Physical Therapy Jobs Overview
If you’re looking for a career on the move, physical therapy jobs might be the perfect fit. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that the number of jobs in physical therapy will increase by an astounding 21% over the next 10 years.
Physical therapists help patients of any age improve movement and manage pain after illness or injury. As a physical therapist, you are an exercise and functional movement expert. You may work with a wide variety of patients. During a typical workday, you may help someone regain leg function after a break and then make a plan for someone with a chronic illness like cerebral palsy to manage movement around their home.
Pain management is also an essential skill for physical therapists, who teach patients how to move joints, muscles, and soft tissue to decrease pain. Some physical therapists practice in specialized areas such as performing arts, obesity management, and veterinary services.
Salaries for Physical Therapy Jobs
According to Monster, the median annual salary for a physical therapist is $77,625, within a range of $45,968 to $92,310. Using Monster’s Salary Tools, you can see where you might fall within that range, based on your geographic location. We also have information about related jobs and where physical therapists are in high demand.
How to Find the Physical Therapy Job That Fits You
Finding the right job is an important step, and asking yourself the right questions can make all the difference. Consider and reflect on the following to ensure you find a physical therapy job that aligns with your goals and values:
- What are my primary interests within physical therapy? Think whether you lean more towards an interest in sports injuries, pediatrics, geriatrics, or another specialty.
- Do I prefer working as a part of a larger team, or in a role where I am more independent? Some settings will offer more collaborative environments, while others require more autonomy.
- What kind of work environment do I thrive in? Think about settings such as hospitals, private clinics, sports facilities, homes, schools, etc.
- Am I open to relocation? If yes, consider your moving expenses and your destination’s cost of living. If not, what kind of commute is acceptable to you? Think about traffic, tolls to pay, and other factors that can influence your commute.
- Where do I see myself in five to 10 years? Consider your long-term career trajectory to identify physical therapy jobs that can get you closer to your vision.
Review the Job Descriptions
Physical therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all profession. You must gauge your compatibility with each role to find the right one. A sports PT position requires knowledge of sports-specific rehab techniques, while a pediatric position might emphasize play-based therapy.
By reading the description, you’ll know exactly what skills and expertise the employer seeks. Some descriptions of physical therapy jobs subtly hint at the work culture using expressions such as “fast-paced environment” or “independent practitioner”.
Research the Employer
Diving deep into an organization’s culture, values, and reputation ensures a mutually beneficial match. Before you submit your application, take a moment to understand the bigger picture, research the employer, and reflect on the following:
- How important are growth and development opportunities to you? Check if the potential employer offers continuing education, mentorship, or opportunities for advancement.
- How do you feel about the benefits package? While money isn’t everything, you want to ensure that you get what you are worth according to industry standards and your needs. If the job description doesn’t have any information about salary and benefits, a quick search and reading employee reviews might help you get an idea.
- How do the organization’s mission and values resonate with your personal beliefs and values? An organization’s mission and values are its guiding principles and reflect its culture and goals. Aligning with an employer that shares similar values can lead to greater job satisfaction, a sense of purpose, and a feeling of belonging.
How to Apply for Physical Therapy Jobs
You have the skills and we’re here to help you showcase them. From polishing your resume to mastering the application process on Monster, we’ve got your back.
Tailor Your Resume
If you want to craft a standout physical therapy resume, follow these tips:
- Beyond your degree, showcase internships, volunteer work, or roles that highlight hands-on PT experience.
- List any special physical therapy certification, workshop, webinar, or course that can add weight to your resume.
- Use numbers to grab attention by quantifying your past successes.
- Add any affiliation to professional groups, such as the American Physical Therapy Association.
- If you received glowing feedback from past patients or supervisors, include a brief quote.
- Check Monster’s professional resume writing services for help from an expert.
Add a Cover Letter
When your resume is ready to go to work for you, pair it with a cover letter. Address it to the hiring manager by name, if possible. Share a brief story that highlights why you chose the physical therapy field and mention something you admire about their practice. This will show your professionalism, commitment to the industry, and true interest in the role and the employer.
Submit Your Application
Monster is the key to upward mobility in physical therapy jobs. Your first step is to fill out your profile on Monster. Your resume will be visible to recruiters, and we’ll send you job openings and career advice based on your profile preferences.
