Major Growth Projected for Physical Therapy Jobs

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Standards, jobs for qualified physical therapists are expected to grow more than 30% by the year 2024. This projected job growth of more than 72,000 new positions is a much higher rate of growth than usual, making this an excellent time to begin training for your new career.

Cause of Physical Therapy Job Growth

The primary cause for the expansion of physical therapy jobs now, and their projected growth in the future, is the aging of our population. As more and more Baby Boomers embark on their retirement years, they are also beginning to experience chronic illnesses and conditions. At the same time, Baby Boomers are remaining active well into their 70s and 80s, so the possibilities of injuries to the body that will require some measure of rehab have increased significantly. Physical therapists and physical therapy aides are in high demand across the country.

Is a Career in Physical Therapy for Me?

Physical therapy careers may not be for everyone, so evaluating your skills and interests beforehand will help you get the most out of your training. First of all, physical therapy training is science-heavy. To be qualified to practice, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on science courses, such as biology, physiology, and chemistry. You will need to be able to think critically, measure and analyze data effectively, interpret patient information, and understand the systemic relationships within the human body in order to prioritize therapies and prevent injuries. Physical therapy assistants do not need a bachelor’s degree, but need to learn much of the same information and technique that therapists do. Schools that offer assistant or aide training can provide the classroom and lab education needed to step into a position as a physical therapy aide.

Physical therapy requires you to be good at interacting with people. Strong communication skills and ability to instruct patients effectively are key skills. You need to be strong physically, as you may have to lift or support patients at times. You need to be coordinated, with good balance and reaction time. You need to be observant and detail-oriented. Other important skills include compassion, and ability to be flexible, ethical, and culturally sensitive.

Physical Therapy Training

Vocational schools, such as the Physical Therapy Aide/ Sports Rehab program at Southern California Health Institute (SOCHi), offer comprehensive coursework and hands-on training to prepare you to step into a position in a variety of medical facilities, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Physical therapy schools like SOCHi provide you with the training you need not only to work as a physical therapy aide, but also to work in sports rehab or as a therapeutic massage therapist.

Projected growth in the healthcare sector has never been more positive, and physical therapy jobs look to grow by leaps and bounds over the next five years. Easy access to high-quality training and an ever-increasing population of Baby Boomers seeking relief and rehabilitation from chronic ailments and sports injuries are all reasons why pursuing a career in physical therapy has never been a better idea.

For more information about SOCHi’s Physical Therapy Aide/ Sports Rehab program, please visit our website, orm if your ready to start on your new career path, apply here.