The careers in physical therapy as of today are currently in its full bloom. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a much faster than the average job outlook increase from 2010 to 2020 in the industry of physical therapy. An expected rate of 39% increase of job vacancies will be available for the next seven years in America alone. In 2010, there exist a record of 198, 600 physical therapy related jobs in America and a projected additional 77,400 jobs will be added coming year 2020. In the Unites States of America, the definition and licensing varies per jurisdictions but all are following the standard set by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

As compared to other health care related jobs in the present time, the salary of a regular physical therapist is relatively higher. According to Top Ten Reviews, the average annual salary of licensed physical therapist ranges from $57,220 to $105,900. The average annual income of PT assistants on the other hand ranges from $34,735 to $66,460. Rating these numbers from one to ten, ten being the highest, the average annual salary of a Physical Therapist’s grade is 9.4. Amongst other health care profession this is quite high. PTs are tied with Chiropractors and Radiation Therapists while Registered Nurses scores 8.8. Not only this profession’s payout is high, physical therapists also enjoy health benefits like insurances.

Job openings for physical therapists will significantly increase this 2013. Countries like United States and Canada has the highest demand for this field. Most of the time, physical therapist deals with people with disabilities and people trying to recover from accidents. There are also cases like senior citizens who aim to still move freely like their younger years to be able to do what they love and enjoy the most. This is the reason why physical therapists are in demand. People needing physical interventions do not decrease with time. Amongst other health care profession, demands for physical therapists ranks second, demands for Registered Nurses being the first.

Because of the frequent changes in the physical therapy industry, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) suggested that every physical therapist renew their license periodically to adapt to the changes. In Unites States, a physical therapist must at least be a graduate of BS Physical Therapy and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination to obtain a license. Every renewal requires various training or clinical and hands-on experiences to qualify for an upgraded license. It is not until he acquires a doctoral degree can he pursue a teaching profession to educate aspiring physical therapists or some other career path in the field. It is for this reason did the advancement potential of physical therapy industry is at its peak. They are tied at number one spot with Registered Nurses and Chiropractors.

Here are some of the settings where Physical Therapists can explore more to gain experiences:

• Rehabilitation Hospitals – their tasks includes giving a minimum of 3 hours of intense therapy for the improvement of physical disability or movement of the patients. Usually the patients stay at the institution only gets home if the rehab is already completed.
• Nursing Homes – Physical Therapists are expected to carry out guidance and conduct therapy to the elderly and people with disability submitted by their family members. Their tasks also include giving out long-term nursing care, rehabilitation and other health care services.
• Outpatient Clinics – Physical therapists can also work in outpatient clinics carrying out tasks like assisting patients scheduled to a check up with a rehab doctor and endorsing doctor’s advice to fellow physical therapists.
•  Schools – They can also be found in pre-schools giving students basics of exercise and demonstrating simple stretching at the same time educating them with the importance and health benefits of the exercise.
• Gyms – Physical therapists can also be gym instructors because they are also educated and trained for this job. They know the basics of musculoskeletal (orthopedic) and neuromuscular development and rehabilitation.
• Home Care – Some physical therapists are hired by a certain family to render his dedicated service to them. This means that the family employs the physical therapist. Nevertheless, he can enjoy the same benefits as with those who work in health care clinics.
• Research Centers – Physical therapist, most specially those who have doctor’s degree, can also be part of research team. They work together to discover treatments and develop new technique that can be applicable to patients to help them recover faster.
• Private Companies – Some private companies hire physical therapist to provide services to their employees to help them return to work or for the purpose of enhancing employee health, improving safety, and increasing productivity in the workplace.

In any cases, physical therapist will never find it difficult to look for a job in the US. But, before venturing to any of the above mentioned settings, he must first make sure that he has the qualifications and accreditation for a much easier penetration to his preferred environment. Companies and health care institutions give priority to those who has the experience for the job because they don’t have to undergo training. This, in turn, makes the company spend less in training. Entry level, however, is very much welcome. Though operational expenditures of the company include training, companies spend less with the compensation of physical therapists of entry level. Nevertheless, though paid less, the physical therapist will need the certification from training as additional accomplishment and resume builder.

Job Outlook for Physical Therapists This 2013 is a post from: Physical Therapy Schools

All interventions are carried out by accredited and licensed physical therapist, also known as physiotherapists. These health care professionals help people with injuries and disabilities to improve their mobility and teach them the basics and importance of pain management. They are essential part of rehabilitation and treatment of patients with chronic conditions.

Physical therapists are normally seen intervening cases in hospitals, government health institutions and private clinics. In addition to this, they can also be part of medical research team conducting studies and testing for more cure and intervention methods. Some of the qualified and accredited physical therapists pursue a teaching career, educating more aspiring physical therapists to be able and recognized health care professionals. Others are found in consultation and administration helping health care institutions in managing the industry.

As shown statistically, there is a rapid growth of physical therapy related jobs in the recent years. In lieu of this, there is also an equivalent effect in the salary of every physical therapist. Some health care institutions offer travel opportunities to their physical therapist by offering the travel jobs. Travel physical therapy jobs are one of the fastest growing career opportunity fields in the physical therapy industry.

A great deal of benefits is waiting for those who would prefer to engage in this kind of job.

