Physical Therapists

No better reward than making a difference in someone's life

When a person experiences diminished mobility due to back or neck injuries, sprains, fractures, sports injuries, amputations, or stroke, just to name a few, a physical therapist is called in for evaluation and treatment. Physical therapy can accompany surgery as part of the rehabilitiation process, but also serve as an alternative to surgery because it is non-invasive. Regardless, physical therapy can be a long process requiring the therapist and patient to build a trusting relationship over training. 

The method of treatment varies case by case and can range from therapeutic exercise and functional training to the use of adaptive devices and equipment or even various forms of electrotherapy. Physical therapists organize and build programs centered around the best regimen for their patients' body types and condition. No session is exactly the same. Physical therapists must adapt accordingly as they get new patients and keep up to date with the latest practices. Physical injuries can lead to emotional and/or psychological stresses, so while physical therapists focus on fixing physical injuries, they should also be on the lookout for psychological ones as well.

 

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The number of Physical Therapists needed will increase by 25 percent from 2018 to 2028, as a large portion of the population ages.

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Physical Therapists earn excellent salaries, with entry-level wages exceeding the median for all occupations by almost $9,000 a year!

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Start Early and Be Prepared!

High School Endorsement: Public Service | STEM

Degree programs in physical therapy focus heavily on math and science courses, following the STEM or Public Service endorsement track in high school should better prepare a student. Students should strive for a high GPA in high school and in their undergraduate program to provide them with the edge needed for acceptance in and successful completion of a physical therapy graduate program.

Physical therapists (PTs) must have a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Doctorate programs typically last three years and require a bachelor to enroll, but some schools offer continuous 6- to 7-year programs to earn a doctorate and bachelor's alongside one another. All programs must be applied to through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).

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What qualities does a Physical Therapist need?

These skills, interests, and knowledge areas are recommended for a career in physical therapy. The following data describes the relative importance of each knowledge/skill area from the opinion of those in the industry.

92.6%

Medicine 

Everything surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of human injuries and ailments, including symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

87.2%

Customer & Personal Service

Meeting the expected quality of customer satisfaction when interacting with customer and potential customers

82.6%

Psychology

Human behavior and performance ability, including perceiving differences in ability, personality, and interests that guide motivation & learning

82%

Therapy & Counseling

Knowing the principles, methods, and procedures for aiding rehabilitation of physical and emotional dysfunctions

79%

Biology

Everything about organisms' structures, functions, interdependencies, interactions, and survival in its environment.

 

*Source: Texas Career Check.

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Licensure

Physical therapists are mandatorily regulated and licensed by the state in a way similar to that of registered nurses and doctors. There are four steps required to obtain a state license:

• Obtain a bachelor's degree in a healthcare related field such as biology, chemistry, exercise science or kinesiology
• Complete an accredited physical therapy graduate degree program
• Successfully complete  the national licensure examination through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
• Apply for licensure in Texas through the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Examiners.    Additional details and requirements of the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Examiners including passing of the Jurisprudence Exam.

Additional information:

• The American Physical Therapy Association
• The Texas Physical Therapy Association

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Gulf Coast Region Physical Therapy Programs

Universities

• Texas Woman's University

Health-Related Institutions

• University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

Major Employers in the Gulf Coast Region

• Harris County Hospital District
• HCA Healthcare
• DaVita Health Care Partners
• Houston VA Medical Center
• Kelsey-Seybold Clinic
• Memorial Hermann Healthcare System
• The Methodist Hospital
• Oak Bend Medical Center
• St. Lukes Episcopal Health System
• Shriners Hospital for Children
• Thenet Health Care
• Texas Children's Hospital
• The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
• The University of Texas Medical Branch 

   

If you have questions about our Industry/Occupation Profiles or are an organization in the Gulf Coast Region, please contact webmaster@wrksolutions.com.

*Includes the following counties: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller, and Wharton.

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