Career Definition for a Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists and physical therapists are essentially the same, but the term 'physiotherapist' is used more often abroad and 'physical therapist' is used more often in the United States. Physiotherapists and physical therapists help accident victims, medical patients, and chronically disabled people maintain and improve their physical wellbeing by designing, implementing, and supervising custom treatment plans. They supervise patients' progress and make adjustments to treatment plans as needed. These therapists can help patients maintain or restore flexibility, strength, and range of motion.
| Required Education | Bachelor's degree and Doctor of Physical Therapy degree |
| Job Duties | Include designing, implementing, and supervising custom treatment plans; supervising patient progress; making adjustments to treatment as needed |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $95,620 per year (physical therapists) |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031)* | 17% growth (physical therapists) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required Education
Physiotherapists and physical therapists must complete a bachelor's degree before enrolling in a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program from an accredited college or university. These 3-year DPT programs include courses in gross anatomy and applied physiology along with a hands-on practical experience requirement.
Licensure Requirements
Physiotherapists and physical therapists must obtain a license from the state in which they work. Licensure requirements include passing the National Physical Therapy Examination. Some physical therapists go on to specialize in a particular type of therapy, such as geriatric physical therapy, and become board certified in that area.
Skills Needed
Physiotherapists and physical therapists need to be sensitive to their patients' needs and disabilities and must have excellent communication and motivational skills. They should also be physically fit enough to properly demonstrate the activities in their treatment plans and must possess strong organizational skills.
Career and Economic Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for physical therapists are expected to increase at a much-faster-than-average rate of 17% from 2021 to 2031. This rate of growth is mainly due to the aging population that is remaining active after retirement and at higher risk of injury. The median salary among physical therapists was reported as $95,620 in May 2021 by the BLS.
Alternative Career Options
Here are some examples of alternative career options:
Physical Therapy Assistant
For those who want to work in the field of physiotherapy but do not want to complete a doctoral degree, the job of a physical therapy assistant may be a good fit. Physical therapy assistants (PTAs) help patients with exercises and equipment and may treat patients under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. PTAs must complete associate's degrees from accredited programs and then become licensed or certified in the state in which they work. Like physical therapists, the BLS projects that jobs for PTAs will grow at a much faster-than-average rate of 26% from 2021 to 2031. These workers had a median annual salary of $61,180 in May 2021, according to the BLS.
Audiologist
Like physiologists, audiologists help people with disabilities, but audiologists concentrate on hearing and balance issues. Audiologists examine patients' inner and outer ears to diagnose and determine the proper treatment for ear problems. To become an audiologist, one must complete a doctoral degree program in audiology and obtain a state-issued license. Professional certification is also available, but not always required. Audiologist positions are expected to increase at a faster-than average rate of 10% from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS. The BLS reported in 2021 that these workers had a median annual salary of $78,950.