• Travel Physical Therapist gets relatively higher pay. Aside from the great pay out, travel physical therapist gets outstanding benefits from his health care institution. According to the statistics, travel physical therapist gets 15% to 20% higher pay out than a regular physical therapist working in private clinics. According to the US Bureau of Labor statistics an average annual income of $ 113, 500 is what awaits aspiring travel physical therapists. In addition to that, great deals of bonus are also offered to them.
• Physical therapist will enjoy the benefits of traveling. He or she will have the opportunity to explore other cultures if ever he or she is assigned to a foreign country. Business with pleasure is applicable depending on the itinerary being offered to the physical therapist.
• Physical therapist travel without any cost. Since the costs of traveling will be charged to the health care institution he or she is employed to, the physical therapist gets to enjoy the benefits of traveling without any cost on his side. In other cases, a 100% round trip travel reimbursement is applied. Free private housing or hotel accommodation is applied at every assignment.
• Travel physical therapists are exposed to a completely new working environment. The working environment of the travel physical therapist varies every assignment. They can have the opportunity to work for private sectors, leading hospitals, outpatient clinics, government health care institutions or could be in a particular individual. In each assignment, the physical therapist gains more knowledge and skills and learns new practices.
• Every assignment adds entry to working experience. Every assignment hones their skills and adds entry to their working experience making them more eligible for greater opportunities. At some cases, the travel physical therapist creates a lasting connection to the institutions he or she is assigned to making his boss an additional entry to his character references. These experiences are a great way for them to be recognized as he makes his way to greener Pasteur.

Travel physical therapy, however, is not for everyone. Aside from being a licensed and certified physical therapist there also exists various training for those who aspire to be one. It is not advisable for people with their own family to engage in this kind of job since it involves traveling a lot. However, if you are an adventurous type of person with no commitments or obligations, this job is fit for you.

Job description varies depending on the position being offered, from being temporary or contractual to supervisor. On the entry level, travel physical therapist’s task is no less than his tasks on an ordinary clinical set up. His common tasks include assessing patients that needs rehabilitation services that includes but are not limited to:

• Assessing the medical condition, range of the functional capabilities, limitations and restrictions, and potentials of the patient.
• Administer the treatment program with specific goals determined according to the patient’s capacity and tolerance under the direction of the patient’s physician.
• Assist the patient at every session, giving him the proper directions and guidelines according to his limits and restrictions and full potentials.
• Generate a progress report as a reference of the physician to the next treatment program.

Requirements of this job usually include:

• A graduate of BS Physical Therapy and duly licensed by the government.
• Practical clinical experience of at least one year.
• Being goal oriented and has a desire to guide patients to revive their full physiological functions.
• Driver’s license and passport is a plus.

A typical travel physical therapy assignment usually last up to 13 weeks. Long-term assignment is possible if the physical therapist chose to extend his contract or finding another health care institution that will give him more assignments. In the United States, the travel assignments are usually within the 51 states of America only. Depending on the connection of the agency or health care institution, there can also be international assignments. After all the prerequisites are carefully reviewed by the agency in parallel to evaluating your desired salary and goals you want to meet, the agency will set an interview with you and the potential client. If an agreed rate will be decided that is when the job started. The same goes for the next assignments. Knowing these opportunities, one understands why many PTs are now opting for travel therapy jobs.

More Physical Therapists Opting Fit Travel Therapy Jobs is a post from: Physical Therapy Schools

To become a physical therapist, some of the important factors to consider are the education, training, and of course, the licensure exam known as the NPTE or the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy or the FSBPT.

Anyone who aspires to become a physical therapist or a physical therapy assistant must pass this special exam to earn his or her license and to work legally in the country. The exam is also essential when regaining a new license and even physical therapists from other countries must also pass the NPTE before they can be allowed to work in the country.

What To Expect From The Exam?

• The National Physical Therapy Examination is a computer-administered exam composed of 5 sections wherein each section consists of 50 multiple choice questions. However, from the 250 questions, only the 200 questions are being scored while the remaining 50 multiple questions are only being included for testing purposes so the board can determine if the questions passed the standard and can be included in the future licensure exams.
• For the physical therapy assistant licensure exam, the examination is composed of only 4 sections with 50 multiple choice questions for each section for a total of 200 questions. Just like in the licensure exam for the physical therapists, 50 of the 200 questions are not scored and are only added to the exam for pre-testing purposes.
• The scoring system ranges from 200 to 800 with a minimum passing score of 600 for both the physical therapist and physical therapy assistant examinations.
• During the exam, 15 minutes is allotted for a one scheduled break. However, examinees can take up to three breaks if needed but the time covered during those breaks will reduce the time allocated for the exam so it is up to the examinees if they want to take extra breaks.

Deadlines, Schedule Information And Scheduling Tips

For this year, there will be 4 scheduled exam dates for both the PT and PTA exam. For the PT NPTE, exam dates are January 29, April 30, July 23 to 24, and October 30. For the PTA NPTE, scheduled exam dates are January 8, April 8, July 10, and October 9.

Choosing the scheduled date in taking the exam is crucial especially if you need to take the exam for a specific date other than the scheduled date given or if you need to travel to other testing sites due to various factors. To properly schedule an exam, here are some of the useful tips you should consider:

ü  As much as possible, register for the fixed exam dates as early as possible since waiting until the deadlines will affect your chances of getting the schedule you prefer or comfortable for you. Registration for the licensure exams open 6 months before the fixed exam dates so make sure to process the requirements and register early to get your preferred exam date.

ü  Applicants are not required to take the exam from the specific state they want to get licensed as a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant. Some examinees may need to travel a bit and take the exam from other testing center especially for particular testing sites that easily get filled up like New York and Hawaii. Make sure to be prepared for the travel in case you need to go to the next testing site during the exam date.

ü  Although applicants can take the exam from other testing sites aside from the specific state they want to be licensed, you should still apply from the state where you want to get licensed. Before you can schedule an appointment to take the exam, your state jurisdiction must first approve your registration.

ü  And lastly, make sure to be fully read and understand the Candidate Handbook given to the applicants so you will know the policies and rules in taking the licensure exam especially regarding registration processes and the scheduled exams.

