Want a career as a Physical Therapist? The job market’s getting better, but it’s tricky to know how many Physical Therapist jobs are around. We’ve got the latest info on Physical Therapist job availability. This is your chance to make a smart decision and get ahead in your chosen career!
Introduction
The field of physical therapy is growing and in high demand! Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who help diagnose and treat those with medical issues, injuries, or physical disabilities. They help their patients get stronger, more mobile, and healthier with exercises, stretches, and other treatments.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the job outlook for physical therapists is set to increase 18% from 2019 to 2029 – much faster than other occupations. This is mainly due to the aging baby boomer population, leading to more need for physical therapy services. Plus, there’s a high demand for physical therapists in rural and underserved areas. A career as a physical therapist is very rewarding and has lots of great opportunities.
Overview of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a quickly-growing field that has lots of job options for qualified experts. Physical therapists work with sick or injured people to help them get back their strength, movement, and ability with certain exercises and therapies. This field also has physical therapy aides and assistants who work alongside physical therapists to give help and look after patients.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that physical therapist jobs will probably grow 18 percent from 2019 to 2029. This growth is because of the older population needing more rehab services and medical technology that helps trauma victims and babies with birth defects live. So, there will be a lot of job openings for people who want to work in this field.
Types of Physical Therapy Jobs
Physical therapy is a vibrant field with multiple job choices for therapists who have the right education, training, and certification. Different types of physical therapy jobs need distinct duties connected to various medical conditions and treatment methods.
The most general career paths for physical therapists are:
- Orthopedic physical therapists take care of patients recovering from musculoskeletal injuries.
- Geriatric physical therapists help older adults with age-related conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis.
- Neurological physical therapists assist patients with brain and nervous system issues.
- Pediatric physical therapists work with infants and kids with developmental delays or disabilities.
- Sports physical therapists specialize in treating athletes and sports-related injuries.
With the growing elderly population and a greater need for physical therapy, the job outlook for physical therapists is expected to rise by 18% from 2019 to 2029.
Job Requirements for Physical Therapists
Physical therapists need specific qualifications to practice. These include:
- A doctoral/master’s degree in physical therapy
- Licensure/certification
- Clinical experience
- Plus, interpersonal skills, compassion, patience, and physical stamina are essential for providing quality care.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that physical therapist employment will grow by 18% by 2029. This is much faster than average. The growing population of elderly people and new medical technologies/techniques will drive this demand.
Salaries for Physical Therapists
Physical therapy is a vibrant field with many career chances and lucrative salaries. In the US, there are over 250,000 licensed physical therapists. Demand for physical therapists is expected to rise by 18% by 2029.
The salary of a physical therapist depends on several elements. These include their educational level, years of experience and the locality they work in. As of May 2020, the average annual income for physical therapists in the US was $91,010, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The best-paid physical therapists receive around $123,350 per year, while the least-paid get roughly $63,450 per annum.
Pro Tip: Specializing in areas such as sports or pediatrics could boost employment chances and earning potential in physical therapy.
Job Outlook for Physical Therapists
Physical therapy is an expanding field with a secure job outlook. Demand for certified physical therapists is predicted to surge in the coming years, especially as the population grows older and requires more therapeutic services.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that physical therapists’ employment is likely to increase 18 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all professions. This growth is expected to generate an estimated 47,000 new job openings nationally.
Furthermore, current events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted the significance of healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, who help patients regain physical power, agility, and autonomy.
If you are contemplating a career in physical therapy, the job outlook is quite encouraging, offering chances for professional progress and stability.
Benefits of Working as a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists are essential for helping patients heal from illnesses or injuries and get back their strength and mobility. There is a high demand for physical therapists, with numerous job openings in the field.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that in 2019, there were around 258,200 physical therapist jobs in the US. The job outlook for this profession is very promising, with a predicted job growth of 18% between 2019 and 2029, much faster than the average rate for all occupations.
The advantages of being a physical therapist go beyond job security and career growth. Many physical therapists find their work highly satisfying, as they can make a significant difference in people’s lives. Plus, physical therapists can choose to specialize in a particular area, like sports medicine or pediatrics, which lets them customize their work to their abilities and interests.
Conclusion
So, the job prospects for Physical Therapists are great! A 22% growth rate is expected from 2018 to 2028, with over 71,000 new job opportunities.
The demand for physical therapy services is increasing due to the aging population, medical tech developments, and growing awareness of physical therapy’s health benefits.
Physical Therapists can specialize in areas such as pediatrics, sports medicine, neurology, and orthopedics to expand job prospects and income. Pursuing a career in Physical Therapy is a sound investment for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many physical therapy jobs are available in the US?
Currently, there are over 247,000 physical therapy jobs in the US.
2. What regions have the highest demand for physical therapy jobs?
The Northeast and West regions have the highest demand for physical therapy jobs in the US.
3. What types of settings offer the most job opportunities for physical therapists?
Hospitals, outpatient clinics, and skilled nursing facilities offer the most job opportunities for physical therapists.
4. What is the job outlook for physical therapists in the coming years?
The job outlook for physical therapists is expected to grow by 22% between 2018-2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
5. What education and training is required to become a physical therapist?
To become a physical therapist, you need to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited program and obtain a state license.
6. What is the average salary for physical therapists?
The average annual salary for physical therapists is $89,440, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.