Best Careers 2009: Physical Therapist

Reply to Greg of MN

I too changed careers to PT but in my 30's. I don't regret my choice but I do know of several second career PTs who, for a various reasons, stopped practicing. As a result, I believe the decision needs careful consideration. As to education, older students, with broad life experience, are often given priority to enter the highly competitive PT program. But the time and financial demands on the student are great, especially if you have a family. (Almost every waking moment is spent in class or studying making working, even a part time job, nearly impossible.) After school you would most likely take a physically demanding entry level position. Your coworkers, and most likely your boss, will be 20 years your junior but your life experience will balance your limited PT skills. As an older PT, you will often be frustrated by the bureacracy, MDs and sometimes even your patients. You will leave your job each day physically and mentally drained but with the satisfaction of "doing something good". You will make a fair, recession proof, salary and have the ability to specialize in a number of different areas like pediatrics, sports, amputees or stroke. And if you are so motivated, and have the resources and referrals, you could even open your own practice and be completely autonomous. The possibilities in the field of PT are endless...for the right individual.

Gary of NJ @ Dec 20, 2008 10:41:25 AM

You get what you put into it

I'm a third year DPT student about to enter the field. I already accepted a job that is going to pay me more that I thought I would make out of school. I understand some of the poster's concerns on the amount of debt you take after school, but I know a lot of people graduating with me are taking jobs with incentives to help pay off loans. In fact, my employer will actually pay off all my loans if I agree to work for them for two years. It's really not a bad deal when you can find something like that for loans. It's also easy for me because I avoided private schools at all costs. They are way too expensive, and in all honesty, all PT programs are going to give you the same education with minor differences. Just make sure they are accredited!! No, you are not going to make large sums of money in this profession, but you will do well enough to support yourself easily. The biggest thing I wanted to say is that you are going to get what you want out of your job if you put some effort into it. You can't just come out of school thinking the money and job will just fall into your hands. You have to work at it. Continuing education will be important, not only for you to keep your license, but so you can continue to educate yourself to be the best at what you do. Learning in this profession will be a career long endeavor, it doesn't stop after graduation.

Shannon of TX @ Dec 19, 2008 17:15:02 PM

Mid 40s

I am 45 and looking for a career change. I coach 3 different sports and enjoy teaching and helping people. I find the human body fashinating, I like to set goals and try to set a plan to achieve.

Am I to old to start this type of career? I would be close to 50 when I would complete school. i am in very good physical shape and plan to stay thtat way.

I have 3 years of college. I have small business and managerial experience and am currently workin in the insurance industry.

greg of MN @ Dec 19, 2008 06:19:44 AM

Hi everyone,

I'm a practicing PT in my home country Nigeria and I'm planning to come to the US 4 an advanced degree, its warm to heart to know that PTs in the US are living a satisfied life. But, i'll like to ask if the research factor in the number of graduates physical therapist that are not practicing, because it could just be a case of "i've love the job i stay, i don't i leave"

Thanks

Adejumo adediran

adejumo adediran @ Dec 13, 2008 12:06:42 PM

Where can I apply for a PT

Im a Physical Therapy graduate here in the Philippines, because of economic situation here I'm having a hard time looking for a Physical Therapy job in my country. Hospitals and clinics here are paying $4 per PT session. Cost of leaving here is too high that even a Physical Therapy like me is having a hard time.

Can anybody help me look for a Physical Therapy job abroad?

Thank you.

Demetrio Montes

Demetrio Montes of @ Dec 12, 2008 20:06:06 PM

PT

I think this is a great field to be in. I'm a second year PT student in a MPT program but I have an undergrad degree in business. I feel like having an understanding of the business side of this profession will help. Most PT's don't understand the need to market themselves or how to get the most out of what little insurance is willing to pay. Besides, who cares how much you do in dept or how much you make. It's only money and money isn't everything. I found the satisfaction of helping someone a lot more rewarding than any paycheck I have ever recieved.

Matt of CA @ Dec 12, 2008 19:56:24 PM

A little more info

I'm a 2nd year physical therapy student now and from what the professors have told us getting your doctorate is now the standard. It's difficult to get into a program, my state of SC only has two schools that offer a PT program. One school accepts 15 students and the other accepts 60, and there are at least if not more than 200 students apply to each program, so you must stand out. My undergrad GPA was 3.75 and my fellow students were at that level or higher. By the time I graduate I will be approx $120,000 in debt, that includes undergrad as well, so be prepared to go into A LOT of debt. Reimbursment rates from insurance companies is a pain, and there is a risk of Medicare dropping reimbursment rates by 10%, and usually whatever Medicare does regular insurance companies soon follow. If this does happen it will cost people jobs and businesses could go under. The most painful part of the job is seeing insurance companies not give money towards someone who really needs to continue rehab. Almost all 50 states have direct access, but insurance does not cover it, and physical therapy is expensive, and the people that can afford it without insurance is few and far between from what I have personally seen.

I have done a clinical rotation and have several hundred volunteer hours and I love the job. You are on your feet the entire time unless you are on your lunch break, and even then there are exceptions. You get really close with your patients because you see them 2-3x a week. You have to have an upbeat personality and always have to be positive for the patient.

Ashley of SC @ Dec 12, 2008 19:00:08 PM

Lots of Pink Clouds

It is a wonderful job. Growth is expected but that should be restated to say need will grow.

What they do not tell you is that you will be in school for close to 8 years. You will accumulate quite a bit of debt. Your salary is fair for your work and involvment but is low compared to other jobs with less years in school. They also do not tell you that it is highly competitive to get into school. So make sure your undergraduate degree can still get you a job. It also doesn't mention how as the baby boomers age the PT role will need to change. Expect lower wages and longer hours should insurance decide to cut reimbursment, Which is an ongoing issue and concern. Also be aware of what the profession is seeking and how that will effect the role of PT's. Autonomy, direct access, ability to order images, and prescribe drugs are a the main items on the agenda, this will change the medical role of PT's. Also most patients are not cheery and fun to work with. They are in pain, upset, unkowing of thier condition and will be difficult. Also dont forget lifting up guys 2,3,5X as large as yourself.

Overall its a wonderful field but if your going into it for money and job security I would find other avenues.

Kevin of TX @ Dec 12, 2008 18:16:35 PM