A Physical Therapy Program Can Help Educate Aspiring Physical Therapists

There comes a time when you're contemplating your college degree and you've got to look towards the future. After all, you're not going to be a student forever. Usually, the intention of getting a degree is to move you forward into a professional setting, where you can work at a job you love doing something you enjoy.

Ideally, you'll be able to take some time and brainstorm about what it is you want to do after you graduate long before you're even thinking about putting on a mortarboard. If you have a job in mind, you'll be able to pick a degree that closely resembles your future profession. Even better is the fact that you'll be able to take classes that will help expand the knowledge you'll need for your future.

Nowadays, many students are interested in professions involving the healthcare professions. However, not every student wants to become a doctor or a nurse. Fortunately, there are plenty of careers available to students who want to help others, but aren't looking to donning a white jacket to do so. One of the jobs that is rising in popularity is that of a physical therapist.

These types of therapists are healthcare professionals who work with people of all ages who are suffering from medical problems or other limiting, health-related injuries or illnesses. Usually these illnesses prevent patients from fully moving or performing activities as functionally as they would like to on a daily basis. They also work with patients to prevent the loss of mobility before it happens by promoting healthier lifestyles and habits.

Those who enter this field practice in a variety of locations, from hospitals to outpatient clinics to private offices. Most full-time therapists do work a 40-hour workweek, often including evenings and weekends to accommodate their patients' needs. Being a physical therapist does require physical strength - these professionals may have to stoop, kneel, crouch and stand for long periods while working. Sometimes they also move heavy equipment or help patients turn or walk.

Practicing physical therapy does require some time spent in school, as well as the applicable licensure required in the state where you choose to practice. The American Physical Therapy Association's accrediting body accredits entry-level academic programs specifically focused on this specialty. These programs include 12 master's degree programs and 200 doctorate programs. You will need to complete an undergraduate degree before you can move on to the graduate therapy programs.

Job employment for physical therapists is expected to grow by 30 percent within the next seven years, which is faster than average for all occupations. In 2008, those in this field held about 185,500 jobs, and as patient access to the services of physical therapists increase, so do jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for physical therapists were $72, 790 as of 2008.