The Physical Therapists perform  a series of tasks, including applying exercise and rehabilitation techniques to treat injuries or abnormalities and reducing their pain and improve ability to move. They work with the patients to prevent disability and ensure healthy living for them. They generally deal in areas such as injuries, geriatrics, orthopedic, home care, neurology, pediatrics, sports etc.

Physical Therapists need to be very patient and understanding, as they may encounter many annoying and irritating, as well as ignorant patients during their work. They teach the patients about various exercises and techniques to improve their mobility and gain strength while preventing recurring injury.

Education Requirements:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Aspiring Physical Therapists must complete a bachelor’s degree program without any specific major. The four-year bachelor’s degree program may include anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics and psychology along with English proficiency. They can also try to volunteer at the physical therapy units of hospitals or clinics to get hands-on experience.

2. Graduate Degree: After completing a bachelor’s degree program, the Physical Therapists are required to complete a professional physical therapy degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The program may take 2-3 years for completion.

3. Licensure: All states in the United States require the Physical Therapists to have a license. They must clear the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

4. Residency Program: The residency programs help the Physical Therapists to boost their career and profile. The programs are typically comprised of 1,500 hours of clinical physical therapy practice. The duration of these programs may be 9-36 months. They get a chance to work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists during the period.

Salary & Job Outlook: The job outlook for Physical Therapists remains excellent with a projected growth rate of 36% during the period of 2012-22. The average salary of these professionals was $81,030 in May 2013.