Preparation Tips For The NPTE

Preparing for the national licensure exam is very important in order to pass the exam. Reviewing for the exam is definitely important so applicants can have guide and some helpful hints about the exam which may not be covered in schools during their physical therapy education and training.

With the emergence of the advanced technologies, studying and preparing for the exam online is now available through the organizations and teams that provide online webinars and lectures on NPTE preparations. Aside from learning the essential topics which may be included in the exam, applicants enrolled or registered in these online exam preparation courses will also learn tips and techniques to increase their confidence and become fully prepared emotionally and physically for the exam.

Reviewing and preparing for the NPTE through online exam preparations may also provide advantage in terms of convenience and concentration. Through these online exam preparation tools, candidates will not have to travel long distances just to get to the review site since webinars and discussions are easily accessible online through computers or even mobile devices.

Aside from less expense on travel costs, these online exam preparations also allow candidates to properly concentrate on the discussions since they can study on their preferred place most comfortable for them plus stress and tiredness caused by traveling is also reduced so they can concentrate more on their lessons.

Exam Fees And Forecast

The exam fee required for taking the NPTE was proposed to be increased from January 1, 2013 to 2014. However, the Board of Directors of the FSBPT passed a motion on August 6 to defer the effective date of the fee increase moving the effective date of the fee increase to January 1, 2014.

For this year, the NPTE fee will still be $370, which will become $400 next year. The Prometric-sitting fee is around $70.60 while the jurisprudence exam fees may vary from state to state but the fees range from $30 to $50.

Tips In Preparing For National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is a post from: Physical Therapy Schools

According to US News & World Report, physical therapists are included in the 100 best jobs in terms of salary, employment opportunities, job security, and manageable life-work balance. Physical therapists are also one of the top ten professionals who are happy and satisfied with their jobs as ranked by Forbes in 2011 not only because of the good pay but also for the good working conditions for physical therapy professions.

With so many specialties to choose from, anyone who wants to pursue a career in physical therapy will definitely find the career that will be satisfying and suitable for them. One of the certified specialties in physical therapy that are significantly gaining popularity and demand in the healthcare industry is clinical electrophysiology.

Physical therapy in clinical electrophysiology specialty was approved and board certified by the American Physical Therapy Association or APTA House of Delegates in 1982. In June 2010, 146 of the licensed physical therapists employed in the country are certified clinical electrophysiology specialists based on APTA Specialists’ report.

Duties And Functions Of Physical Therapists Specializing In Clinical Electrophysiology

Clinical electrophysiology physical therapy is an advanced discipline combining the concepts of electrotherapy, electrophysiology, wound management, and more. Physical therapists who want to specialize in this field are usually interested in the application of various therapeutic treatments and techniques like electrotherapy in the effective treatment of conditions related to the muscles and nerves.

• Clinical electrophysiology physical therapists promote the use of EMG or electromyography as effective tool for diagnosis and treatment of health conditions related to the muscles and nerve cells, and the specific component that controls them which is the motor neurons.
• Use the best practices and devices in the field of electrophysiology and electrotherapy.
• Electrophysiology physical therapists diagnose and provide effective treatment plans for patients suffering from disorders related to the muscles and nerve cells.
• Physical therapists specializing in clinical electrophysiology also educate patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals handling the patients about the possible and associated risks.

Requirements To Become A Clinical Electrophysiology Physical Therapist

For those aspiring to become a physical therapist specializing in clinical electrophysiology, a person must first be registered and board certified as a physical therapist and must be licensed in the state or country he or she is employed.

Most states in the country require physical therapists to accomplish at least 2,000 practice hours in physical therapy for the past 10 years. 25% of the total practice hours must be earned 3 years before taking the specialization.

Aspiring electrophysiology physical therapists must also perform at least 500 examinations on electroneuromyography and must present evidence for the accomplishments of these exams. Most states also require at least 100 hours of work experience in the field of electroneuromyography. Physical therapists are also required to present their patient reports and testing records.

Specific requirements include at least 6 credit hours on various courses during the graduate and undergraduate education programs such as human physiology, upper extremity and lower extremity, head and neck, thorax, pelvis anatomy, and the spine. Aspiring clinical electrophysiology physical therapists must also earn at least 3 credit hours on path physiology during the graduate or undergraduate education level.

To become a certified specialist in clinical electrophysiology, physical therapists must also pass the specialization exam administered by the ABPTS or American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties for aspiring electrophysiology physical therapist.

Taking certification for a particular specialization is voluntary and not usually required by the board. However, taking specialty certification especially on the chosen specialization like clinical electrophysiology provides advantage both for the healthcare professionals and the patients. Through proper certification, physical therapists can prove that he or she has earned the proper education and training needed for the chosen specialty plus patients can also choose the right physical therapists specializing on their particular condition.

Employment Opportunities And Salaries

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapists earn a median income of $76,310 annually or about $36.69 per hour in 2010. The median salary reported by APTA in 2010 is a bit higher which is about $80,000 depending on the physical therapist’s education level, practice setting or specialty, position in the company or institution, work experience, and the geographic location.

Most of the jobs within the healthcare industry expect job growth in the coming years and one of the fastest job growths will be for the physical therapists which is about 39% from year 2010 to 2020. This increase is higher than average compared to the job increase in other professions in the healthcare industry. This profession only has about 0.2% unemployment rate and also experiences some of the best working conditions making the profession in physical therapy a top option for aspiring healthcare professionals today.

Included in the expected job increase will be job opportunities for physical therapists with specialization like clinical elect physiologists. Compared to other specialties in physical therapy like orthopaedics and geriatrics, specialists in clinical electrophysiology physical therapy are not that many.

