If you are seeking a career focused on helping others reach their full potential, you should consider all the pros and cons of being a physical therapist.
As with any career, you will find the good and the bad. We can assure you the “good” list is much longer when you weigh the pros and cons of a career in physical therapy.
Regardless of how you rank the benefits, there are plenty of perks to enjoy throughout your physical therapist career. Let’s dive into our list!
1. Great Pay
PRO:
According to Salary.com, “The median annual Physical Therapist salary is $86,840, as of October 30, 2019, with a range usually between $80,000-$94,225.”
As a medical professional, your driving force is your empathy and willingness to care for those in need, but it’s nice to know one of the advantages of being a physical therapist is a great salary.
CON:
The cost of your education is no small number that will most likely require a student loan. Should you choose to specialize, you will require additional education and take on more costs.
The comfortable salary will surely help pay off school debt!
2. Work/Life Balance
PRO:
Depending on the type of work environment you prefer, you may be able to set yourself up for the kind of flexibility that lends to a balance between work and play.
As a Physical Therapist, you can choose to have your own practice, set your own hours, and schedule set breaks.
CON:
If you choose to work in a hospital or a high volume practice, this perk may not apply to you.
3. Variety of Environments
PRO:
Physical Therapists have a wide variety of choices when it comes to their work environments.
Did you know you can be a traveling Physical Therapist? This position is actually in very high demand as hospital systems and rehabilitation centers throughout the country seek PT professionals during peak seasons.
However, if you prefer to settle in one place, you can work in:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Rehabilitation Centers
- Schools/Universities
- Private Practices
CON:
Physical Therapists must obtain a license in each state they want to practice, and renew that license every two years. This can become slightly tedious for traveling professionals.
4. In-Demand Career Field
PRO:
Between longer life spans, an increase in chronic illness, and the wave of aging baby boomers, there is an ever-growing need for skilled Physical Therapists.
The demand for Physical Therapists is so high in fact, that job security is a given!
CON:
Such demand may eat into your work/life balance.
5. Health and Fitness
PRO:
The day-to-day requirements of Physical Therapy are not only demanding on the patient but on the PT as well. Much of your time spent treating patients includes lifting, stretching and other physical movements that require a certain level of fitness, which means you will be a generally healthy, fit person!
In fact, the American Physical Therapy Association released an initiative that shows how your own health can benefit from the techniques you teach your patients.
CON:
If you are unable to maintain being physically fit, it becomes quite difficult to fulfill your PT responsibilities.
6. Medical Knowledge
PRO:
Being that Physical Therapists work with the entire body and all of its systems, these professionals are incredibly knowledgeable.
Because of this, Physical Therapists are known are highly educated, highly skilled professionals with vast medical knowledge.
CON:
The amount of schooling that goes into becoming a Physical Therapist can be overwhelming and costly.
7. Job Satisfaction
PRO:
Working as a Physical Therapist ensures you endless career satisfaction. Helping injured patients return to a normal lifestyle is incredible!
When it comes time to close a case, your patient is a new person – because of you. Talk about a fulfilling career choice.
CON:
We’re sure you’ll agree with us – there is no corresponding con when it comes to the inner joy you experience when a patient can enjoy life thanks to your treatment!
Pros Certainly Outweigh the Cons
It’s no secret that there are many pros and cons of being a physical therapist and that the pros certainly outweigh the cons! If you are interested in diving into a career as a physical therapist, contact us today to learn how we can help you.
