Motivations to Become a Physical Therapist

A physical therapist works with patients who have physical disabilities from an accident, illness or chronic condition. The therapist helps patients improve mobility and restore function. Several advantages to becoming a physical therapist make this a solid career choice.

Geography

Physical therapists are very much in demand, and can work in nearly any town in any part of the country. They also can choose from many work environments, including hospitals, nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation clinics, home health agencies and more.

Rewarding Career

Physical therapists have a rewarding career helping people improve their lives after experiencing physical trauma, dealing with a developmental disability or learning to cope with a chronic disorder such as multiple sclerosis.

Employment Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects job opportunities for physical therapists to grow much faster than average at least through 2016. Increasing numbers of elderly people will need physical therapy, and technological advances also save more people's lives, which means more people will need this service.

Salary

Average salary for physical therapists in 2008 was about $36 per hour, or around $74,500 annually, according to the BLS. The top 10 percent of earners were making more than $104,000 annually.

Flexible Schedules

Because of the high demand for these employees, many types of schedules are available. Physical therapists can work full-time or part-time, on a permanent, contract or temporary basis. Traveling physical therapists enjoy living in different areas while working on a per diem basis.

References

• Physical therapist: one of the best careers
• Information on physical therapist careers from the BLS
• Physical therapist salaries