Physical Therapist Salaries
How to become a physical therapist – Physical Therapist Salaries. Are you the type of person that enjoys helping people? Have you ever wanted to enter the medical field in a position that is both challenging and rewarding? Do you ever feel the need to relieve peoples suffering? If so, becoming a physical therapist may be the occupation for you.
With so many people with disabling conditions, physical therapists are greatly in demand. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapy is projected to be the fastest growing profession than any other occupation requiring a master’s degree, through the year 2018. How to become a physical therapist
What Physical Therapists Do
At the core, physical therapists help individuals who are affected physically, either by illness or by injury to recover or improve their body functions. The physical therapist evaluates the patient’s condition in order to administer a customized plan for patient’s rehabilitation. They must be adept in reducing patient’s not only pain and discomfort but also enhancing the individuals strength, range of motion, flexibility, and motor control. Generally, it is the physical therapist’s responsibility to help restore, maintain, and promote physical wellbeing.
Education
To be considered a physical therapist, one must graduate from a physical therapy program with either a master’s of a doctorate. The courses consist of biology, chemistry and physics. In addition, they have coursework in biomechanics, therapeutic procedures, human development, and neuroanatomy. Upon completion from a physical therapy program, graduates must pass national and state licensing exams in order to practice. How to become a physical therapist
What Physical Therapists Earn
Like most medical occupations, physical therapists can earn as much as their skill level and specialty allows. The average pays for a beginning therapist ranges from $50,848 to $60,987, and after the first year can rise to $64,662.00. After 5 years, physical therapists can expect a salary between $59,503 and $72,918. In addition, after the 10-year mark, therapists can earn $80,767 annually. Therapist who specialize in the areas of wound care, pediatrics, orthopedics, or geriatrics, command some of the highest incomes ranging between $58,242 and $81,448.
For the self-employed physical therapist, salary is commensurate to skill level and specialty. Statistics show that the self-employed therapist earns the highest salaries in the industry with earnings average between $55,732 and $85,000. How to become a physical therapist.
Becoming a physical therapist is a challenging yet rewarding career option for those with a desire to rehabilitate disabled individuals. It is also an occupation that will always be well paid and in demand.
