Physical+Therapist

 = = = = = = = = = = = = =**Physical Therapy **=

A man recovering from a leg injury learning to walk again.
 =__Job Description:__ = ===Physical therapists provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health. Physical therapists also use electrical stimulation, hot packs or cold compresses, and ultrasound to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Some physical therapists treat a wide range of ailments; others specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine, neurology, and cardiopulmonary physical therapy.They also may show patients how to do exercises at home to expedite their recovery.=== = __Personality Characters:__ = === Physical therapists should have strong interpersonal skills so that they can educate patients about their physical therapy treatments and communicate with patients' families. Physical therapists also should be compassionate and possess a desire to help patients. Should have g ood manual, observation, critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills. Must be capable of rigorous physical activity and enjoy working with people. ===

= = = = = __Educaton and Training:__ = ===Physical therapists held about 173,000 jobs in 2006. The number of jobs is greater than the number of practicing physical therapists because some physical therapists hold two or more jobs. About 6 out of 10 physical therapists worked in hospitals or in offices of physical therapists. Other jobs were in the home health care services industry, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers, and offices of physicians. Some physical therapists were self-employed in private practices, seeing individual patients and contracting to provide services in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing care facilities, home health care agencies, adult day care programs, and schools. Some conduct research or teach in academic institutions.===

= __Job Outlook:__ = ===Employment of physical therapists is expected to grow 27 percent from 2006 to 2016. The increasing elderly population will drive growth in the demand for physical therapy services. The elderly population is particularly vulnerable to chronic and debilitating conditions that require therapeutic services. Also, the baby-boom generation is entering the prime age for heart attacks and strokes, increasing the demand for cardiac and physical rehabilitation. And increasing numbers of children will need physical therapy as technological advances save the lives of a larger proportion of newborns with severe birth defects. Widespread interest in health promotion also should increase demand for physical therapy services. Job opportunities will be good for licensed physical therapists in all settings. Job opportunities should be particularly good in acute hospital, rehabilitation, and orthopedic settings, where the elderly are most often treated. Estimated in May of 2007, the state of Conneticut had the most physical therpy jobs available.===

= __Salary Information:__ =

Estimated in May 2007
 * ~ Industry ||~ Employment ||~ Hourly mean wage ||~ Annual mean wage ||
 * [|Offices of Other Health Practitioners] || 50,510 || $34.25 || $71,230 ||
 * [|General Medical and Surgical Hospitals] || 46,350 || $33.95 || $70,620 ||
 * [|Home Health Care Services] || 17,930 || $38.13 || $79,300 ||
 * [|Nursing Care Facilities] || 9,960 || $35.08 || $72,970 ||
 * [|Offices of Physicians] || 7,750 || $34.48 || $71,710 ||

= __Working Conditions:__ =
 * ~ Industry ||~ Employment ||~ Hourly mean wage ||~ Annual mean wage ||
 * [|Social Advocacy Organizations] || 30 || $39.76 || $82,710 ||
 * [|Other Amusement and Recreation Industries] || 80 || $39.73 || $82,650 ||
 * [|Home Health Care Services] || 17,930 || $38.13 || $79,300 ||
 * [|Vocational Rehabilitation Services] || 520 || $37.01 || $76,980 ||
 * [|Employment Services] || 3,750 || $35.92 || $74,720 ||

===Physical therapists practice in hospitals, clinics, and private offices that have specially equipped facilities or they treat patients in hospital rooms, homes, or schools. Most physical therapists work a 40-hour week, which may include some evenings and weekends. The job can be physically demanding because therapists often have to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and stand for long periods of time. In addition, physical therapists move heavy equipment and lift patients or help them turn, stand, or walk.===

= __Places of Employment:__ =

===Jobs available in the nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers, and offices of physicians, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing care facilities, home health care agencies, adult day care programs, and schools. You could be employed in one of these areas. Local areas where finding a job may be easy would be at the Butler Hospital or an office nearby.===