A physical therapist works with patients who suffer from pain or need treatment to regain mobility after injuries or surgery. They normally work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private offices and work with patients to promote the ability to move and reduce pain.Because of the education and certification requirements to practice as a physical therapist, starting salaries range from $47,000 to $67,000 a year, and increase with experience. Statistics show starting salaries are rising due to the high demand of physical therapists.
Educational Requirements
- A physical therapist must receive a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapist program. They also are required to pass a state-administered national exam that allows them to practice.
- Most physical therapists will continue their education to receive higher pay or to get jobs at more prestigious hospitals and facilities. The majority of accredited physical therapist programs offer a doctor of physical therapy degree.
Physical Requirements
- Because physical therapists work closely with patients to promote mobility, the position can be physically demanding at times. They're required to lift, move, and support patients of all sizes. At times, the physical therapist is the only support for a patient going through rigourous and sometimes painful therapy.
Starting Salary in an Outpatient Clinic Setting
- Starting salaries for a physical therapist in a hospital setting can range from $65,000 to $77,000 a year. Physical demands can be greater in an outpatient clinic, but most outpatient facilities are only open until 8 p.m. Scheduling can be more demanding, with early evening and weekend hours.
Starting Salary in a Home Healthcare Setting
- Starting salaries for a physical therapist in a home healthcare setting can range from $65,000 to $77,000 a year or more. Physical demands can be greater in a home healthcare setting, and the therapist is required to travel to their patients' homes. Scheduling can be less demanding because in most cases, home healthcare therapy is done weekdays during normal business hours.
Starting Salary in a Pediatric Setting
- Starting salaries for a physical therapist in a pediatric hospital or clinic can range from $47,000 to $53,000 a year. Physical demands in a pediatric setting will be much less than in an adult-treatment setting, but scheduling can include early evenings and weekend hours to accommodate children's school schedules.
Starting Salary in a Hospital Setting
- Starting salaries for a physical therapist in a hospital setting can range from $58,000 to $67,000 a year. Of course, physical demands can be greater in a hospital, in which patients will be of all ages and sizes, and many may require extensive therapy. Scheduling at hospitals normally includes day, evening, and weekend shifts.
High Demand for Physical Therapists
- Because of the high demand for healthcare employees, physical therapists can expect good working conditions and benefits. Very few physical therapists are unemployed. That can lead to higher pay and the opportunity to work flexible schedules. Working for an agency that sends physical therapists to fill vacancies at various healthcare facilities can increase starting salaries by up to 30 percent.
Read more: Starting Salary of a Physical Therapist | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5410637_starting-salary-physical-therapist.html#ixzz1gnwnVOCL
