Physical Therapists

Career summary

#No alternate titles CJ

Physical therapists care for patients with injuries or illness. Doctors refer patients to physical therapy for conditions such as:

• Lower back pain
• Arthritis
• Broken bones
• Sport injuries
• Strokes
• Heart disease

Physical therapists help patients decrease pain and improve strength. They also try to prevent permanent disabilities or stop conditions from worsening.

Physical therapists review the doctor's referral and the patient's medical history. They test the patient's posture, balance, strength, muscle function, and range of motion. When their evaluation is complete, therapists write a treatment plan.

Physical therapists use a wide range of treatments (or modalities), such as:

• Exercise
• Hot and cold applications
• Ultrasound and electrical stimulation
• Deep tissue massage

They make sure patients understand how the treatments work and answer questions. Therapists teach patients how to do exercises at home and use support devices such as crutches and walkers. They also teach families how to help patients with their exercises. They may refer patients for prosthetic devices, which are artificial replacements for legs or arms.

Physical therapists check patients' progress and modify plans when necessary. They consult with other medical staff about patients' responses to treatment. They keep detailed patient records. Physical therapists may supervise physical therapy aides and assistants who help to carry out treatment plans.

Some physical therapists specialize in one type of care such as sports medicine. Others help to develop fitness- and wellness-oriented programs that help to encourage a healthier and more active lifestyle.

Related careers

This career is part of the Health Science cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Acupuncturists
• Athletic Trainers
• Chiropractors
• Exercise Physiologists
• Massage Therapists
• Occupational Therapist Assistants
• Occupational Therapists
• Physical Therapist Aides
• Physical Therapist Assistants
• Speech Pathologists and Audiologists

Military careers

• Physical and Occupational Therapists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to physical therapists.

• Create individualized treatment programs for patients. Programs help patients maintain, improve, and restore functions.
• Examine patients and record findings. Review findings to identify problems and determine a diagnosis.
• Evaluate treatment effects and modify treatment plans when necessary.
• Use massage and traction to relieve pain and improve function.
• Instruct patients and their families in treatment procedures to be continued at home.
• Consult with other medical staff to obtain information or to discuss treatment plans. Refer to others when necessary.
• Review doctors' referrals and examine patients' medical histories.
• Record treatment and progress in patients' charts. May enter information into computer.
• Receive patient's consent to treatment.
• Test and measure patients' strength, posture, balance, muscle function, and range of motion. Identify problems and a diagnosis.
• Release patient from therapy when goals have been reached. Provide follow-up care or referrals.
• Identify and document goals, expected progress, and plans for reevaluation.
• Describe treatments to patients, including risks and benefits.
• Supervise physical therapist assistants and aides in support tasks.
• Treat with physical agents, such as hot and cold packs, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound.
• Teach physical therapy students and other medical staff.
• Fit and adjust prosthetic and orthotic devices for patient. Recommend changes to orthotist.
• Educate others about physical therapy, physical therapists, injury prevention, and ways to stay healthy.
• Refer patients to resources and services in the community.
• Research physical therapy methods.

Common work activities

Physical therapists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Assist and care for others
• Document and record information
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Perform for or work with the public
• Get information needed to do the job
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Handle and move objects
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Think creatively
• Analyze data or information
• Develop goals and strategies
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Process information
• Teach others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Schedule work and activities
• Evaluate information against standards
• Use computers
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Coach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, physical therapists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. They work closely with patients and medical staff.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of patients.
• May on occasion deal with people who are unpleasant or angry due to their illnesses or injuries.
• Have moderate responsibility for patient outcomes. Patients are ultimately responsible for following therapists' plans.
• Communicate with patients and coworkers daily by telephone or in person.
• Write letters and e-mails on a weekly basis.
• Work in a group or as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Work very near patients. They often work within inches of other people.
• Are exposed to diseases and infections on a daily basis.
• Often wear safety gear, such as gloves, when interacting with patients.

Work performance

• Must be sure that their work is accurate. Errors could seriously endanger patients' health.
• Sometimes repeat the same physical activities, such as lifting patients or helping them move.
• Make decisions on a daily basis that strongly impact patients. They rarely consult with other physical therapists before making decisions.
• Are usually able to set tasks and goals without consulting with other physical therapists.
• Are moderately competitive. They may compete with other physical therapists, especially if they are self-employed.
• Must meet strict deadlines on a weekly basis. Their schedules are largely dictated by patient appointments.

Hours/travel

• Generally have a set schedule each week.
• May work part time or full time. Most work 40 hours a week.
• May work some evenings and weekends.

Physical demands

Physical therapists frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

It is important for physical therapists to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for physical therapists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.

Skills and abilities

Physical therapists need to:

Communicate

• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.

