Physical Therapy Salary: A Good Incentive
The physical therapy salary, just as in any industry, varies depending on qualifications and experience. But definitely, a career in physical therapy is rewarding not only because physical therapy salary is monetary-wise but you also get to help others in the practice of your profession.
As a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, you can work in hospitals, private offices and clinics, schools and even with sports teams. To earn more, you just have to study further and go into specializations. The two-year associate degree to be a certified assistant is certainly worth it once you are able to land a job.
The work involved
While a physical therapist is not necessarily a physician, it is their job to evaluate a patient and determine the best treatment to help them recover from injuries, accidents, surgeries or chronic medical conditions. Therapists determine the treatments, which range from exercises, electrical stimulation, massages to hot and cold packs, for each patient. Because of the intensive nature of the job, the physical therapy salary is higher than most professions, even in the medical industry.
A physical therapy assistant or an aide works under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist. An aide is mostly responsible for keeping the treatment area clean and organized and for assisting patients and preparing them for each session. Some clerical work may also be required of them. An assistant is trained to actually carry out the treatment procedures, either alongside a licensed physical therapist or under the direct supervision of one and document the patient's progress. An aide, with less duties and skills required naturally earns less than the physical therapy assistant salary.
With an aging population and advancing technologies, more and more people with various health conditions will be seeking medical attention. This augurs well for those wishing to pursue physical therapy careers in the future and more people seeking physical therapy services can push the physical therapy salary in the long run.
Good incentive
If you want to be part of a well-paid profession then physical therapy is a good bet. In 2008, the average physical therapist salary was $72,790. The highest 10 percent earned as much as $104,350. Even physical therapy assistants earned $54,590 on the average, with the highest 10 percent receiving $63,830.
Rehabilitation, which is essentially what physical therapy is all about, involves not just a program but utilizes several tools and involves a range of activities to improve a patient's well-being. You are dealing with pain, and a person's inability to function normally.
While technical knowledge is important because you are dealing with medical and physical conditions, clinical training gained while earning educational certification from a school or university is just as vital. Physical therapy assistant programs are relatively easy and can be completed in two years. But the requirements to become a licensed physical therapist are stringent, no less than a master or doctoral degree must be completed. Ultimately, once you have become proficient, you can even offer physical therapy services on your own and earn good money.
The salaries in the field of physical therapy are an attractive incentive for those wishing to be part of the medical field. The career is equally challenging and rewarding. If you are still considering what career to pursue, or perhaps want to try another field, you may want to include the physical therapy salary in your set of criteria.
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