humanities. These are just the basics that must be passed before entering into the clinical medical and scientific phases of the program.

Growth in the Field

There has always been a need for good physical therapists, but as the baby boomers of the world move into their 60s and 70s, the need for mobility also increases. Fractured bones, lower back pain and arthritis are the top complaints of an aging society and keeping this group as functional as possible is growing each day. Technical advances have also made it possible to treat children and infants with machines that gently persuade stimulation.

All areas of the country are in need of physical therapists that have the desire to aid patients and perform well. Longevity and continued outstanding reviews can also lead to higher paying jobs within the industry and allow you to choose where you want to live. Right now, Texas, Alaska, New Jersey and Maryland are the highest paying states for experienced physical therapists.

Salary Expectations

The median national income for someone entering the physical therapy field is just below $60,000 per year and can only grow from there. Different states may offer incentives to lure those of the profession with salaries in the 80-90k range. There are also management positions or the ability to begin your own practice with referrals from physicians that make the sky the limit.

Becoming a physical therapist is not just about the money but a specialized field that takes a caring, diligent attitude toward people. If you feel you have what it takes, check out the various programs in your area to begin your new career.