Physical Therapist

As a physical therapist, you know that with more than 20 million adults struggling with chronic pain every year, physiotherapy is no longer a luxury — it is a necessity. But you also know that finding the right physical therapist opportunity, the one that “ticks all the boxes,” can be an overwhelming and time-consuming process. 

At TheraEx Staffing, we take the stress out of the job search by matching physical therapists and assistants with the most rewarding and desirable positions around. Whether you are looking for a temporary assignment, per diem work, or a permanent role, we have the contacts and the expertise to help you find the perfect job situation that meets your career needs.

Physical Therapists Save Hospitals and Patients’ Money

Physical therapists help people who have suffered from traumatic injuries or illnesses improve their mobility, relieve pain, and increase strength through several rehabilitative techniques.

It’s proven that the earlier a person seeks physical therapy for an injury or disease, the better their chances of making a full recovery. A customized PT program can help individuals return to their baseline levels of functioning and encourage lifestyle changes to prevent future injuries.

Research suggests that people who receive outpatient physical therapy within the first 30 days of being discharged from the hospital following a stroke are less likely to be readmitted to the hospital. There is also growing evidence that early physical therapy reduces short and long-term healthcare costs and helps prevent the need for invasive or risky medical treatments, like surgery and opioid prescriptions. 

All in all, any professional facility that houses or treats people who have medical issues or injuries: hospitals, private practices, nursing homes, outpatient rehabilitation centers, schools, sports teams — can benefit from having a physical therapist on staff.

Becoming a Physical Therapist

If you’re passionate about improving someone’s quality of life and do not mind seven to eight years of higher education, becoming a physical therapist may be a great career choice for you.

To become a licensed physical therapist, you’ll first need to complete a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as health science, kinesiology, anatomy, or psychology from an accredited university. Then you’ll move on to earn a doctorate in physical therapy and complete your fieldwork requirements.

Master’s degrees in physical therapy are unfortunately no longer offered in the United States.

Alternatively, you can choose to become a physical therapy assistant (PTA), listed by the US Bureau of Labor of Statistics as the 16th fastest growing occupation projected through 2030. To become a PTA, you’ll need to get an associate’s degree from an accredited program, earn your license by passing the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE), and undergo several months of fieldwork experience.

Occupational Therapist vs. Physical Therapist

Physical and occupational therapists perform critical hands-on rehabilitative work that helps patients overcome injury and disability. However, there are a few distinct differences regarding how PTs and OTs approach rehabilitation. 

The most fundamental difference is that physical therapists focus on improving a patient’s mobility, strength, and flexibility. Whereas occupational therapists focus on improving a person’s ability to perform activities of daily living, such as toileting, getting dressed, brushing their teeth, and eating independently.

Career Outlook: An Aging Workforce That Needs Care

Longer life spans, the rise of chronic illness, and an increasingly aging workforce mean an ever-growing need for skilled physical therapists and physical therapy assistants.

According to the National Institute on Aging, physical therapy is a simple yet effective solution for improving senior citizens’ mobility and reducing the risk of falls, the leading cause of injury and death in older Americans. Plus, a recent study showed that exercise interventions from trained healthcare professionals lower the risk of falls by 31%.

Physical Therapy Specialities

One of the great things about being a physical therapist is that there are tons of opportunities for niching down. For example, you can pursue one of the nine board-certified specializations backed by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specializations (ABPTS). 

The certification process is not necessarily a quick one: most physical therapists spend nine months or longer preparing for their board certification exams on top of the years they spend pursuing their bachelor’s and doctoral degrees.

However, specialized physical therapists are recognized and compensated in the industry for their unique abilities and extensive education. These are the nine specializations that are currently being offered by the ABPTS:

• Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy (CCS)
• Clinical Electrophysiologic Physical Therapy (ECS)
• Geriatric Physical Therapy (GCS)
• Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS)
• Oncologic Physical Therapy
• Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS)
• Pediatric Physical Therapy (PCS)
• Sports Physical Therapy (SCS)
• Women’s Health Physical Therapy (WCS)

Why Should Physical Therapists Choose TheraEx?

Whether you’re looking to start a career in physical therapy or are an organization searching for top PT talent, you need a reliable healthcare recruiting agency to help you find your perfect match. The job of a recruiting agency is to help simplify the job search and leverage their expertise and connections to uncover the best opportunities for both employers and future employees. 

As a healthcare professional-owned agency, TheraEx Staffing Solutions understands the importance of finding a physical therapist job that’s rewarding, flexible, and fairly compensated. That is why we offer competitive compensation packages and benefits so you can focus on what matters: helping your patients thrive. 

There are thousands of physical therapy opportunities out there, but navigating the current professional landscape can be confusing and time-consuming. When you partner with a TheraEx recruiter, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that you’re working with someone that’s deeply familiarized with the industry and has the necessary connections to help you find the position of your dreams.