Outcomes

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of physical therapists is expected to grow by 17% from 2021 to 2031. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), with just a 0.2% unemployment rate, physical therapists are now experiencing the best employment conditions since the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.

Physical therapists (PTs) are highly-educated, licensed healthcare professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility, often without expensive surgery and often reduce the need for long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects.

Physical therapists can teach people how to prevent or manage their condition to achieve long-term health benefits. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan, using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

Physical therapists care for people in various settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. A doctorate degree and state licensure (for each state the PT practices in) are required to become a practicing physical therapist.