Career Outlook

Physical Therapists provide services aimed at preventing the onset and/or slowing the progression of conditions resulting from injury, disease, and other causes. PTs provides these services to people of all ages who have functional conditions resulting from back and neck injuries, sprains/strains and fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, birth defects such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida, injuries related to work and sports, and others.

Earning Expectations

More than 120,000 Physical Therapists are licensed in the U.S. today. The annual median salary for a Physical Therapist is $70,000 depending on position, years of experience, degree of education, geographic location, and practice setting.

Practice Locations

Although many Physical Therapists practice in hospitals, nearly 80 percent practice in:
Outpatient clinics or offices
Inpatient rehabilitation facilities
Skilled nursing, extended care, or sub-acute facilities
Homes
Education or research centers
Schools
Hospices
Industrial, workplace, or other occupational environments
Fitness centers and sports training facilities

Education Requirements

The minimum educational requirement is a post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited education program. The majority of programs offer a master's degree, but a growing number of programs offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Currently, 202 colleges and universities nationwide offer professional education programs in Physical Therapy; 45 percent offer the DPT and another 40 percent are planning to convert.

Licensure Requirements

After graduation, candidates must pass a state-administered national exam. Other requirements for Physical Therapy practice vary from state to state according to Physical Therapy practice acts or state regulations governing Physical Therapy.

Employment Outlook

With just a 1.1 percent unemployment rate, Physical Therapists are now experiencing the best employment conditions since enactment of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.

For more information on a career in Physical Therapy, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) or contact APTA Public Relations, 1111 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314-1488; Phone: 703.706.3248; FAX: 703.706.8578.