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| Physical Therapists |
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| Employment Increase: |
88% |
| People In Field: |
170,000 |
| Average Salary: |
$38,850 |
| Qualifications: |
Bachelor's Degree, Training |
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Nature of the Work:
Physical therapists improve the mobility, relieve the
pain, and prevent or limit the permanent physical disabilities
of patients suffering from injuries or disease. Their patients
include accident victims and disabled individuals with
conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, nerve
injuries, burns, amputations, head injuries, fractures, low back
pain, arthritis, and heart disease.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
All states require physical therapists to pass a
licensure exam after graduating from an accredited physical
therapy program.
Job Outlook:
Employment of physical therapists is expected to
grow much faster than the average for all occupations through
the year 2005. Growth will occur as new medical
technologies save more people, who then need therapy; as new
technologies permit more disabling conditions to be treated; and
as the population grows and ages. There will be
approximately 170,000 physical therapists by 2005.
Sources of Additional Information:
American Physical Therapy Association
1111 North Fairfax St.
Alexandria, VA 22314.
American Alliance for Health and Physical Education
1900 Association Dr.
Reston, VA 22091.
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