Physical Therapists are part of the medical team health care providers who diagnose, assess, and treat any individuals who have medical problems and conditions that limits their capabilities to move, and do functional activities in their everyday lives. It is their duty to examine patients who are injured or with debilitating illnesses and therefore cannot possibly move, to devise a plan using treatment techniques to alleviate the pain, develop the ability to move and restore function, preventing permanent disability, They also treat patients to prevent any possibility of loss of physical movement by developing wellness and fitness oriented programs to live a healthier and more active lifestyle. The job of the physical therapist is tough and demanding since they have to physically assists the patient in all his therapeutic exercises, functional training and manual therapy techniques. They may have to kneel, crouch, stoop, stand for long periods of time, and lift the patients and help them walk, stand and turn.

To become a Physical Therapist you need to graduate from a physical therapy education degree program from accredited school. After graduation, you are required to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination and are expected to undergo continuing education to maintain your licensure. Professional growth is encouraged by participating in education courses and workshops. Majority of physical therapist works in hospitals, doctor’s clinics, home health care facilities, nursing care facilities, rehabilitation centers and outpatient care centers. Some physical therapist teaches in schools and while others conducts research.

The salary of the Physical Therapist may vary depending on the location, his level of training and education, experience, and specialization and certification he possess. If you are working in a place where cost of living is higher then expects to have a higher salary range than the other city. Physical Therapist who has undergone more training and education will definitely have the advantage of earning more since they have more knowledge and are trained more than their counterparts. Physical therapist who has been on the job for 10 years or more will definitely have higher salary than those below 10 years of work experience. Physical therapist who has undergone further education and training of a specialized area in physical therapy would receive higher income than those who did not.

The place of work where the physical therapist is employed can affect his salary. Physical therapist working in home health care services receives higher salary ($81,870) than those working in the hospitals ($73,600). Nursing facilities pay them $76,730 annually as compare to Doctors clinics $74,530. Other physical therapist with higher credentials and are specialized can command a salary of $90,000 and higher. Aside from the salary they also have benefits, expense compensation, and bonuses.

The job of a physical therapist is demanding physically, mentally and emotionally. You are in charge of the rehabilitation of patients with physical disabilities. It is a tough job but if you are up to the challenge it could also be satisfying and rewarding for you, not only financially but also personally.