Do you have a passion for helping people who have been sick or injured get back to their daily activities? Do you want to work with healthcare professionals in a hospital or outpatient clinic? If so, then a job as a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant may be the right choice for you!
While the tasks of a physical therapist can be physically demanding, the rewards of the job are great. Physical therapists enjoy a good salary, plenty of job security, and the satisfaction of knowing they are helping patients who need their expertise to regain their quality of life.
What does a Physical Therapist Do?
Physical therapists help patients who have been ill or injured regain physical strength and range of motion to return to daily activities. Physical therapists work in various venues, including hospitals, nursing facilities, and outpatient care centers.
Physical therapy assistants work directly with physical therapists, providing assistance and support to patients and professionals alike.
The field of physical therapy is expected to grow at a faster than average rate over the next few years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, making it a career choice worth considering today.
Some of the tasks of a physical therapy assistant might include the following:
- Providing exercise instruction to patients
- Using therapeutic methods like ultrasound and electrical stimulation
- Offering massage to patients
- Providing balance training
- Gathering and preparing equipment for physical therapists to use
- Teaching patients to use assistive devices like crutches
The job of