Partners Career & Workforce Development

Health Care Careers PT

Physical Therapist (PT)

Career Description:

Help patients increase their muscle strength, improve mobility and relieve pain due to injury or medical condition
Help rehabilitate patients who are disabled by injury or disease
Help to prevent injury by teaching patients how to avoid further injury and by promoting good practices and overall fitness and health
Assess patients to determine medical history
Test patients’ strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance and motor functions in order develop the best treatment plan for the individual
May use hot and cold compresses, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and deep tissue massage to relieve patients’ pain and discomfort before assisting them with exercises or during the course of treatment
PTs coach patients between therapy sessions by encouraging them to be consistent in their daily exercise treatment so that they gradually increase muscle strength and flexibility
Document patients’ progress and change treatments as needed
May refer patients for prosthetic devices such as artificial replacements for arms or legs; help to fit and adjust prosthetic and orthotic (physical support) devices
Supervise PT aides and assistants who help to carry out treatment plans
May supervise PT students and some perform research and educate the community about injury prevention and treatment
Consult with doctors and other medical staff to obtain information or to discuss patient treatments

Work Environment:

Working Conditions:

Often work in health care teams including doctors, nurses, occupational therapists and social workers
High level of social interaction; work closely with patients
Exposed to diseases and infections on a daily basis; wear protective clothing and safety gear as needed
May work full or part-time; most work full-time; generally work a set schedule
Must have physical stamina; lifting and standing for long periods of time common
Generally work inside; may work outside with some patients

Job Outlook:

Ranked by the U.S. Dept of Labor as one of the top 17 fastest growing occupations
Over 155,000 PTs are employed in U.S.; approximately 5,000 work in Massachusetts
72,000 PT job openings expected nationally between 2004-2014 (new and replacement positions); 37% growth rate
190 open PT positions predicted annually in MA through 2008; faster than average growth rate expected through 2012
Growth predictions are due to the aging population, increased interest in promoting health and preventing injuries, and medical advances that save the lives of babies with birth defects that will need future PT services

Career Advancement:

PTs may specialize in certain areas of medicine such as cardiovascular and pulmonary, neurology, orthopedics, sports medicine, pediatrics, or geriatrics
May advance into management or teaching
May open own practice or join private group practice

Earnings:

Nationally, the median wage for PTs is $4,890 per month, $58,680 annually.
Half of all PTs in the U.S. earn between $4,110 and $5,900 per month or $49,320 and $70,800 annually
In Massachusetts, average salary for PTs is $4,960 per month or $59,520 annually.
Half of all OTs in Massachusetts earn between $4,190 and $5,780 per month or $50,280 and $69,360 annually

Salary information is based on data extracted from the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development Career Information System, the Massachusetts Hospital Association “Pulse” website, and the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wages vary by employer, geographical location, experience and level of education. Salaries in the Boston area are generally higher than stated Massachusetts and National averages.

Education/Training Required:

In Massachusetts, becoming a professional Physical Therapist currently requires a minimum M.S. degree; more than 60% of accredited PT programs are now awarding the Doctor of PT degree; it is expected that the Doctor of PT will replace the M.S. degree as minimal requirement in the near future
The Doctor of PT degree is a six (6) year program; many programs will accept individuals with B.S. degrees in other majors of study with appropriate science courses completed
Studies include biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and specialized courses such as skeletal and neuromuscular diseases, therapeutic techniques, educational methods, examination techniques, research, administration, and clinical practice

Certification/Licensure:

Must pass the National Physical Therapy licensing examination given by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
Massachusetts Board of Registration in Physical Therapy will issue a license to those that have successfully completed an accredited program with clinical internship and passed the national board exam and apply to the state, paying associated fees

Prerequisite Educational Requirements:

High School Diploma or GED
Some schools require Algebra and Biology courses taken within the last 5 years w/ a grade of C or better.

Is this career for you?

Do you have a HS diploma or GED with completed prerequisites?
Are you interested in and can you successfully complete multiple college science courses?
Do you consider achievement important?
Are relationships important to you; Are you a team player?
Can you work independently and make sound judgments regarding patient care?
Are you compassionate?
Do you have the desire to help people?
Are you interested in “lifetime learning”?
Are you physically able to stand for long periods of time and lift, push and carry heavy objects/patients?

For more detailed information on this career visit:

American Physical Therapy Association:: select “Education” then “Career as PT/PTA”