Physical Therapists
Description OES Code: 323080
Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and decrease or prevent deformity of patients suffering from disease or injury.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $22.90
25th Percentile $26.06
50th Percentile $31.37
75th Percentile $36.61

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $24.02
25th Percentile $24.59
50th Percentile $27.67
75th Percentile $38.25

Salaries for Physical Therapists vary according to location, experience, and size of hospital or employing agency and are largely dependent upon the worker's length of experience.

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
The normal work week is 40 hours and may also include weekend appointments. Part-time work is also usually available.

Most employers provide fringe benefits such as paid vacations, sick leave, hospital and group insurance, and retirement programs.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 11,000
Projected Employment 2008 14,800
Percent Change 1998-2008 34.5%
Separations 1998-2008 1,900

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 150
Projected Employment 2006 170
Percent Change 1999-2006 13.3%
Separations 1999-2006 20

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Physical Therapists work on health teams with doctors, nurses, and occupational and physical therapists. They work in public and private hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, physical therapists' offices, and schools for the physically challenged. The buildings are well lighted, air conditioned, and nice to work in. Physical therapy work requires varying degrees of physical exertion, since it involves lifting and positioning patients. Good health and endurance are needed, and eyesight must be sharp enough to watch what the patient does during physical therapy treatments.

Advancement
Promotional avenues in the private sector are basically unstructured and advancement in government service requires success on promotional examinations. In both private and public sectors, experience and ability are the keys to advancement. An advanced degree in physical therapy is sometimes a prerequisite for appointment to supervisory, administrative, teaching, or research positions. Some therapists set up a private practice and accept patients referred by local physicians.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Physical Therapists find jobs through school placement offices, leads in medical journals, and through professional associations.

For a list of current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Physical Therapists in California are licensed by the Physical Therapy Examining Committee. They must have a high school diploma or its equivalent, a bachelor's degree, and graduation from a school of physical therapy approved by the American Medical Association. They must pass a written examination administered by the committee. Licenses must be renewed every two years. The typical curriculum for college programs in physical therapy includes courses in neuroanatomy, physiology, biomechanics of motion, human growth and development, and manifestations of disease and trauma. In addition to classroom instruction, student therapists receive supervised clinical experience as interns in hospitals and treatment centers for an average of 18 weeks.

Skills & Other Requirements
Therapists must have a sincere interest in people and their welfare. The job requires patience, tact, resourcefulness and emotional stability to help patients and their families understand treatments and adjust to handicaps. Good verbal and written communication skills are also considered to be highly essential.

References
California Occupational Guide: #117

Related Occupations: Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapy Aides & Assistants, Respiratory Therapists

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)