Physical therapists play an important role in helping patients to enjoy a healthy lifestyle while reclaiming their activities of daily living that have been impaired by pain and injuries. Therapists generally evaluate new patients to determine pain levels and injuries. From this examination, they identify problems, arrive at diagnoses and thereafter plan treatment programs for patients based on each patients individual needs. Physical therapists monitor the patients progress throughout the entire treatment process. For these and other duties, physical therapists are highly regarded and paid competitive salaries in California.
Bureau of Labor Statistics California Physical Therapy Wages
The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that physical therapists in California have the highest level of jobs in the field with an average mean median income of $84,600. However, in the metropolitan area of Madera, California, where there are less physical therapist jobs, physical therapists are earning $108,320 annually as of May 2011.
Physical Therapy Job Growth
The Bureau of Labor statistics predicts that employment for physical therapists will increase by 30 percent through the year 2018. The elderly population drives growth and demand for physical therapy due to debilitating conditions that they are prone to, which are being successfully treated by physical therapists. Opportunities will call for licensed physical therapists in acute hospitals, skilled nursing and orthopedic clinics, where the elderly are often treated for old-age chronic conditions. You will find more job opportunities wherever there is a large elderly population. Job prospects will be plentiful in rural areas where high salaries await you. Competition for physical therapy jobs in rural areas will be less since most physical therapists tend to compete for work in large cities and suburban towns.
Physical Therapy Education Programs
Students contemplating to pursue physical therapy as a career at the undergraduate level should concentrate on completing full college science courses that include biology and anatomy, physiology and biomechanics. You will be required to complete a full syllabus of science courses for your undergraduate degree. Pursue a Master’s Degree thereafter and even a Doctoral Degree in physical therapy in order to fulfill your overall goals of becoming a well-qualified physical therapist in a field that will reward you with high salaries.
Physical Therapy Licensing
You must be licensed to practice as a physical therapist. Once you have completed your accredited physical therapy education program, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination and meet specific state requirements. Continuing education is a determining factor in many states in order for you to maintain your license.