ABOUT PHYSICAL THERAPY

Physical therapists (PTs) are licensed medical professionals who work with patients that have disabilities, impairments, or limitations in their overall physical function. Physical therapists work with people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, who have experienced medical problems or other health-related issues that limit their ability to move and/or function in their daily lives.

Physical Therapist Job Description

Physical therapists (PTs) help patients such as accident victims or those with disabilities maintain or restore maximum movement, restore function, improve mobility or relieve pain. They develop treatment programs and work with their patients until the desired outcomes are achieved. This can take as little as a couple weeks or go on for multiple years depending on the patient’s condition. The act of physical therapy is performed by a physical therapist or a physical therapy assistant (PTA) working under the guidance of a licensed physical therapist. PTs may work in permanent full-time positions or work in travel physical therapy jobs, which are typcally 13-month contract assignments.

Physical Therapist Job Duties

Typical physical therapist job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Evaluating their patient’s medical histories and the cause(s) of their ailment
• Measuring their patients basic motor functions, such as range of motion, strength and balance
• Formulating their patient’s goals and developing a treatment plan
• Establishing a daily routine and timeline
• Assessing their patient’s progress and determination of their ability to return to optimal form

Physical Therapy Job Settings

Physical therapy services can be practiced in a variety of settings including:

• Hospitals
• Outpatient clinics
• Work settings
• Nursing homes
• Schools
• Sports / fitness facilities
• Private homes

Physical Therapy Job Requirements

In order to work in physical therapist job, a candidate must posses a master's or doctoral degree in physical therapy. In addition, they must pass the national licensure exam and the state exam for where they wish to practice. The same requirements apply for both permanent and traveling physical therapist jobs. In order to retain these licenses, PTs must take continuing education courses each year or attend workshops such as the APTA’s annual meeting.

Physical Therapy Employment

Physical therapists (PTs) held about 173,000 perm and travel PT jobs in 2006 according to the US Occupational Outlook Handbook, although that number is actually higher due to the number of practicing physical therapists who hold multiple jobs. Physical therapy employment is expected to grow 27 percent from 2006 to 2016, which is higher than the average growth for all occupations*. This is mainly attributed to a number of factors including:

• The increased number of individuals with disabilities
• The number of baby-boomers entering the target age for heart attacks and strokes
• Overall interest and awareness in healthy lifestyles

*Source: US Occupational Outlook Handbook

Please visit our physical therapy jobs page to find out more information about the permanent opportunities or travel PT jobs available at Onward Healthcare or call 1-800-278-0332 to speak with one of our physical therapy job recruiters.

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