Then, start your search for jobs right on this page and click on “Apply” to begin. Make sure to tailor your application material, upload it, and complete the process by following the instructions provided to you on the screen.
How to Follow Up on Your Job Application
So, you sent off that stellar application for a physical therapy job and now you are left playing the waiting game, but here’s a friendly tip: following up can make a real difference. Wait about a week or two after sending your application to give the hiring team enough time to process applications.
Avoid your message getting lost by reaching out to the right contact, such as the hiring manager, the head of the physical therapy department, or the HR team. Keep your communication non-intrusive and professional and give them enough time to respond before considering a second nudge.
Interviewing for Physical Therapy Jobs
A good interview often hinges on whether you’ve done your homework. It’s your moment to shine and show potential employers the depth of your passion and skills. Just like therapy, preparation and understanding the process are key.
Before practicing answering potential interview questions, do the following to prepare for your physical therapy job interviews:
- Research the facility, company, and staff to learn as much as you can about what to expect and what they might expect from you.
- Review your techniques to answer questions about specific treatments and share your success stories.
- Prepare questions to maintain a two-way conversation in the interview. For example, you could ask about their therapy philosophy, equipment, patient demographics, and job expectations.
- Practice for practical tests to demonstrate techniques or evaluate a mock patient scenario.
Commonly Asked Job Interview Questions
Use the following questions to practice before your interviews for physical therapy jobs:
- Why did you choose to become a physical therapist? Interviewers often begin with this question to understand your motivation and passion for the field.
- How do you stay updated with the latest research and techniques in physical therapy? This question gauges your commitment to ongoing education and professional development.
- Can you describe a particularly challenging case you’ve dealt with and how you handled it? Here, interviewers are looking for problem-solving skills, adaptability, and the ability to handle complex patient needs.
- How do you handle patients who are non-compliant or resistant to therapy? This question assesses your interpersonal skills and your approach to motivating and educating patients.
- Why are you interested in working at this specific facility? This checks your motivation for applying and how well you’ve researched the prospective employer.
- Describe a time you disagreed with a colleague about a patient’s care. How did you handle it? Teamwork and collaboration are crucial in healthcare settings, and this question explores those dynamics.
How to Follow Up on Your Job Interviews
Within 24 to 48 hours, send a personalized thank you email to express gratitude for their time and reiterate your eagerness. Mention a specific discussion point from the interview to show you were attentive and still very interested.
Give them a week or two before gently checking in if you haven’t heard back. Regardless of the outcome, each interview offers a learning opportunity to improve for the future.
What to Do When You Get an Offer for a Physical Therapy Job
Landing a job offer is a fantastic achievement. But before you jump in with both feet, take a moment to make sure you make the best decision for you. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this phase:
- Quickly acknowledge the offer even if you’re not ready to give a final answer.
- Dive deep into the contract and go through each term in your employment agreement. Check for specifics related to patient load, expected hours, on-call duties, or any requirements for additional training.
- If something is unclear, ask questions. It’s better to clarify things now than have surprises later.
- Once you’ve made your decision, let the employer know promptly. If you decide to decline, be gracious and express gratitude for the offer so you remain on good terms for future opportunities.
Physical Therapy Career Path
Common career paths in physical therapy include:
- Pediatric physical therapist: If you love working with kids, this might be your calling. Pediatric physical therapists specialize in helping children with developmental issues, injuries, or conditions that affect their physical abilities. They make therapy fun and engaging for the little ones.
- : Also called PTA, in this role you work closely with a physical therapist and still have hands-on patient interaction. You’ll help with exercises, treatments, and techniques. This physical therapist job often requires a two-year associate degree and state licensure.
- Physical therapy technician: Sometimes called a rehab aide or tech, this role supports both physical therapists and assistants. Your responsibilities might include setting up therapy equipment, helping patients move to different areas of the facility, or even assisting with clerical duties. It’s a great entry-level position to get a feel for the field and doesn’t typically require an advanced degree.
- Sports physical therapist: In this physical therapy job, you’ll work with athletes to prevent injuries, enhance performance, or help them recover post. You might find yourself working with high school teams, professional athletes, or even Olympians.
Physical Therapy Jobs: Similar Occupations
If working in healthcare interests you, you can expand your search to related jobs such as: