No specific major is required, however courses in math and science provide relevant training. Students usually volunteer at physical therapy units of hospitals or clinics because of the first hand experiences are often required for administration into graduate degree programs. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), “physical therapists are required to complete physical therapy masters or doctoral degree programs. Only nine of the 212 accrediting programs in physical therapy awarded master’s degree and 203 programs offered doctorates in 2011. In addition to having a background in biology, chemistry, or physical, a positive bedside manner is important. Strong impersonal skills are a necessity for physical therapists because he or she has to communicate with patients, family members, and any other health care professionals. The physical therapy field is highly competitive, and grades are very important. Job opportunities for licensed Physical Therapists are available in schools, clinics, and hospitals. From 2008-2018 the elderly population will be licensed by 30 percent. This growth may be result of advancement in medical technology and the use of evidence-based practice. As the population ages, the demand for physical therapists will increase. In some state has its own requirements, most require that candidates have graduate degrees in physical therapy from accredited programs and pass the …show more content…
Physical therapists could see employment opportunities increase 36% from 2012 to 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Physical Therapy job growth is due in large part to an aging population 's need for rehabilitative services to manage illness or injury and recuperate from surgery. The salary for physical therapists varies from state to state. Most positions require a bachelors and master degree. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median annual Physical Therapist salary is $79,551, as of March 24, 2016, with a range usually between $73,283-$86,312, however this can vary widely depending on a variety of factors. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $55,620, and the top 10 percent earned more than $112,020. Most physical therapists work full time. About 1 in 4 worked part time in 2012. Although most therapists work during normal business hours, some may work evenings or