PHYSICAL THERAPISTS California Occupational Guide Number 117 Interest Area 13 1996
THE JOB
PHYSICAL THERAPISTS are members of a health team that work to restore a patient's physical activity following an accident or illness. Other members of the team may include a physician, nurse, social worker, psychologist, occupational therapist and vocational counselor. Therapists help patients overcome disabilities through therapeutic exercise, massage and applications of heat, cold, water, and light. Patients include those who have been impaired by birth defects. Therapists also participate in case conferences and work under the direction of a physician.
Physical Therapists review and evaluate patients' conditions and medical records, perform tests or measurements, interpret the findings and maintain documentation. They develop programs for treatment on the basis of their findings and in keeping with the doctor's directions. The goal of physical therapy is to help patients attain maximum muscle strength and motor skill in addition to accepting and adjusting to the limiting effects of their disabilities. The treatments given by Physical Therapists may include exercises for increasing strength, endurance, coordination and range of motion; stimuli to facilitate motor activity and learning; and instruction in activities of daily living and the use of assistive devices. In addition, they try to motivate and instruct patients, their families, and others who might help them through the treatment and convalescent period. Physical Therapists evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment, discuss patient progress with other team members and may revise therapeutic procedures and treatments.
Physical Therapists treat patients with a variety of needs, or may specialize in pediatrics, orthopedics, amputations, arthritis or paralysis. Others administer physical therapy programs, teach or work as consultants.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical Therapists generally work in spacious, well-lighted and well-ventilated areas. They usually treat five to 15 patients a day and may conduct group treatment sessions. While therapists usually work a 40 hour week, their schedules may include some evenings and weekends. The job can be physically exhausting. In addition to standing for long periods of time, therapists must move equipment and help patients turn, stand or walk. Although lifting of patients is required, therapists are trained to lift so that coordination and stamina rather than physical strength are needed. The work of Physical Therapists can also be emotionally demanding and frustrating when little improvement in patients can be observed.
Physical Therapists provide their own uniforms with sleeve emblems identifying their medical specialty. A bathing suit is required if giving treatment in a pool.
Most therapists are members of the American Physical Therapy Association.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections and Planning Information report published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 9,910 Estimated number of workers in 2005 16,960 Projected Growth 1993-2005 71% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 2,920
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
Physical Therapists rank among the top fifty fastest growth occupations in California. Most job openings during this period are expected to occur from the increasing need for rehabilitation and long-term care. The demand for these services should increase due to population growth and increasing age, general widespread interest in health, the growth of sports medicine, and as more people exercise and require physical therapy for injuries.
Many new positions for Physical Therapists will be created as programs to aid disabled persons expand, and as nursing homes and other long-term care facilities attempt to provide residents with more adequate therapy and rehabilitation services. Increasing care for a growing aging population, whose numbers will rise sharply by 2000, will create further demand for Physical Therapists. Also, many positions for Physical Therapists will result from scientific and technical advances in medicine, which will permit more disabling conditions to be treated.
WAGES , HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Salaries for Physical Therapists vary according to location, experience, and size of hospital or employing agency. Therapists with little or no experience can earn between $38,300 to $53,700 per year. Annual salaries for experienced Therapists range from $54,500 to $81,600.
Salaries for Physical Therapists are largely dependent upon the worker's length of experience. The normal work week is 40 hours and may also include weekend appointments. Part-time work is also usually available.
Most employers provide fringe benefits such as paid vacations, sick leave, hospital and group insurance, and retirement programs.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Physical Therapists in California are licensed by the Physical Therapy Examining Committee. They must have a high school diploma or its equivalent, a bachelor's degree, and graduation from a school of physical therapy approved by the American Medical Association. They must pass a written examination administered by the committee. The first time application fee, which includes the fingerprint and processing fee is $116. The Physical Therapist exam fee is $235. After passing the exam, the licensing fee is $80. Licenses must be renewed every two years.
Nine California schools offer degrees or certificate programs in physical therapy. Certificates are awarded to students with a bachelor's degree in a related field and who have completed a 12 to 16 month course in physical therapy. The usual curriculum includes courses in neuroanatomy, physiology, biomechanics of motion, human growth and development, and manifestations of disease and trauma. In addition to classroom instruction, student therapists receive supervised clinical experience as interns in hospitals and treatment centers for an average of 18 weeks.
Therapists must have a sincere interest in people and their welfare. The job requires patience, tact, resourcefulness and emotional stability to help patients and their families understand treatments and adjust to handicaps. Good verbal and written communication skills are also considered to be highly essential.
High school students interested in a career in physical therapy should study biological and physical sciences, as well as, mathematics, health, and physical education. Volunteer work in a hospital or summer counseling at a camp for handicapped children can provide helpful experience.
ADVANCEMENT
Promotional avenues in the private sector are basically unstructured and advancement in government service requires success on promotional examinations. In both private and public sectors, experience and ability are the keys to advancement. An advanced degree in physical therapy is sometimes a prerequisite for appointment to supervisory, administrative, teaching, or research positions. Some therapists set up a private practice and accept patients referred by local physicians.
FINDING THE JOB
Physical Therapists find jobs through school placement offices, leads in medical journals, and through professional associations.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
American Physical Therapy Association (CA Branch) 1107 9th Street, Suite 1050 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 446-0069
Physical Therapy Examining Committee 1434 Howe Avenue, Suite 92 Sacramento CA 95825-3291 (916) 263-2550
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Occupational Therapists No. 143 Physical Therapy Aides and Assistants No. 451 Respiratory Therapists No. 454 Chiropractors No. 547
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Physical Therapist 076.121-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Physical Therapists 323080
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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