Donald+Sigler

Physical Therapy
 * $76,310 annual pay
 * $36.69 per hour
 * higher average annual pay than most other jobs in similar fields
 * lowest 10% earned less than $53,620
 * top 10% earned more than $107,920
 * requires doctoral degree at least
 * 39% growth rate


 * usually award a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree
 * a small number award a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) degree
 * doctoral programs usually last three years
 * MPT programs require 2 to 3 years of study
 * most DPT MPT programs require a bachelors degree for admsion
 * specific prerequisites, such as anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry are usually required
 * programs often include courses in biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, and pharmacology
 * students are also required to complete clinical roations
 * residency programs can be completed after graduation
 * residency programs last 9 months to 3 years
 * qualities such as compassion, dexterity, detail oriented, interpersonal skills, and physical stamina
 * all states require licensing to practice physical therapy
 * requirements usually include passing the National Physical Therapy Examination or a similar state-administered exam


 * physical therapists held around 198,600 jobs in 2010
 * they typically work in private offices and clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes
 * they spend most of their work hours on their feet
 * some physical therapists are self employed meaning that they own or are partners in owning their practice
 * 7% were self employed
 * 37% worked in offices of health practitioners
 * most worked full-time but 29% worked part-time


 * the field is expected to grow 39% between 2010 and 2020
 * 39% is much faster than the average of all other occupations