Physical Therapist

 

Career Description

Physical therapists work with people who have been physically disabled by an illness or accident or were born with handicaps. Treatment may include exercises to improve muscle strength and coordination; applying heat, cold, water or electricity to relieve pain or to change the patient’s condition; therapeutic massages to relieve pain and reduce swelling; and using wheelchairs or crutches to restore a patient’s mobility.

Annual Salary

Entry: $43,748	Mean: $54,829	Experienced: $66,352
Source: Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council, 2006 Salary Data

Hourly Wage

Entry: $21.05	Mean: $26.36	Experienced: $31.90
Source: Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council, 2006 Salary Data

Academic Requirements

Employment in the field of physical therapy requires a training program accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association. All physical therapists also must be licensed by the state in which they practice. Because these programs are very selective and the admission process is competitive, firsthand experience and high grades in the sciences will give an applicant the edge from the rest of the field.

Schools

KU School of Allied Health (Kansas City, Kan.)
913/588-5235

Rockhurst University
800/842-6776

Professional Associations

National
American Physical Therapy Association

State
Missouri Physical Therapy Association
Missouri State Advisory Commission for Professional Physical Therapists

Additional Information

Learn More About Therapy and Rehabilitation
Read Personal Accounts of Current Physical Therapists