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Physical Therapist Job Description

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Overview

physical therapist
469
The number of occurrences in our database.
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The Physical Therapist uses techniques to assist people with injuries and illness in order to recover movement, reduce pain, get stronger, become more flexible, and better perform daily tasks. Their role is consulting with patients to learn about their physical condition, assessing and interpreting patient evaluations and test results, and developing treatment plans using a variety of treatment techniques. Their responsibilities are advising patients on exercise techniques and in-home treatment options, providing educational information about injury restrictions, ergonomics and ways to support physical health, consulting and collaborating with other healthcare professionals, documenting pa...

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Steps to take to start your career as a Physical Therapist and other jobs like it

  • Most physical therapy programs require a bachelor’s degree including specific prerequisite courses in areas like anatomy, physiology, and psychology. Knowing the prerequisites before choosing what to study will save you having to complete those courses later.
  • Earning a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as biology, kinesiology, exercise science, or a science focused major will likely include most if not all required physical therapy program prerequisite courses. You can however complete any undergraduate major and add on the additional prerequisite courses
  • Apply to accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. (Need a bachelor's degree & prerequisite classes) DPT programs in the USA typically take around three years and involve both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical rotations under the supervision of experienced physical therapists.
  • After graduating from a DPT program, you'll need to pass the NPTE to become licensed. This exam assesses your knowledge and skills in the field. Each state may have specific licensing requirements, so be sure to check in your desired location for work.
  • Physical therapists can choose to specialize in areas such as orthopedics, sports, neurology, or pediatrics. This will likely involve additional training and or certifications.
Hear from someone who’s had the job or one like it
"Do you love science and are interested in a career in the medical field? Physical therapy might just be the dream job you've been looking for. Learn more about what it’s really like to be a physical therapist from an expert in the field."
Career Video Transcript
Examples of Current Open Physical Therapist Positions
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indeedImg
Avg Pay: $114K
Jobs: 0
glassdoor
Avg Pay: $82K
Jobs: 12,828

Education you need to become a Physical Therapist

These are the most common degrees or certificates earned by Jobtrees users prior to becoming a Physical Therapist

There may be other required degrees or certifications needed for this job. The below info shows you the most commonly desired education level from employers when hiring for this job.

  • Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy
    The number of occurrences matches with Physical Therapist in our database.
    Avg. Duration:34 monthsAvg. Fees:$48,480Type:Mostly full timeView more on Studyportals
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy
    The number of occurrences matches with Physical Therapist in our database.
    Avg. Duration:34 monthsAvg. Fees:$48,480Type:Mostly full timeView more on Studyportals
  • Master Degree in Physical Activity
    The number of occurrences matches with Physical Therapist in our database.
    Avg. Duration:18 monthsAvg. Fees:$46,813Type:Mostly full timeView more on Studyportals
  • Bachelor Degree in Physical Therapy
    The number of occurrences matches with Physical Therapist in our database.
    Avg. Duration:63 monthsAvg. Fees:$36,212Type:Mostly full timeView more on Studyportals
  • Bachelor of Science (b.sc.) in Kinesiology
    The number of occurrences matches with Physical Therapist in our database.
    Avg. Duration:48 monthsAvg. Fees:$28,709Type:Mostly full timeView more on Studyportals
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Annual Pay Estimate for Physical Therapist and Other Important Info

See how many years Physical Therapist's are in their job, how much they make, how long it took to get there and how available this job is in terms of open positions.

5.3 years
$98K
The average years of experience in the workforce prior to having this role
2.93 years
Mid
The average number of roles it took our users to get to this one
4
328 out of 4012

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Career Paths for Physical Therapist

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Jobs to start your career in becoming a Physical Therapist

These are the most common roles Jobtrees users had to start their career that eventually lead them to Physical Therapist. If you’re looking to get into this career these are jobs to consider to get your start. We’ve included below some current open job postings that match those roles. Click to search for more.