Their limited number results to higher demands for these specialists especially with the increasing number of people nowadays suffering from disorders, injuries, and other health conditions related to the health of the muscles and nerve cells. More and more aging baby boomers are now entering the stage wherein lots of them acquire various health conditions and mobility related problems that require physical therapy care and treatments involving clinical electrophysiology.

A Good Career In The Future

Clinical electrophysiology cannot be considered as a new specialty in physical therapy since this practice has been around for years now and specific practices like electrotherapy and wound management have been also used by healthcare professionals for years now in treating patients with disabilities and injury-related problems.

However, only few physical therapists pursue this specialty and with the increasing scope of the speciality and its application, more clinical electrophysiology physical therapists are expected to be needed in the coming years. If you are an aspiring student, pursuing a career in physical therapy and earning a specialization in electrophysiology will be a great career option.

Career Opportunities In Clinical Electrophysiology Physical Therapy is a post from: Physical Therapy Schools

To become a certified and good physical therapist, a person must achieve the necessary education and training requirements. A lot of physical therapy schools and programs are available today but investing in a quality education can definitely provide advantage in terms of the level of education and training you receive, as well as in job employment opportunities in the future.

Getting into the most prestigious and recognized universities is not the only factor in order to get the best jobs but it can be a great advantage especially when applying into large companies and institutions. If you are planning to pursue a career in physical therapy in Texas, make the top physical therapy programs and schools in the area your top priority as much possible.

Here are some of the top physical therapy schools in Texas:

No. 1 – US Army Baylor University

US Army-Baylor University is top 5 in the best physical therapy schools in the whole country and top 1 in the state of Texas. CAPTE or the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education accredits Baylor University Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy. The licensure examination passing rate is 100% for years 2010, 2011, and 2012, and 100% for the employment rate after graduation for the same years.

To enter the DPT program offered by Army-Baylor University, applicants must be US Citizens. Military service or work experience in the military is not required to enter the program but students must not be a graduate of any PT degree programs. Applicants must also pass the medical examination and fitness standards set by the Department of the Army, Navy or Air Force.

Applicants must also achieve a GRE score of 297 and the prerequisite courses required for the program. Students must also have at least 100 hours work experience in a physical therapy setting or clinical practice. Applicants must be below 42 ½ years old and should pass a waiver for those aged 40 to 42.

No. 2 – Texas Woman’s University

Texas Woman’s University is ranked 27^th in the best physical therapy schools in the country and second in the state of Texas. The university offers different accredited degree programs such as the Doctor of Physical Therapy (Entry-Level DPT), Clinical Education (Entry-Level DPT), Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Therapy (PhD), Transitional DPT (tDPT), and certificate or non-degree programs for physical therapists.

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education accredits all the physical therapy degree programs. The passing rate for the licensure exam is 100% for the year 2010 and 2011, with employment rate of 100% for PT graduates. The Entry Level DPT program requires 33 months of study and training with an option to proceed to the PhD degree through a Fast Track option.

Requirements For Application

• Official transcripts from all the universities or colleges the applicant has attended.
• Passing score in the GRE especially in Quantitative, Verbal, and Writing Test.
• International students who are non-English speakers must pass the TOEFL or the Test of English as a Foreign Language, and the TESE/Test A tests.
• Three recommendation letters with 2 from a licensed PT.
• Child, infant, and adult CPR certifications.

No.3 – University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston

University of Texas School of Health Professions offer Entry Level DPT program and Post-Professional DPT for aspiring physical therapists. The program achieved a 100% pass rate in the 2011 licensure exam for physical therapists with employment rate of 100% within 6 months after passing the licensure exam.

Admission Requirements For The Entry Level DPT Program

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school.
• Completed prerequisite courses.
• GPA score of 3.0 or above
• GPA score of 3.0 or higher for math and science
• 3 referrals with one from a licensed physical therapist the applicant has worked for
• At least 80 hours of volunteer or paid work in a physical therapy setting
• Resume or student profile

No. 4 – Texas State University San Marcos

Texas State University offers DPT programs for aspiring physical therapists. To enter the program, students must first earn an undergraduate or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school or institution. Students must also gain a minimum GPA score of 3.0. Applicants are also required to have an experience in a physical therapy care setting either as volunteer or paid employment hours.

Students must also have a minimum GPA score of 3.0 on all math and sciences courses and GPA score of 3.0 or higher for all the prerequisite courses. The university offers one of the best physical therapy degree programs offering only one application cycle every year and accepting only 40 qualified applicants for the program each year.

No. 5 – University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas

UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas offers wide range of healthcare education programs through the School of Health Professions. The school offers a DPT program for aspiring physical therapists, which required 31 months of study and training, including 3 hands on internships and clinical mentorship.

Admission Requirements:

• To enter the program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree earned from an accredited institutions or school.
• Complete official transcript of records from schools or colleges the student has attended.
• GRE scores within 5 years.
• TOEFL score for international student who are non-English speaker.

There other accredited universities and colleges in Texas that entered the ranking for the best physical therapy schools in the country like the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, UT Health Science Center in San Antonio, and the Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas.

Enrolling and graduating from these top universities offering the best physical therapy education programs will not only equip you with the necessary knowledge, skills, and training that you need for your profession but will also help you achieve better career options for your career goals.

Top 5 Physical Therapy Schools In Texas is a post from: Physical Therapy Schools

Physical therapists work in a variety of healthcare settings like in clinics, hospitals, private institutions, and in schools. Salaries may vary from geographic location, position, experience, and more.

