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The physical therapist provides services aimed
at preventing the onset
and/or slowing the progression of conditions resulting from injury,
disease,
and other causes.
The physical therapist provides these services
to people of all ages who have functional conditions resulting from back and
neck njuries, sprains/strains and fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations,
stroke, multiple sclerosis, birth defects such as cerebral palsy
and spina bifida, injuries related to work and sports, and others.
Physical
Therapist
Areas of Specialization
Physical therapists may specialize in areas such as pediatrics,
geriatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine, neurology, and cardiopulmonary
physical therapy.
Work Environment
Most physical therapists work 40 hours each week. Although many
physical therapists practice in hospitals, nearly 80 percent practice
in:
- Outpatient clinics or offices
- Inpatient rehabilitation facilities
- Skilled nursing, extended care, or subacute facilities
- Homes, Education or research centers
- Schools, Hospices, Industrial, workplace, or other occupational environments
- Fitness centers and sports training facilities.
Job Outlook
The number of physical therapists employed in Florida in 2006 was
10,326. It is projected that in 2014 there will be 13,088. This
represents an annual average growth rate of 3.3 percent. Nationally,
with just a 0.2 percent unemployment rate, physical therapists are
now experiencing the best employment conditions since enactment
of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.
Length of Training/Requirements
The minimum educational requirement is a post-baccalaureate degree
from an accredited education program. While many programs offer
a master's degree, a growing majority of programs offer the Doctor
of Physical Therapy (DPT)degree. Currently, 199 colleges and universities
nationwide offer professional physical therapist education programs;
70% offer the DPT and another 25% are planning to convert.
Advancement
With experience, therapists can become supervisors or directors
of departments. With a doctoral degree, physical therapists can
also move into research or teaching positions.
Licensure/Certification
In Florida, state licensure for physical therapists is required.
The licensure examination is administered by the State Board of
Physical Therapy, upon completion of an accredited education program.
Specialty certification of physical therapists is not a requirement
for employment; however, it may increase the opportunity for employment
and lead to a higher salary scale. Physical therapists are required
to complete continuing education hours every two years for license
renewal.
Updated: 2007 |
