How much money does a physical therapist make? The job is quite rewarding on a social level, but you need more than plain job satisfaction to feed yourself, your family, and your future ambitions.
The job of a physical therapist can be tough. While most people tend to brush off their importance by just calling them masseurs, the job is a lot more than that. Physical therapy is pretty much an all-inclusive field which deals with all the physical ailments that a person may face.
Pay Package
Physical therapists generally charge on the hour or depending upon the number of sessions they take for an individual’s rehabilitation. So, based on the number of people coming in, and their individual rate, the starting salary is said to be around $50,000 – $60,000. The salary also increases depending upon experience, and can go up to $80,000 per year. An assistant’s salary will be less than that of an experienced physical therapist, but will come to the $40,000 level once the on-the-job training is over.
Job Description
Also known as a physiotherapist in some countries, he or she has a fairly diverse job description. To put it in a nutshell, a physical therapist is the person to go to for any physical problems your body may be facing. Right from bone and muscular pain and muscle cramps to post surgery rehabilitation, the therapist has to do it all.
He also has to employ an array of techniques to cure the people who come to him for treatment. To cure the patient, he has to apply treatments as varied as massages, ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulation, and traction, based on what problem the patient might be facing.
He may operate on his own, where he alone or with a team will fix a range of problems faced by his patients. On the other hand, he can work in a hospital or for an orthopedic doctor. A lot of times when people go through surgery for bone fractures and joint injuries, these professionals need to be at hand to ensure that the patient regains his full fitness and flexion of movement in the previously injured area.
To become a physical therapist, you will need to get a degree in physical therapy. While a doctoral degree used to be required to become one, several universities these days offer specialization courses. They will help you learn the various techniques required to be a good therapist. You will also need to qualify for the various licenses as set by the state in which you intend to work. Along with the basic degree, you can also further specialize in cardiopulmonary, geriatric, neurological, orthopedic, pediatric, and integument therapy.
The employment scope is quite wide. This expert can work on his own or as a part of a hospital. Either way, physical therapists tend to have their own charges. The number of job opportunities has been steadily increasing, as more and more people have realized the benefits of visiting a therapist.