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Physical Therapist
Physical therapists work with patients who have lost
certain physical abilities through injury or illness to relieve their pain,
help them regain physical strength, help them recover the use of an affected
limb, or relearn how to perform the activities of daily living. They confer
with the patient's physician prior to initiating treatment and evaluation.
Evaluating a patient's physical ability through testing, which includes
range-of-motion tests, manual-muscle tests, gait and functional analysis, and
other diagnostic tools, helps the therapist establish a program for the
patient, teach the patient the techniques they need to use, and monitor their
progress. Physical therapists work in rehabilitation, community health,
industry, sports, research, education, and administration. They also perform
patient evaluations.
Areas of Specialization
The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
certifies qualified physical therapists in seven areas of specialty
(cardiopulmonary, clinical electrophysiology, neurology, orthopedics,
pediatrics, geriatrics, and sports physical therapy). Certified specialists are
denoted by the letters CS, which appear after their area of specialty.
Work Environment
Physical therapists usually work as members of
rehabilitation teams in hospitals or rehabilitation centers. Others are
employed in state and local health departments, public schools, nursing homes,
home health agencies, educational/ research institutions, and major
corporations.
Job Outlook
The demand for
physical therapists far exceeds the available supply. An aging population, the
general population's growing participation in sports and fitness activities,
and technology and medical advances are contributing to the increased need
for physical therapists. In Texas, the limited number of accredited programs
also contributes to the shortage of these professionals.
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Length of Training/
Requirements
In Texas, physical therapists must receive a four-year
bachelor's degree from an accredited university and then enroll in a
master's level program.
Salary
Salary depends on education, geography, job setting, and experience. Current salaries range from $59,000 - $90,000.
Educational Programs
Bachelor's/Master's/Doctoral Degrees
Baylor University
Southwest Texas
State University
Texas Tech
University Health Sciences Center
Texas Woman's University- Houston
The University of
Texas at San Antonio
The University of
Texas at El Paso
The University
of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
The University of Texas
Medical Branch at Galveston
The University of
Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
Professional Associations
American Physical
Therapy Association
1111 N. Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-2782
800/999-2782 or 703/684-2782
Texas Physical Therapy
Association
400 W. 15th Street, Ste. 805
Austin, TX 78701
512/477-1818
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