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Physical Therapist

Occupation Information table
Overview: Physical therapists treat patients to build up injured muscles, limbs, and spinal columns and to reduce pain. They administer massage, manipulate joints and give whirlpool baths, heat and ultrasound treatments. Patients are assigned exercises on nautilus-like equipment.
Duties: They evaluate patients' needs by referring to medical doctor's recommendations and by examination of the patient's physical abilities and present limitations.

Examine the limbs, joints or areas which have been injured or where the patient is experiencing pain. They massage and manipulate muscles and joints to restore mobility.

They administer treatments to injured areas through the use of whirlpool baths, heat and ultrasound equipment. Prescribe and administer exercises on electro-mechanical exercise equipment.

They increase patients range of joint movement through the use of power equipment that automatically moves the patients' limbs. Prescribe long term exercises for self-maintenance of health.
Degree(s): A.S. Health Sciences 
A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences (Mathematics and Science) 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is projected to grow 14% or higher from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average projected growth for all occupations.
Starting Salary: Those in private practice generally earn more.
Salary Range (National Average): $36,000 to $40,000
Growth: Growth
Education Level: Typically, a Bachelor’s Degree from a 4-year college (some are 5 years) is required to be considered for this occupation.
Additional Training/Education: All states require physical therapists to pass a licensing examination after graduating from an accredited physical therapy program with either a bachelor's degree or a master's degree. A master's degree is required for research and teaching positions.
Recommended Skills:
  • Identifying the most appropriate equipment and tools needed to get a job done.
  • Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.
  • Allocating and budgeting your time for different tasks so that things get done when needed.
  • Being aware of the reactions of others, and understanding why they react the way they do.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Using scientific methods to investigate and conduct experiments.
  • Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions.
  • Teaching others how to do something.
Recommended Values:
  • Doing something to contribute to the betterment of the world. Doing something for the greater good.
  • Being involved in helping other people in a direct way either individually or in a small group.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.