Physical Therapist - Job Description, Duties, Education, Skills, Salary, & Growth

Physical Therapist


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Physical Therapist Job Description

 

Physical therapists (PTs) work closely with clients, patients and their families to promote, restore and maintain overall wellness and fitness, the goal being a more active, more satisfying lifestyle. Physical therapists provide specialized services that help improve mobility, help improve or restore function, relieve pain and discomfort, and reverse or marginalize physical disabilities that result from disease or injuries. Patients that physical therapists work with may include the following:

  • Victims of accidents

  • Individuals with disabling diseases

  • Patients with acute or chronic low back pain

  • Victims of fractures

  • Patients with head injuries

  • Arthritis sufferers

  • Patients with heart disease

  • Children and adults with cerebral palsy

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Responsibilities

 

The PT will use the finding from this thorough examination and his or her evaluative judgment to determine a patient’s diagnosis and accompanying prognosis, and develop a plan of care that describes evidence-based strategies for treatment. The PT will also describe the functional outcomes expected from the treatment. The PT will include in the plan of care a determination of the patient’s projected ability to function independently and potential for reintegration into the community and workplace after illness or injury.

Some of the common tasks a physical therapist may be expected to perform include:

  • Taking the patient’s or client’s history

  • Conduct a review of systems exam

  • Perform tests and measures on strength

  • Assess range of motion

  • Evaluate balance and coordination

  • Assess posture and overall muscle performance

  • Evaluate respiration

  • Perform tests to measure motor function

  • Identify potential and existing problems

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Skills

 

Physical Endurance

A PT must be able to be physical for many hours to help their patients as needed. They must be able to bend, twist, lift, crouch, kneel, push/pull, and the agility to move quickly and ensure patient safety.

Record-keeping

Must be able to collect and integrate patient histories to solve problems and develop treatments.

Emotional Stability

Must be able to handle the emotional stress of working with impaired patients in need of compassionate health care.

Multitasking

The ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. 

Interpersonal

Must be able to interact with patients and their families regardless of background.

Reasoning

Must be able to apply facts and principles to issues to determine conclusions and solve problems. They must use knowledge and logic to find patters in injuries and determine causes and provide solutions.

Communication

Must be able to clearly convey thoughts and ideas to gauge patient's issues and convey to them the best path to treatment.

Empathy

Must be compassionate and able to empathize with a patient's pain and other difficulties. They are able to make people feel comfortable and meet them at their emotional level to humanize themselves and let people know they care.

Patience

They must understand it takes time to see results and be willing to put in that time. They also must help their clients have patience--especially if they are trying to overcome a difficult injury.

Problem-Solving

Must be able to use knowledge to gauge issues and determine the best route to recovery.

Dexterity

 Must work well with your hands and be nimble. You will be put in situations where physical therapy is a must.

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Working Conditions

 

Physical therapists (PTs) may find opportunities for employment in any of the following settings:

  • Hospitals

  • Home health agencies

  • Public or private outpatient clinics

  • Private doctor’s office or physical therapy offices

  • Public or private schools, colleges and universities

  • Fitness and sports facilities

  • Skilled nursing facilities

  • Assisted living centers

Most full-time physical therapists work a standard 40-hour week. This may include some evening and weekend or holiday rotations.

A physical therapy position can be physically demanding, requiring the PT to frequently kneel, stoop, crouch, lift or stand for long periods of time. Physical therapists are also expected to move heavy equipment around and lift patients when needed. They also assist patients with turning, standing and walking.