General Salary Scale

According to the US Government Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual income of licensed physical therapists in the country is $78,270 in 2011. The highest paid 10% earn annual average income of about $110,670 while the lowest 10% receive annual average income of approximately $54,710. To put it in an hourly wage level, physical therapists can earn as much as $37.64 per hour with the highest earners receiving about $53 for their services per hour.

Based on salary reports, the lowest paid physical therapists are mostly entry level PTs earning about $55,000 or less for their first years in the profession. The highest paid physical therapists today earn as much as $120,000 or more every year. Aside from the relatively high income, physical therapists working in hospitals and medical facilities also receive medical insurances and additional benefits making the profession definitely well paid and fulfilling.

When it comes to salary level, physical therapists are some of the highest paid healthcare professionals in the health industry together with Chiropractors, registered nurses, radiation therapists, and acupuncturists. Currently, over 185,000 PT jobs are filled but aspiring and future physical therapists do not have to worry for their future employment since there will be more than 77,000 job openings or 37% projected employment growth for physical therapy positions for the next 10 years based on the 2020 BLS data.

Best Paying Cities For Certified Physical Therapists

According to the US News, the highest paying cities for physical therapists in the country are found in Texas, Iowa, and Alaska. When it comes to salaries offered, McAllen, Texas tops the list.

• McAllen, Texas

Physical therapists working in McAllen receive the highest annual pay with annual median salary of approximately $122,160. Licensed PTs in this city earn about $43,890 higher compared to the annual average income received by PTs in the country.

• El Paso, Texas

Another high-paying city for physical therapists in Texas is El Paso. The average salary offered for physical therapists is approximately $105,400. PTs employed in this city earn $27,130 more than the average salary of PTs in the country.

• Fairbanks, Alaska

The annual average income of PTs employed in Fairbanks, Alaska, is about $104,250. That is $25,980 more than the annual overall average income of physical therapists working in the country.

• Midland, Texas

Physical therapists working in Midland, Texas earn an annual average income of $102,270, about $24,000 higher than the overall annual average income of PTs in the country.

• Sioux City, Iowa

Sioux City in Iowa is the fifth highest paying metropolitan area for physical therapists in the whole country paying licensed PTs an annual average income of $101,770. That is $23,500 higher than the overall annual average income for the profession.

Other top paying cities for physical therapists are Chowchilla City in Madera County, California, Sherman in Texas, Las Vegas in Nevada, San Angelo in Texas, and Reno in Nevada.

Best Paying States For Physical Therapists

When it comes to highest paying states for physical therapists, Nevada tops the list. Other states offering the highest salaries for PTs are Texas, Alaska, New Jersey, and District of Columbia. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2001 Report, Nevada is the top paying state for physical therapists offering an hourly mean wage of $47.03 with an annual mean income of $97,810.

Alaska is the second highest paying state for physical therapists offering an annual average income of $91,990 or $47.03 mean wage per hour. Third highest paying state is Texas where physical therapists can earn annual average income of $90,500 or about $43.51 per hour. Fourth and fifth on the ranking are the states of District of Columbia and New Jersey, respectively, where physical therapists are paid annual average income of $89,300 and $88,270.

Best Paying Industries

Aside from geographic location, the specific industry and the work setting also affect the salary scale received by physical therapists. When it comes to industry, some of the highest paying industries for physical therapists are the management, scientific and technical consulting services industry, the home health care services, and nursing care facilities.

• Management, Scientific And Technical Consulting Services

Physical therapists working for these specific industries are paid a total annual mean wage of $91,020 or hourly mean wage of $43.76. This figure is higher than the annual average income of physical therapists employed in the country.

• Home Health Care Services

Physical therapists employed in the home health care services are paid an annual mean wage of $89,150 or an hourly mean wage of $42.86. Aside from being second for highest paying industries, home health care services industry is also one of the top industries with highest concentration of employment for physical therapists next to health practitioner offices and clinics, and specialty hospital industries.

• Employment Services

The employment services industry offer an annual mean wage of $84,610 for physical therapists or about $40.68 mean wag per hour.

• Nursing Care Facilities

Physical therapists working in the nursing care facilities can receive annual mean wage of $83,220 or $40.01 per hour.

• Community Care Facilities For The Elderly

With the increasing population of aging baby boomers, healthcare services like physical therapy have become more in demand resulting to higher pays for licensed and certified PTs. This industry offers an annual mean wage of 82,840 or about $39.83 per hour.

With these figures, physical therapy profession is not only a fulfilling job but it can also be a well-paid job especially if you land a job in the right place and the right industry. But aside from the location and specific industry, other factors you need to consider in order to gain higher income are longer work experience, and advancement in education and training.

Salary Data And Top 5 Cities Offering Highest Salaries For PT is a post from: Physical Therapy Schools

To become a certified and licensed physical therapist, aspiring PT must undergo years of education and training. If you are in Florida and you are thinking of entering a physical therapy school to become a physical therapist someday, here are some of the top physical therapy schools in Florida to help you decide.

Top 5 Physical Therapy Schools

The US News ranked the top physical therapy schools in United States and some schools in Florida made it to the top list. The top 5 physical therapy schools in Florida based on US News ranking are the University of Miami, University of Florida, University of South Florida, University of Central Florida, and the Nova Southeastern University.

University Of Miami

University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida was ranked no. 9 in the best physical therapy schools in the country and no. 1 in the state of Florida. University of Miami offers 2 types of physical therapy education programs DPT Program and PhD Program.

The DPT or Doctor of Physical Therapy program is one of the top ranked clinical programs in the country developed to prepare students for entry-level practices as physical therapists. This program is open for students with Bachelor’s degree and completed the prerequisite courses required for the program. DPT program offered by University of Miami can be completed within 36 months where in 32 weeks are allocated for clinical internships.

