Physical Therapist

Job Summary

A Physical Therapist evaluates, diagnoses, and treats patients with physical impairments, injuries, or disabilities. The role focuses on restoring mobility, reducing pain, and improving overall functional ability through evidence-based therapeutic interventions.

Work Environment

• Hospitals
  
• Outpatient clinics
  
• Rehabilitation centers
  
• Skilled nursing facilities
  
• Home health settings
  

Salary (Seattle, WA)

• Average salary: ~$117,000/year
  
• Typical range: $105,000 – $128,000
  
• Entry-level roles may start around ~$100,000/year
  

Salary varies based on experience, specialization, and workplace setting.

Key Skills

• Patient assessment & clinical reasoning
  
• Manual therapy techniques
  
• Rehabilitation planning
  
• Communication & patient education
  
• Time management & documentation
  

Career Growth Opportunities

• Senior Physical Therapist / Specialist
  
• Clinical Supervisor or Manager
  
• Rehabilitation Director
  
• Specializations (sports therapy, Neuro rehab, pediatrics, etc.)
  

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and develop individualized treatment plans
  
• Administer therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and modalities (e.g., heat, electrical stimulation)
  
• Monitor patient progress and modify treatment plans as needed
  
• Educate patients and families on injury prevention, home exercises, and lifestyle modifications
  
• Collaborate with physicians and interdisciplinary healthcare teams
  
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation and patient records
  
• Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and clinic standards
  
• Supervise physical therapy assistants or students (if applicable)
  

 Physical therapists commonly treat conditions such as neurological impairments, injuries, and post-surgical recovery cases.

Required Qualifications

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program
  
• Active Washington State Physical Therapist license
  
• Strong knowledge of anatomy, bio mechanics, and therapeutic techniques
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a healthcare team
  

Preferred Qualifications

• 1–3+ years of clinical experience (varies by employer)
  
• Specialty certifications (e.g., Orthopedics, Sports, Neurology)
  
• Experience with electronic medical records (EMR) systems