There are amazing job opportunities available for those in the field of physical therapy. This is a career that is in high demand at this time and will continue to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2016. It’s likely that the growth of employment for physical therapists, assistants, and aides will continue as medical technology advances. Patients affected by trauma, elderly individuals, orthopedic patients, children affected by birth defects, athletes, and adults with chronic and acute health conditions all rely on the services of physical therapy professionals. Baby boomers are committed to staying healthy and active. Physical therapy can be a vital part of maintaining their productivity and vitality.
Many acute care hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and home health care services offer relocation and sign-on bonuses to physical therapists. These benefits can be significant. Sign-on bonuses can range from several hundred dollars to even several thousand dollars. Payscale.com, the world’s largest database of job compensation information, reports that a physical therapist with less than one year experience makes a median income of $54,398 annually. An entry-level physical therapy assistant makes a median wage of $38,118 each year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that in 2007 the median salary of a physical assistant aide was $22,990. Many factors influence the starting pay rate of those entering the physical therapy employment place. The type of employer, the geographic area, the size of the company, and education are some of these elements.
There are also opportunities to work as a traveling physical therapist or physical therapy assistant. This option offers therapists and assistants the chance to explore different geographical areas while earning great pay. Additional benefits such as free private housing, car allowances, and bonuses are also sometimes available. Travel nursing has long been a booming industry but agencies are now seeking physical therapists as well to staff hospitals and clinics throughout the nation. Assignments are typically thirteen weeks but there is sometimes an opportunity to work into a permanent position.
There are many online resources that streamline the process of finding a job in the area of physical therapy. There are large career sites that are easily searchable by job specialty. These sites sometimes offer information about the company advertising open positions and compensation and benefit information. There are also niche websites that list only therapy-related positions. These sites sometimes offer opportunities to network with other professionals. This is a great way to get leads on job openings. A local newspaper is a good resource to find openings locally. Area employment agencies may also have information about jobs in this area of employment.
It’s been said that only a small portion of open positions are actually advertised. Don’t hesitate to visit hospitals, clinics, or physician offices that you may be interested in working at. Colleges sometimes have job opportunities posted on campus or with counselors. Networking is important. Let your friends and family know that you’re looking for an entry-level position. This is a good way to locate a job because you can sometimes get additional information about a workplace before landing an interview.
The interview process is important when seeking a job in the field of physical therapy just as it is for any job. Good interviewing skills are essential in landing a position as a physical therapist, assistant or aide. Much of your day will be spent interacting with patients, families, and other professionals. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are vital. Maintain eye contact with the person interviewing you, speak clearly, and listen carefully. Ask questions and show that you’ve researched the company you are interviewing with. Show up at an interview dressed well and offer an excellent resume. Follow-up the interview with a short, professional letter thanking the person who interviewed you for their time and consideration. This is a tip that may give you an added edge when trying to land your first job in a therapy career.
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