Is Being a Physical Therapist Worth It?

There are a lot of questions that come to mind when you’re considering a career as a physical therapist. Is it worth the investment? Will I be able to find a job? What will my salary be like? Here are a few things to consider if you’re considering becoming a physical therapist.

What Is a Physical Therapist?

A physical therapist (PT) in Wichita is a healthcare professional who provides services to patients and clients to develop, maintain and restore maximal physical function and movement. To become a PT, you should have a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from an accredited institution. You will also need to pass a state licensing exam.

The job outlook for PTs is favorable. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of PTs will grow 22 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for PTs is driven by the aging baby-boom population, who live longer and stay active later in life.

There are many different settings in which PTs practice, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, home health agencies, nursing homes, schools, and industrial workplaces. PTs may also work in fitness centers or provide consulting services to businesses.

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

The main goal of Wichita’s Physical Therapy by Phoenix is to alleviate pain and improve or restore function lost due to injury, illness, or other conditions. To achieve this, PTs use a variety of techniques, including:

• Exercise
• Manual therapy (massage, mobilization, and manipulation)
• Electrical stimulation
• Heat and cold therapy
• Hydrotherapy (water therapy)

What Makes It Worth It?

Here are some reasons why you should consider becoming a physical therapist:

• You Can Make a Difference in People’s Lives – Physical therapists at Wichita help people improve their quality of life. They work with patients who have been injured or who have chronic conditions that limit their ability to move and function normally. Physical therapy can help these patients regain strength and mobility and return to their everyday activities.
• You Can Have a Flexible Career – Physical therapists can work in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, and private practices. This flexibility allows you to choose the setting that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Additionally, many physical therapists specialize in a particular area, such as orthopedics, sports medicine, or geriatrics. It allows you to focus your career on the type of patients and conditions that interest you the most.
• You Can Earn a Good Salary – Physical therapists in Wichita are well-compensated for their work. The median annual salary for physical therapists is over $80,000. Experienced physical therapists can earn even more than that. So, if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career that can provide you with financial security, physical therapy is worth considering.
• Shorter Education Time – One of the main reasons people choose to become PTs is because the education process is shorter than becoming a doctor. Hence, you can start working and earning money earlier on in your career.

If you wish to become a physical therapist, contact Physical Therapy by Phoenix in Wichita, our elite physical therapists will help determine if physical therapy is the career choice for you.