 

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Salary Outlook

Physical Therapist Salary
$68,690 25th Percentile
$82,390 50th Percentile
$96,060 75th Percentile
$33.02 Hourly
$39.61 Hourly
$46.18 Hourly
Estimated Annual Salary Average Hourly Wage Positions Nationwide
$83,940.00 $40.36 211,000
Title Company Location Posted
Physical Therapist Sheltering Arms Physical Rehabilitation Centers Mechanicsville, VA 06.17.2019
Physical Therapist Be Inspired! Sheltering Arms provides a patient-centered atmosphere inspiring patients to find The Power to Overcome. With a 125+ year legacy, the newest technologies, and a dedicated team who are experts in their field,...
PHYSICAL THERAPIST Tift Regional Medical Center Tifton, GA 06.17.2019
The Physical Therapist performs physical therapy evaluations, treatments, and documentation requirements in accordance with professional standard. The Physical Therapist also participates in other departmental duties and activities as needed....
Physical Therapist Lake Health Beachwood, OH 06.17.2019
Position Summary: The Physical Therapist reports to the Manager of Rehabilitation Services and is responsible to provide quality patient care per the plan of care upon the referral from an appropriate licensed practitioner or via direct access...
Physical Therapist VCU Health System Richmond, VA 06.17.2019
VCU Health System-Children's Hospital of Richmond (CHoR) at VCU, Fredericksburg Therapy Center, Fredericksburg, VA clinic is seeking a full time Physical Therapist. The Physical Therapist is primarily responsible for the delivery of physical...
Physical Therapist VCU Health System Richmond, VA 06.17.2019
VCU Health System-Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Stafford Therapy Center, located in Stafford, Virginia, Physical Therapy Outpatient is seeking an hourly (PRN) Physical Therapist. The Physical Therapist is primarily responsible for the...
Physical Therapist VCU Health System Richmond, VA 06.17.2019
- Successful completion/graduate of a program required by job VCU Health System's Acute PT department is seeking a part-time Physical Therapist. The Physical Therapist is primarily responsible for the delivery of physical therapy care to the...
Physical Therapist Split Sheltering Arms Physical Rehabilitation Centers Glen Allen, VA 06.17.2019
Physical Therapist Split Be Inspired! Located in the Richmond, VA area, Sheltering Arms Physical Rehabilitation Centers help individuals find The Power to Overcome strokes, injuries and other setbacks. We use evidence-based clinical...
Physical Therapist VCU Health System Richmond, VA 06.17.2019
VCU Health System's Physical Therapy/Outpatient is seeking a full time Physical Therapist. The Physical Therapist is primarily responsible for the delivery of physical therapy care to the patient population to which she/he is assigned and the...
Physical Therapist Southwestern Medical Center Lawton, OK 03.25.2019
The Licensed Physical Therapist provides patient care based upon a total assessment and written evaluation that is appropriate for the patients need and medical condition and provides such care in compliance with the hospital and physical therapy...
Physical Therapist Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital - Milton Milton, MA 06.17.2019
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Milton is committed to improving the health of our community by providing exceptional, personalized health care with dignity, compassion and respect. Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Milton is seeking a part-time,...
Physical Therapist St. Luke Community Healthcare Ronan, MT 06.17.2019
Physical Therapist Are you a new grad looking for a great place to start your career, with an environment that allows for growth and advancement? Are you an experienced Physical Therapist looking to develop your skills and further your career?...
Physical Therapist Memorial Health System Marietta, OH 06.17.2019
In an environment of continuous quality improvement, the Physical Therapist is responsible for evaluating patients, establishing treatment plans, and administering medically prescribed therapy to restore function following disease, injury, or...
Physical Therapist Scotland Health Care System Laurinburg, NC 04.03.2018
Physical Therapist performs evaluation and treatment of patients ranging throughout the life span using physical measures, methods or procedures that are commensurate with the physical therapist's education and training. This includes the...
Physical Therapist Scotland Health Care System Laurinburg, NC 04.23.2019
Physical Therapist performs evaluation and treatment of patients ranging throughout the life span using physical measures, methods or procedures that are commensurate with the physical therapist's education and training. This includes the...
Physical Therapist Coulee Medical Center Grand Coulee, WA 04.21.2018