Work with things

• Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Physical Therapy
• Pre-Health Services

Other programs of study to consider

• Anatomy
• Athletic Training
• Exercise Physiology
• Exercise Science and Kinesiotherapy
• Massage Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Orthotic and Prosthetic Therapies
• Osteopathic Medicine
• Physical Therapy Assisting
• Physiology
• Recreation Therapy

Training

To work as a physical therapist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree;
• have a master's degree or higher in physical therapy;
• complete an internship; and
• have a license.

Education after high school

Two degrees are available in physical therapy -- master's or doctoral (DPT). The field is moving toward phasing out the master's degree and making the doctorate the standard. However, currently either the master's degree or doctorate will prepare you to work as a physical therapist. You do not need to complete a master's degree before enrolling in a doctoral program. While admissions requirements vary, one of the main requirements for either type of program is a bachelor's degree.

Physical therapy programs take about three years to complete. You take basic science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics. You also take specialized courses in topics such as biomechanics, exam techniques, and therapy procedures. In addition, you receive supervised clinical experience working with patients.

Many undergraduate majors prepare you for graduate study in physical therapy. Regardless of your major, be sure to take courses in anatomy, chemistry, biology, physics, and humanities.

Military training

The military does not provide the initial training for physical therapists. However, it can provide work experience.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements. Physical therapists need a strong background in science and math. If possible, take math through Trigonometry and science through Physics.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Computer Applications
• Health Education
• Introduction to Health Care
• Nursing

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers require physical therapists to be licensed. Employers prefer to hire therapists who get along well with people and communicate clearly. A caring, helpful attitude is also an advantage in this occupation.

Some employers prefer to hire graduates who have gained work experience at a physical therapy clinic while in school.

Employers in job settings where there is little supervision prefer to hire experienced therapists. Such settings include schools, rural home care settings, hospitals, home health agencies, rehabilitation centers, specialty clinics, and industrial and sports settings. Workers with clinical experience can also receive clinical specialist certification through the American Physical Therapy Association . Specialty areas include cardiovascular and pulmonary, clinical electrophysiology, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, orthopaedics, pediatrics, women's health, and sports physical therapy.

#Verified certification info above 3/20/07, 3/23/09, 3/22/11, 4/16/13, 3/18/15, 1/03/17, 4/5/19 CJ.

Tips

Include as many basic science and psychology courses as possible when selecting undergraduate courses. Volunteer work can help when applying for a program and is required in many cases. Observe a physical therapist where he or she works.

Costs to workers

Expenses include additional college classes to keep up with changes in the field and reference books. Many join professional associations, which may have annual dues.

Licensing/certification

Physical therapists must be licensed by the State of Washington. This is required for employment, except in federal facilities. Licensing requirements include:

• a good moral character;
• a four-year degree in physical therapy from a school approved by the Washington State Board of Physical Therapy or a four-year degree and a certificate or advanced degree from a school of physical therapy approved by the Board;
• passing a written examination;
• listing all employment history for three years prior to applying for license;
• answering personal data questions;
• seven-clock hours of AIDS education;
• completion of online jurisprudence exam; and
• completion of 24 hours of continuing education and 200 hours of employment every two years for license renewal.

Therapists must pay a application fee, national exam and testing fee and an administration fee.

For more information, contact:

Washington State Department of Health
Board of Physical Therapy 
PO Box 47877
Olympia, WA 98504
360.236.4700

#2/10/20

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Physical Therapists 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Physical therapists working for public schools in the state earn an average base salary of $59,678 per year.

#all updated 2016. OSPI wage updated from 2015-16 personnel summary report 4/3/17 & 2017-18 rpt 4/5/19 cj.

Wages vary depending on the work setting. For example, physical therapists in home health care tend to earn somewhat higher wages than those in other settings.

Full-time physical therapists often receive benefits. Typical benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

State Outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Doctors' offices
• Hospitals
• Home health care services
• Nursing homes

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is growing significantly. This is mostly due to the large increase in the aging population. New health care laws also mean that more people will be covered by health insurance and will seek health care treatment. New medical developments such as joint replacements also increase the demand for this occupation.

Job opportunities should be good especially in rural areas and underserved parts of the country.

Other resources

American Association of Anatomists 
6120 Executive Boulevard, Suite 725
Rockville, MD 20852
301.634.7910

American Kinesiotherapy Association 

American Physical Therapy Association 
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
800.999.2782
703.684.2782

Explore Health Careers: Physical Therapist 

Health Occupation Students of America 
548 Silicon Drive, Suite 101
Southlake, TX 76092
800.321.HOSA

Interview with a Traveling Physical Therapist 
Bureau of Labor Statistics Career Outlook

Physical Therapy Association of Washington 
208 Rogers Street NW
Olympia, WA 98502
800.554.5569
360.352.7290

References

Career cluster

• Health Science

Career path

• Social

O*Net  occupation

• Physical Therapists (29-1123.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

DOT occupation

• Physical Therapist (076.121-014) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Physical Therapist

Holland occupational cluster

• Social/Investigative/Realistic

COPSystem

• Service Professional