Some of the qualifications to enter the program include:

• Bachelor’s degree earned from an accredited school or college
• Minimum GRE score of 147 on the quantitative section, 3.0 for the analytical exam, and 149 on the verbal section
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or up
• Completed prerequisite courses

The PhD program is offered in order to prepare PT students for leadership positions in research and academic settings. An entry to the program requires students to contact a faculty mentor first for endorsement plus completion of admission requirements.

Admission to the PhD program depends on the academic degree attained by the applicant. Some of the degrees that may qualify are bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, DPT, and master’s degree in physical therapy.

University Of Florida

University of Florida in Gainesville is ranked 12th in the country. This university also offers a DPT program and is endorsed by the American Physical Therapy Association. The curriculum requires 8 semesters of study wherein 32 weeks are dedicated for full time clinical training. Students must complete 113 credit hours or professional course work to complete the program.

Admission requirements for the DPT program include:

• Bachelor’s degree in any field
• Minimum score of 400 on the verbal section of GRE, 500 on the quantitative, and 3.5 for the analytical writing.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Recommendation letters

University of South Florida

University of South Florida also offers DPT program for aspiring physical therapists through its School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences. The admission requirements for this program are:

• Must be a US Citizen or a PRA or Permanent Resident Alien with green card
• Minimum GPA of 3.2 or higher
• Completed the prerequisite courses.
• Recommendation from 2 licensed physical therapists who know the applicant’s potential and skills.
• 20 hours of volunteer work or employment related to physical therapy service
• Autobiographical statement stating the purpose and reasons why you want to pursue a career in physical therapy

University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida also offers DPT programs for aspiring physical therapists. For undergraduate students, applicants are required to apply online through the schools online admission page. The DPT program is a full time doctoral program that requires 112 credits and a total of 34 weeks for full time clinical internship supervised by a licensed PT.

Admission requirements for the DPT program are:

• All prerequisite courses must be completed with minimum grade of C
• Competitive GRE scores for the last 5 years
• 3 letters of recommendation  one from a licensed PT
• Biographical essay stating your reasons why you want to pursue the DPT program and your specific career goals
• 30 hours of volunteer work or employment related to physical therapy care or practice

Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University in Florida is one of the few accredited physical therapy schools that offer hybrid physical therapy education programs wherein students can complete their physical therapy education through online learning.

The school offers 4 different physical therapy programs such as the DPT Program, HE-DPT or Hybrid Entry Level DPT, TDPT or Transition Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Ph.D.,PT or Doctor of Philosophy Program.

The HE-DPT program was created in order to offer students a more flexible curriculum suitable for those who have financial, personal/family, and geographical demands. The program includes online classes plus on-campus training at the Student Educational Center in Tampa, Florida.

This hybrid online physical therapy program requires 4 years of study instead of the 3 years required for the standard DPT programs. Prerequisites and admission requirements are also the same as the standard DPT program offered by Nova Southeastern University.

The admission requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school or college
• Cumulative GPA of 2.9 or higher
• Cumulative GPA of 2.9 or higher for all prerequisite courses
• Grade C or higher for all prerequisite courses
• Three recommendations, one from a licensed PT
• GRE scores from the Educational Testing Service
• Final interview once requirements are passed

Choosing the best school for your career is definitely an advantage especially when applying for jobs in prestigious companies and institutions. If you want to be a good physical therapist, investing on your education and entering the best physical therapy school will give you advantage especially in today’s competitive employment condition.

Top 5 Physical Therapy Schools In Florida is a post from: Physical Therapy Schools

Physical therapists and physical therapy assistants are there to handle the patients with physical conditions caused by injury, accident or disease.  The physical therapists work with other doctors as well as other medical professionals to find out the best way to rehabilitate the patient.  The physical therapy assistants are those that provide assistants to the work of the physical therapists.  The therapy programs that the PTs and PTAs apply are varied such as deep-tissue massage, strengthening exercise as well as ultrasound treatment.

While the physical therapists create an individual rehabilitation program for the patients, the physical therapist assistants are the ones who guide the patients in following the program especially when there are many patients at a time.  Other than this, the physical therapy assistants also do administrative work and preparation of the facility where the patients will have their treatment sessions.  Physical therapists are also involved in the sports where they monitor the physical aspect of the athletes and provide programs to strengthen and maintain their physical health.

Necessary Preparation Of Aspiring PT And PTA Before Entering College

• Taking Up More Subjects Related To The Course In High School

When you plan to get into the limited number of Alabama PT or PTA schools, it is best to prepare yourself early on.  In high school, take up basic subjects that are related to physical therapy.  These include anatomy, biology and other life sciences in order to be more aware of how the body works.  Aim for above average to top grades since physical therapy schools will know your determination to be a health professional in the physical therapy field when doing well in high school in all subjects.

• Obtaining More Information Outside The School

Becoming acquainted to the physical therapy course is also important to gain information outside the four corners of the classroom.  Head out to the library and read documentaries of what this career is all about.  Check out real life videos and media that will add on to this learning.

• Getting Experience In Actual Work Environment

Take time to be exposed in the actual workplace of the physical therapist or physical therapy assistant.  This will be a great venue to gain experience rather than just depending on the textbooks, documentaries and videos.  Building networks will also be created even with voluntary work or summer jobs.  This will be advantageous in finding a job later on as physical therapy assistant or getting recommendations when getting into physical therapy schools for the higher education of physical therapists.

• Research On The Possible Schools In Alabama

Getting into top schools in Alabama for physical therapy or physical therapy assistant program is equivalent to looking for accredited schools.  Accreditation to the CAPTE or Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education is vital since those who graduate from unaccredited schools cannot practice as PT or PTA.

