|
October is National Physical Therapy Month
More Opportunities Than Ever for Physical Therapists
This October should be a great month for physical therapists. Not only should the healthcare community be showing them a little "National Physical Therapy Month" love, but physical therapists are also in increasing demand, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Outpacing the national job market, healthcare employment is expected to grow in the next few years, and physical therapist jobs are expected to be at the front of the pack, with predicted growth of 27% over the next seven years. SimplyHired.com ranked physical therapy as a "top three" career in 29 of 40 metro areas. Not surprisingly, the demand for traveling rehabilitation therapists is up too. Combine the high pay and benefits of travel jobs with the opportunity to deepen your resume and see the country, and travel therapy could be the perfect job and the perfect time.
High Pay. Increasing Job Demand. Why?
Two words: baby boomers. Julie Keysor, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at Boston University says, "The large U.S. population of aging baby boomers ensures demand for physical therapists." As the boomers hit retirement age, incidences of illness and injury increase, along with the need for physical and occupational therapist jobs.
In 2008 the average annual salary for physical therapists was reported at $74,000. In today's market, with increased demand, salaries are also rising.
Travel therapist jobs report even higher salaries with stronger benefits. We're so enthusiastic about travel therapy that we're offering a $1,000 sign on bonus for new PT and OT travelers.
Click here to apply for traveling physical therapy jobs »
Leading-Edge Physical Therapy Addresses Health Maintenance— Beyond Injury and Pain Management
Many patients turn to physical therapy after an illness or injury has reduced their mobility or caused chronic pain. Some hope to avoid surgery or medication.
According to APTA research, 88% of physical therapy users say the care they received helped them return to normal activity and relieved their pain.
 Perhaps taking a cue from competitive athletes, many others are now discovering that physical therapy can be essential in preventing injury, maintaining flexibility and strength, and making sure that previous gains are not lost. |
“Travel therapists make friends, meet new people, and develop professional contacts across the nation. Travel therapists can earn up to 20% more than staff therapists. Not to mention that travel jobs include free private housing and free health insurance.”
— Mary Kay Hull, VP Recruitment, 50 States Staffing |
Is a Physical Therapy Career Right for You?
Some in the general population confuse physical therapy with personal training or massage therapy, but physical therapy is a distinct medical discipline. Yes, physical therapy can be an emotionally and financially rewarding career. But it also asks a lot of its practitioners. Physical therapists go through intensive education and clinical practice. All physical therapists must have a graduate degree – either a masters or a clinical doctorate — from an accredited physical therapy program. They must also pass national and state licensure exams. But the career requires more than book knowledge. Therapists have to analyze situations and develop ongoing treatment strategies, all the while connecting one-on-one with patients who are often in chronic pain. For ideas on staying up-to-date with your physical therapy education, check out our free online CE program.
|
A mighty 77% of you said that you planned to work after age 55 — or that you were still working at age 55-plus. Some of you elaborated: "Not sure I know how to do anything else", and "I still love my job," and even, "Unless I win the lottery, I'll be working."