The valuable opportunity to help people recover from injuries, resume mobility and regain independence is an attractive part of gainful employment in a physical therapy job, according to a Business Insider column penned by Chad Fisher.
Surmounting the challenges associated with the profession is possible and can lead to even more rewarding experiences, according to Fisher.
The educational requirement typically is six years, four in undergraduate and two in graduate school. The two degrees, and the required financial investment, serve as minimum requirements. The job holds many opportunities to surmount emotional stress while working with people recovering from traumatic illnesses or injuries. Successfully getting these people to perform to their outer limits can be a rewarding achievement. Physical therapists also must endure physical demands such as lifting patients who otherwise are unable to help themselves.
Long hours typically are required of physical therapists and schedules often are adapted for patients who need to be squeezed in. The profession also requires its employees remain current with trends in the industry to maintain their certification in workshops and conferences.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career opportunities for physical therapists are forecast to very rapidly develop. Three of five physical therapists find employment in hospitals or other health professionals' offices.