The accredited schools in Alabama for physical therapy are Alabama State University, The University of Alabama at Birmingham and University of South Alabama.  Those who want to be physical therapy assistants, accredited Alabama schools are Bishop State Community College, G.C. Wallace Community College, Jefferson State Community College, South University and Wallace State Community College.

Fundamental Skills Of Being A PT And PTA

Other than the genuine interest and high intelligence of aspiring PTs and PTAs, personalities are crucial to lead a great career.  Interpersonal skill is a must for those working the physical therapy industry.  Being around patients is part of the daily routine and having the positive vibe will encourage them to become better in their situation.  Patience, analytical skill and flexibility is also required to have in order to handle well the patients and provide them with the best health program for achieving best health.

How To Become A PT And PTA

A college degree is the first step in the physical therapy career.  For the PTAs, an associate degree is required before practicing as such.  The two years of PTA undergraduate education combines the classroom, laboratory and clinical instruction.  After the five semesters of schooling, the next thing to do is obtain a license from the state you want to practice.  Only Colorado and Hawaii, amongst the 50 US states, do not require license.  Target to become a physical therapist through continuing education for better job opportunities

For physical therapists, to become one is to at least have a master’s degree in physical therapy.  The bachelors degree may not necessarily be a course in physical therapy but related sciences such as biology, anatomy, physiology and the like.  It is highly recommended that the getting experience before the masters program should be obtained.  Entering physical therapy school requires the students to have recommendation from science teachers and practicing physical therapists.  This can be possible when working under physical therapists during internship or summer to build relationships in the industry.  Maintain grades of 3.0 GPA or higher to boost chances of getting in.

After completing the master’s degree, take the license examination NPTE or National Physical Therapy Exam to start practicing the career.  Continue education and take up doctorate degrees while already in the field.  Physical therapists by 2020 should have at least a doctorate degree to be able to work and schools will only offer doctorate degrees starting 2017.  Maintain the validity of the license and acquire certifications to advance in the career as PT.  Specialties in PT have certifications to ensure the patients of competency in fields such as geriatrics, neurology, pediatrics, sports, women’s health, orthopedics, clinical electrophysiology and cardiovascular and pulmonary therapy.

Work Environment And Salary Range Of An PT And PTA

Physical therapists are one of the top paid in the health industry.  The annual average income for the physical therapists is at $79,830 or $38.38 an hour.  Those on the top 10 percent are receiving much higher at $110,670.  The range of the income is at $54,719 per year or $26.30 per hours to $110,670 per year or $53.21 per hour.  Physical therapists working on the management, scientific and technical consulting services are the top paying industry.

Physical therapy assistants can expect lesser incomes than the PTs because of the educational background.  The median salary of the PTAs is ate $51,110 annually or $24.57 per hour.  The salary range that these PTAs can earn is between $32,030 and $71,200 per year or at $15.40 to $34.23 per hour.

PTs and PTAs work in medical facilities such as hospitals and clinics while others are in private offices.  In the clinics and offices, equipment and exercise apparatus are used by PTs and PTAs to be able to perform the necessary treatment for the patients. These health professionals may also need to go to hospital rooms, schools or homes for patients that cannot move on their yet.  Working at forty hours a well is the usual schedule while some have to work on evening or weekends depending on the schedule of their patients.

Physical therapists and physical therapy assistants have so much contribution in the medical field.  These health professionals are quite contented with their jobs.  If you are interested in the health industry and want to offer rehabilitation then the PT or PTA is a career you can pursue.

How To Get Into The Best PT And PTA Schools In Alabama is a post from: Physical Therapy Schools

What about a career as a physical therapist? Have you given this a thought? A career in physical therapy should be fun as you work with different patients and help them regain their movements back. Physical therapists work with patients with physical disabilities, injuries or are recovering from a traumatic incident that has debilitated their movements. If a PT chooses to pursue a master’s or doctorate degree, they will find themselves specializing in different types of physical therapy fields.

The Master’s And Doctorate In Physical Therapy

To become a physical therapist, you will need either a master’s degree or a doctorate degree. The American Physical Therapists Association (APTA) is now favoring PTs to get doctorate degrees. This might actually be the only recognized degree in the future. Why? The APTA believes that a doctorate in physical therapy or DPT helps physical therapists to be independent healthcare professionals so they can bill patients like that of physicians. Also, DPT provides more evidence-based treatment and teaches physical therapists the latest research methods to find the best medical treatments today.

The doctorate degree will take 3 years of study and this will involve training of the different expertise and abilities of a physical therapist. DPT involves evaluating and analyzing the physical health system, healthcare managing, imaging, preventative medicine, pathology, pharmacology and evidence-based treatment. After earning the doctorate in PT degree, the physical therapists have to complete 1 year of clinical work. After that, the physical therapist can now take the state licensing examination to be able to practice professionally.

How can you apply to a doctorate in physical therapy degree program? It is very important that you have high marks when applying although it is not the sole requirements. PT schools will be looking into the applicant’s volunteer work and work experience in the field of physical therapy. There is the GRE or graduate record exam that will also be required in the application. There will be ample time given to complete all the admission requirements so make sure you start preparing ahead of time. This way, you can still work on your test scores if it does not pass the requirements. Start your preparation at least 3 months before the application process starts.

The Different Types Of Physical Therapy

There is still no mandate from the APTA that all physical therapists should earn a doctorate degree to specialize. So, you should take this chance to pursue a master’s degree right away and choose a specialization if you wish too.

