Physical Therapy
It is estimated that physical therapists help over 900,000 individuals daily to restore health, alleviate pain, and prevent the onset of disease. Physical therapy takes a personal and direct approach to meeting an individual's health needs and goals.
For people with health problems resulting from injury or disease, the physical therapist assists in the recovery process. The physical therapist helps facilitate people’s function by enhancing the patients’ strength, relieving pain, and regaining correct movement patterns of the involved area so the patient can perform the normal activities of daily living.
Another role of the physical therapist is to keep individuals healthy and protect them from injury. Physical therapists can optimize the physical performance of an individual by teaching and designing fitness programs.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is a comprehensive program designed to prepare a clinician who can think critically and solve problems; apply scientifically validated therapeutic skills and techniques effectively; respect the uniqueness and dignity of the individual; and understand the responsibilities of the health care provider in the professional and community life of the next century.
OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Acute care
Administration
Aquatic therapy
Cardiopulmonary
Education
Geriatrics hand rehabilitation
Neurology
Oncology
Orthopedics
Pediatrics`
Research
Sports medicine
Women’s health
*These positions may require additional education or training.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Employment of physical therapists is expected to grow 27 percent from 2006 to 2016. The impact of proposed Federal legislation imposing limits on reimbursement for therapy services may adversely affect the short-term job outlook for physical therapists.
However, the long-run demand for physical therapists should continue to rise as new treatments and techniques expand the scope of physical therapy practices. Moreover, demand will be spurred by the increasing numbers of individuals with disabilities or limited function. (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos080.htm)
POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS
Armed forces
Athletic facilities
Businesses/corporations
Clinics
Colleges/universities
Contract agencies
Hospitals
Medical supply companies
Private practices
Public/private schools
Skilled nursing home facilities
Sports teams
State agencies
SOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Books (* denotes books available in the Career Center Library)
- *Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance, Vol. 4, Chicago, IL: Ferguson Publishing Co., 2000.
- Garner, Geraldine O. Careers in Social & Rehabilitation Services, New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2008.
- Heitzmann, W.R. Opportunities in Sports and Fitness Careers, Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Books, 2003.
- Krumhansl, Bernice R. Opportunities in Physical Therapy Careers, New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2006.
Professional Associations
American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, http://www.apta.org.
Web sites