Explore This Path

Physical Therapist

💰 Earn $99K-$137K

📚 Doctoral or Professional Degree

⏱️ 48 Month Training

📈 10.9% Job Growth

Help people regain mobility and live pain-free lives through personalized care.
Make a meaningful impact by restoring physical function and enhancing quality of life.
Use innovative techniques to transform recovery journeys and inspire patient progress.

What Physical Therapists DoAssess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.

Plan, prepare, or carry out individually designed programs of physical treatment to maintain, improve, or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain, or prevent physical dysfunction in patients.
Perform and document an initial exam, evaluating data to identify problems and determine a diagnosis prior to intervention.
Record prognosis, treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enter information into computer.
Instruct patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home.
Evaluate effects of treatment at various stages and adjust treatments to achieve maximum benefit.

Physical Therapists Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationDoctoral or Professional Degree

Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training TimeOver 4 years

Job Openings13,200 Annually

Median Earnings

$123,300 in California

$101,020 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@theptbean

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Relating with or serving others
Thinking and problem solving
Working with my hands

you value

Accomplishing things
Personal relationships
Receiving recognition

you are skilled in

Speaking
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Social Perceptiveness
Service Orientation
Coordination

Go Deeper: Physical Therapists Explained

Physical TherapistExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

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What Is the Healthcare Industry?