CMC is looking for a Physical Therapist to focus on the development of an Inpatient Physical Therapy program, as well as shared duties in Outpatient Physical Therapy. Under the general direction of the Director of Physical Therapy, this position...
  1. Physical Therapist Mechanicsville, VA Sheltering Arms Physical Rehabilitation Centers
    Physical Therapist Be Inspired! Sheltering Arms provides a patient-centered atmosphere inspiring patients to find The Power to Overcome. With a 125+ year legacy, the newest technologies, and a dedicated team who are experts in their field,...
  2. PHYSICAL THERAPIST Tifton, GA Tift Regional Medical Center
    The Physical Therapist performs physical therapy evaluations, treatments, and documentation requirements in accordance with professional standard. The Physical Therapist also participates in other departmental duties and activities as needed....
  3. Physical Therapist Concord Twp. , OH Lake Health
    Position Summary: The Physical Therapist reports to the Manager of Rehabilitation Services and is responsible to provide quality patient care per the plan of care upon the referral from an appropriate licensed practitioner or via direct access...
  4. Physical Therapist Richmond, VA VCU Health System
    VCU Health System-Children's Hospital of Richmond (CHoR) at VCU, Fredericksburg Therapy Center, Fredericksburg, VA clinic is seeking a full time Physical Therapist. The Physical Therapist is primarily responsible for the delivery of physical...
  5. Physical Therapist Richmond, VA VCU Health System
    VCU Health System-Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Stafford Therapy Center, located in Stafford, Virginia, Physical Therapy Outpatient is seeking an hourly (PRN) Physical Therapist. The Physical Therapist is primarily responsible for the...
  6. Physical Therapist Richmond, VA VCU Health System
    - Successful completion/graduate of a program required by job VCU Health System's Acute PT department is seeking a part-time Physical Therapist. The Physical Therapist is primarily responsible for the delivery of physical therapy care to the...
  7. Physical Therapist Split Mechanicsville, VA Sheltering Arms Physical Rehabilitation Centers
    Physical Therapist Split Be Inspired! Located in the Richmond, VA area, Sheltering Arms Physical Rehabilitation Centers help individuals find The Power to Overcome strokes, injuries and other setbacks. We use evidence-based clinical...
  8. Physical Therapist Richmond, VA VCU Health System
    VCU Health System's Physical Therapy/Outpatient is seeking a full time Physical Therapist. The Physical Therapist is primarily responsible for the delivery of physical therapy care to the patient population to which she/he is assigned and the...
  9. Physical Therapist Lawton, OK Southwestern Medical Center
    The Licensed Physical Therapist provides patient care based upon a total assessment and written evaluation that is appropriate for the patients need and medical condition and provides such care in compliance with the hospital and physical therapy...
  10. Physical Therapist Milton, MA Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital - Milton
    Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Milton is committed to improving the health of our community by providing exceptional, personalized health care with dignity, compassion and respect. Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Milton is seeking a part-time,...
  11. Physical Therapist Ronan, MT St. Luke Community Healthcare
    Physical Therapist Are you a new grad looking for a great place to start your career, with an environment that allows for growth and advancement? Are you an experienced Physical Therapist looking to develop your skills and further your career?...
  12. Physical Therapist Marietta, OH Memorial Health System
    In an environment of continuous quality improvement, the Physical Therapist is responsible for evaluating patients, establishing treatment plans, and administering medically prescribed therapy to restore function following disease, injury, or...
  13. Physical Therapist Laurinburg, NC Scotland Health Care System
    Physical Therapist performs evaluation and treatment of patients ranging throughout the life span using physical measures, methods or procedures that are commensurate with the physical therapist's education and training. This includes the...
  14. Physical Therapist Laurinburg, NC Scotland Health Care System
    Physical Therapist performs evaluation and treatment of patients ranging throughout the life span using physical measures, methods or procedures that are commensurate with the physical therapist's education and training. This includes the...
  15. Physical Therapist Grand Coulee, WA Coulee Medical Center
    CMC is looking for a Physical Therapist to focus on the development of an Inpatient Physical Therapy program, as well as shared duties in Outpatient Physical Therapy. Under the general direction of the Director of Physical Therapy, this position...

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