 Where you can work.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of physical therapists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. Your prospects as a physical therapist are virtually limitless. As the life expectancy for Americans lengthens, the need for physical therapists to care for them will increase. Opportunities for employment are growing daily. As you realize your ambitions in this rewarding field, and take the Oath of a Physical Therapist, you’ll have your choice of working on your own or in a clinic, hospital or office setting. You may choose to move into other careers in government, health care or rehabilitation institutions or to teach, conduct research or work in health care administration. It’s really up to you.
 With a degree in physical therapy you could:
- Work in patient care to help people manage disabilities
- Work with people to help them regain the skills necessary to live independently
- Promote health and the quality of life through community education
- Analyze work environments and recommend ergonomic changes to reduce injuries
- Screen older adults for potential risk of injury
- Work with athletes in high schools, colleges and even professional teams
- Develop new techniques for patient care
- Participate in clinical research
- Pursue a career in education
- Consult and collaborate with other healthcare providers
A degree in physical therapy can be a springboard to many career paths.
Places to practice.
With more job openings than people to fill them, you’ll have your choice of virtually any practice setting:
- Large medical systems with acute-care and specialty clinics
- Inpatient rehabilitation centers
- Community hospitals and clinics
- Skilled nursing facilities and subacute rehabilitation centers
- Ambulatory care/outpatient physical therapy offices
- School/preschool programs
- Occupational medicine
- Home health care
- Sports medicine clinics
- Educational settings
- Research centers
- Early intervention
- Fitness facilities
You might even choose to open your own practice. Your potential is unlimited!
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