The first specialty area in physical therapy is orthopedic physical therapy. What do these physical therapists do? Orthopedic physical therapists make a diagnosis of patients who have injuries and disorders in the musculoskeletal system. After making the diagnosis, the physical therapist manages and treats the condition. Also, orthopedic PTs help patients recover after an orthopedic surgery. Orthopedic PTs are often found in the out-patient unit of the hospital. These therapists are trained to do treat post-operative joints, arthritis, amputations and sports injuries. They use joint mobilization techniques, hot and cold packs, strength training and electrical stimulation in their treatment plans. Patients who are suffering injuries or diseases in the tendons, ligaments, muscles and bones can consult an orthopedic PT for an assessment too.

The second specialty area is geriatric physical therapy. Geriatric physical therapists are focused on the aging population. Most of the physical problems they treat are associated with arthritis, cancer, incontinence, hip and joint replacement, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s Disease and balance disorders. Geriatric physical therapists help in reducing pain, restoring movement and mobility as well as strengthening the muscles once again.

The third specialty area is neurological physical therapy. Neurological physical therapists work with patients with neurological disorders that are affecting their physical functioning. Disorders include cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s Disease, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, ALS and spinal cord injury. The common problems that these patients have to deal with are poor vision, poor balance and coordination, paralysis, loss of independence and problem with movement such as walking.

The fourth specialty area is cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation physical therapy. CPR physical therapists work with patients with cardio-pulmonary disorders. These are patients who have had pulmonary or heart surgery already. These physical therapists focus on improving the patient’s physical endurance as well as improving his physical functions.

The last specialty area is pediatric physical therapy. Pediatric physical therapists focuses on treating infants, children and young adults with diseases, injuries and disorders that are affecting their physical mobility and movement. Problems can be found in the joints, bones or muscles. Pediatric physical therapists help improve balance, coordination, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, strength, endurance, sensory processing and cognitive skills. Most of the patients suffer from developmental delays, torticollis, cerebral palsy and spine bifida.

Physical Therapy Specialties: The Degree You Need To Earn is a post from: Physical Therapy Schools

However, not everyone is cut for such important and hardworking career. To become a good and successful physical therapist, you need to have the passion to help other people especially with medical and health needs. You should be interested and inclined to health, science and various medical-related courses to appreciate and enjoy physical therapy profession. If you think this career is for you and you want to become a licensed physical therapist in the future, then one of the first things you should plan is your physical therapy education.

Choosing The Right Program

According to APTA or the American Physical Therapy Association, a person must at least achieve a master’s degree in physical therapy to qualify for the licensure exam for physical therapists and in order to earn the title licensed PT. However, most of the programs offered in the country are a doctorate degree, which is an upgraded and longer version of the master’s program. Finishing this kind of physical therapy degree program does not only qualify graduates for the national licensure exam but also opens better and greater career opportunities. Master’s degree programs in physical therapy usually take 2 years of study for completion while doctorate degree programs in physical therapy require at least 3 years of study.

Based on the same report released by APTA, there are about 203 doctorate degree programs in physical therapy that are fully recognized and accredited by the organization and 9 accredited master’s degree programs. While a pre-PT undergraduate program can be a great choice if you really are decided to proceed to higher physical therapy education program later on, taking any health or physical therapy-related undergraduate program is fine as long as the units you obtained will complete the prerequisites required in the physical therapy graduate programs.

Choosing The School

Once you have decided what to take in college, the next step is to choose the best school suitable to your needs and career goals. As mentioned above, the first step when looking for a school is to look for accredited physical therapy schools and programs. This will narrow down your list to the ones that are accredited only so you can ensure that whatever school you will choose from the list, the school is fully accredited. To confirm the accreditation, inquire from the CAPTE or the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

Another important factor to consider is tuition and cost of living in the area where the school is located. Expected expenses and tuitions may vary from school to school due to geographic location, school’s reputation, quality of education offered, and cost of living in the particular area or region. Taxes vary from place to place which also affects cost of living. Even if the prospective school you have in mind offered lower tuition compared to other schools but cost of living in the area is way higher than in other place, then enrolling in that school may not be cost-effective for you especially if you are not that financially well-off.

If you are having financial problems in supporting your physical therapy education plans, then the next step you should take is to search for financial education assistance. If the school offers grants and scholarships, apply to all of them as much as possible to increase your chances of qualifying for a financial assistance. You can also look for work study programs since aside from lessening the financial burden you can also gain experience if your job is related to physical therapy jobs. Loans can also be a good option but it should be your last resort.

The passing rate of the school in terms of national licensure exam for physical therapists should also be taken into consideration. According to experts, the passing rate is a reflection of the quality of physical therapy education offered by the school. This means that if the prospective school you want to enrol in have high passing rate over the last 3 to 5 years, the school is providing an excellent physical therapy program.

Another very important factor that is usually overlooked by some students is the opportunity for clinical placement and assistantships. This factor is very important since unlike other courses, physical therapy is a health care profession that require clinical and supervised training before they can graduate. Enrolling in a school near many possible employment opportunities in the future or near assistantship jobs can make earning of experience easier as well as job hunting.

Online Physical Therapy Schools

If you are not comfortable with on-campus education or you are just simply too busy to travel from home to school, or from your workplace to school every day, then an online physical therapy program might be the right education for you. A lot of accredited schools are now offering online physical therapy education for aspiring PTs especially for those who lack basic resources like time and money to enrol in a traditional education program.

However, before enrolling in an online physical therapy school, make sure that you are prepared for the type of education system since enrolling in an online program requires more focus, determination, and concentration. 100% online physical therapy programs are also not possible since physical therapy education requires hands-on training and volunteer experience before a student can graduate. If you see online schools claiming to offer 100% online education, be doubtful and research about the school’s accreditation since most likely the program offered by the school is not accredited by CAPTE.

Physical Therapy Career Opportunities, Schools, And Programs is a post from: Physical Therapy Schools