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Physical Therapists, also known as physiotherapists, plan, administer, and conduct medically prescribed treatment programs for patients to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent disability following disease, injury, or the loss of a body part. Physical Therapists may receive patients either directly in their office, or by referral from doctors, dentists, or podiatrists.

JOB DUTIES 

Physical Therapists may:

Evaluate the patient's medical records to determine the physical therapy treatment required

Perform patient tests, measurements, and evaluations, such as range-of-motion and manual-muscle tests, gait and functional analysis, and body-parts measurements

Confer with the physician, other therapists, social workers, nurses, and psychologists regarding patient cases

Evaluate findings and plan a written treatment program based on available patient data

Initiate physician referral for treatment

Administer manual therapeutic exercises to improve or maintain muscle function

Teach and motivate patients in non manual exercises, such as isometrics, and practical activities, such as walking

Administer such treatments/agents as light, heat, water, sound, electricity, cold, massage, air, and mobilization

Evaluate the effects of various types and durations of treatments and adjust treatments to achieve maximum benefits

Administer deep and surface massage techniques

Administer traction to relieve neck and back pain

Keep records of patients' treatments, responses, and progress

Instruct patients and their families in physical therapy procedures to be continued at home

Train patients in the use of prosthetic and orthotic devices and recommending modifications

Direct the work of physical therapist assistants and physical therapy aides

Tools, equipment and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Physical Therapists may focus their efforts in special areas, on the treatment of a specific group of individuals, or on a type of disability. These special areas may include cardiopulmonary, clinical electro-physiology, geriatrics, hand rehabilitation, neurology, obstetrics/gynecology, oncology, orthopedics, podiatry, or sports physical therapy.

They may be designated, for example, as a Pediatric Physical Therapist, Geriatric Physical Therapist, or Pulmonary Physical Therapist. Physical Therapists also may be actively engaged in such areas as research, teaching, consultation, administration, and community health and be designated, for example, as "Research Physical Therapist".

 076.121-014 PHYSICAL THERAPISTS plan, administer, and conduct medically prescribed physical therapy treatment programs for patients to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent disability following disease, injury, or the loss of a body part.

 076.121-014 PEDIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPISTS work with children.

 076.121-014 PULMONARY PHYSICAL THERAPISTS work with patients who have lung injuries or diseases.

 076.121-014 RESEARCH PHYSICAL THERAPISTS specialize in conducting physical therapy research.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts: 

  WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Physical Therapists usually work as part of a team, under the direction of a chief Physical Therapist or department head. They, in turn, supervise physical therapy assistants and aides. Physical Therapists often work with physicians, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists and other specialists.

Physical Therapists experience the sights, sounds, odors, and patient behaviors typically found in places that treat the sick and injured. They may work in such places as hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, physicians' offices, schools, private practices, patient's homes, nursing homes, colleges and universities, research laboratories, and government agencies.

They usually work indoors in comfortable, well equipped surroundings. However, those who treat patients at home or who are consultants for various agencies perform their duties under a variety of working conditions. The job can be physically and mentally exhausting.

In addition to standing for long periods, Therapists must move equipment and help patients turn, stand, or walk. Some exercise techniques are tiring for both the patient and the Therapist.

Typically, Therapists work an 8-hour day, 40-hour week.

Evening and weekend hours may be required, especially for those in private practice who must be available at times convenient for their patients or in hospitals where more acute patients are treated on weekends. Some Therapists are employed part-time.

Physical Therapists usually wear a lab coat with a sleeve emblem identifying their medical specialty. However, there are times when they wear a bathing suit and enter a pool or tank to perform water therapy.

Many Physical Therapists belong to The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) or an employee organization where they work. Members must pay periodic fees.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities which involve direct personal contact with people

• Activities concerned with communication of ideas/information to others

• Activities of a scientific and technical nature

You Should Be Able To:

• Use reason and logic

• Understand words and ideas and present information effectively

• Visualize how drawings/pictures would look as 3-dimensional objects

• See details and differences in objects, drawings, or shadings

• Work skillfully with your hands and fingers

• Plan and direct an entire activity or the activities of others

• Be friendly and influence people

• Rate information by personal judgment/standards which can be checked

• Work patiently toward long-range goals

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

The distance of the humerus is 26 cm, the distance of the force of mass on the humerus is 10 cm, the angle between the force of the mass and the humerus is 15ø. What is the force of the mass supplied by the deltoid muscle so as to hold up the outstretched arm if the mass of the arm is 3.0kg

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Must be able to read and comprehend therapeutic terminology.

For example: Compression, laceration, or transection of the spinal cord can result from fractures or fracture-dislocations of the vertebral column.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a written analysis and treatment plan, after thorough evaluation, for a patient who has paralysis in both legs.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Must possess excellent analytical skills and decision making skills when determining therapy and treatment plans for individuals.

The State of Michigan requires a license for this occupation.  Click here for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Physical Therapist for specific licensing information.

