Physical therapists help people with injuries or illnesses improve their movement and manage pain through certain exercises.

Doctoral/professional degree

The median annual wage of physical therapists in 2010 was $76,310 per year and $36.69 an hour. The lowest 10% earned less than $53,620 and the highest 10% earned more than $107,920.

Compassion. Physical therapists are often drawn to the profession in part by a desire to help people. They work with people who are in pain and must have empathy to help their patients. Detail oriented.­ Like other healthcare providers, physical therapists should have strong analytic and observational skills to diagnose a patient’s problem, evaluate treatments, and provide safe, effective care. Dexterity. Physical therapists should be comfortable using their hands to provide manual therapy and therapeutic exercises. Interpersonal skills. Because physical therapists spend their time interacting with patients, they should enjoy working with people. They must be able to explain treatment programs, educate their patients, and listen to the patients’ concerns to provide effective therapy. Physical stamina. Physical therapists spend much of their time on their feet, moving as they work with their patients. They should enjoy physical activity. (I did not type this, did. )

Physical therapy is expected to have a 39% increase from 2010 to 2020 (much faster than average for all occupations).

Diagnosing the patients' problems by observing their dysfunctional movements and by evaluating the test results. Studying the medical history of patients, and examining and measuring their strength, balance, and physical coordination, posture, functioning of the muscles, respiration, and motor functions. Formulating strategies which help treatment procedures and their expected results. Such interventions mostly include physical exercises for individuals who are immobilized or deficient in flexibility, strength, or endurance. Introducing therapies which better the flexibility of motion of a patient's muscles. The main aim of these therapies is to improve the basic physical functioning of the individual, so that he is able to carry out his daily activities with optimum balance and coordination. Making a detailed record of the patient's progress, carrying out periodical checkups and examinations, and altering the therapies or treatments, if and when required. If needed, they frequently consult and work with other professionals from the medical field, like doctors, dental practitioners, nurses, pedagogues, welfare workers, occupational therapists, speech-language diagnosticians, and audiologists. This includes participating in multidisciplinary teams to plan and work out treatment modalities, according to the needs and suitability of their patients.

Guiding, training, and supervising therapy assistants regarding the care and treatment of patients, and successful completion of standardized processes. Some physical therapists handle, treat, and cure a variety of illnesses, whereas others specialize in fields like pediatric medicine, gerontology, orthopedics, sports medicine, clinical neurology, and cardiopulmonary physical therapy. Physical therapists carry out their tasks in hospitals, clinics, and private facilities, which are equipped with all the latest medical technologies. They can also work with sports teams, and treat sportsmen with injuries such as muscle sprains or cramps. They can be employed by schools, sports clubs, private or government hospitals, or may be self-employed.

You may have to write a series of progress reports for patients as percentages as that patient improves. You may have to provide stats on the number of patients you’ve handled, their age, gender, income level, and injury types.

Occupational Outlook Handbook. Occupational Outlook Handbook. 29 March Bureau of Statistics. 20 February Physcial TherapistPhyscial Therapist Buzzle. 20 February < therapist.html.