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  EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OP PORTUNITIES 

 NOTE: A Bachelor's Degree (four year of study beyond high school) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond high school) or a Professional Degree or Doctorate (seven to ten years of study after high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

 The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1500 FOODS & NUTRITION , 1800 HEALTH & HEALTH CAREERS , 2200 MATH , 2700 PHYSICAL EDUCATION , 2900 SCIENCE , 3000 SOCIAL STUDIES , 3100 STUDY & WORK OPTIONS , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

135 PHYSICALTHERAPY

Programs in Physical Therapy provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed to follow a physician's prescription for planning and directing programs for the care and treatment of individuals who have muscle, bone, nerve, or joint injuries and illness.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

220 MASSAGE THERAPY

Programs in massage therapy prepare individuals to administer systematic friction, stroking, tapping, slapping, and manipulative movements of the human body for therapeutic or relaxation purposes, either independently or under clinical supervision. Most programs include instruction in any of the various massage disciplines, basic health and first aid principles, customer/patient relations, and application of specific therapeutic conditions and problems.  

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.

 ***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check Military web site at  http://www.myfuture.com.

PHYSICAL AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS

Physical and occupational therapies are programs of treatment and exercise for patients disabled from illness or injury. Physical and occupational therapists plan and administer therapy to help patients adjust to disabilities, regain independence, and prepare to return to work.

What They Do

 Physical and occupational therapists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Test and interview patients to determine the extent of their disabilities

• Plan and manage individual physical or occupational therapy programs

• Consult with doctors to discuss and evaluate patients' progress

• Counsel patients and their families to help create a positive attitude for recovery

Special Requirements

A 4-year college degree in physical therapy, completion of a physical therapy internship program, and a state license to practice physical therapy are required to enter this occupation. Depending on specialty, a state physical therapy license or eligibility for registration with the American Occupation Therapy Association may also be required.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

• Desire to help others

• Interest in developing detailed plans and treatments

• Patience to work with people whose injuries heal slowly

• Ability to communicate effectively

Physical Demands

Physical and occupational therapists may have to lift and support patients during exercises

and treatments.

Work Environment

Physical and occupational therapists work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation, and other medical facilities.

Training Provided

No initial job training is provided to officers in this occupation.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian physical and occupational therapists work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, schools, and community health centers. They perform duties similar to those performed by military therapists. Civilian physical and occupational therapists often specialize in treating a particular type of patient, such as children, the elderly, the severely disabled, or those who have lost arms or legs (amputees).

 Opportunities

Physical and occupational therapies are programs of treatment and exercise for patients disabled from illness or injury.  Physical and occupational therapists plan and administer therapy to help patients adjusts to disabilities, regain independence, and prepare to return to work.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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 OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Experience may be gained through summer, part-time, or full-time work as a physical therapy aide in hospitals, or clinics. Volunteer work in the physical therapy department of a hospital or clinic may offer experience, as well as postsecondary physical therapy programs. College seniors and graduates with appropriate course work may receive training and experience in physical therapy by enlisting in the Armed forces. After completing the training, candidates become commissioned officers and must complete the required time in active military service, generally 45 months.

 School-to-Work opportunities include:

 informal apprenticeships

 mentorships

 job shadowing experiences

 touring a local Physical Therapist employer

 internships

 volunteer work with a Physical Therapist employer

 community service work with an agency

Physical Therapists may get their jobs by direct application to employers. Assistance may be obtained from school and college placement offices and local offices of Michigan Works!. Openings may be listed in newspaper want ads and professional publications, such as the APTA's weekly "P.T. Bulletin". In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

 You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Physical Therapists vary according to the size and type of employer, length of employment, and level of responsibility.

Nationally, the annual salaries (early 2009) of Physical Therapists employed by hospitals and related institutions were:

The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $37,544 in 2008.

Physical Therapists working for the federal government at Veterans Administration hospitals in 2009 earned between $51,026 and $66,561 yearly. Supervisors earned from $57,283 to $70,999. The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

 In Michigan hospitals, annual salaries (mid 2008) of Physical Therapists were:

Physical Therapists Aides employed by the State of Michigan had annual salaries (mid 2009) ranging from $30,950 to $42,307.

Most Physical Therapists receive paid vacations; sick leave; hospitalization, life, and disability insurance; pension plans; and educational leave. Some receive dental and optical insurance as well as tuition reimbursement.

To become a licensed Physical Therapist, individuals must graduate from a physical therapy educational program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the APTA. Physical therapy students have intensive clinical practice before graduation. After becoming licensed, they may practice as a Physical Therapist and advance with experience and demonstrated leadership ability. A career ladder may be: Licensed Physical Therapist, supervisor, and therapy department head. A graduate degree is preferred for advancing to teaching, research, and administrative positions.

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  EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

About 173,000 Physical Therapists were employed nationally in 2006. Employment is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. Additionally, about 7.4% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Physical Therapists looked like this: 

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

Increased awareness of the role of physical therapy in rehabilitation, sports medicine, the growth of programs for physically impaired children and other rehabilitation activities, plus expansion of care and facilities for the elderly are expected to lead to the creation of many new positions for these Therapists.

There are about 5,190 Physical Therapists employed in Michigan. Most Physical Therapists worked in or near metropolitan areas and large cities. Many worked in hospitals; others at clinics, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, public schools, or societies for physically impaired children.  

Employment of Physical Therapists in Michigan is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. An average of 160 annual openings is expected for Physical Therapists, with 109 due to growth and 51 due to replacement of those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations.

There will be an increasing demand for physical therapy services provided by hospitals, as well as by other health care facilities. Because an older population requires more rehabilitative services, the continued aging of Michigan's population will contribute significantly to this demand. Also, advances in medical technology are saving the lives of more children with severe birth defects, as well as car crash and other accident victims. These individuals will likewise require physical therapy services.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2014

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  

  Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth