Jobs in Physical Therapy
Physical Therapists and Therapy Assistants
Physical therapists (PT) and physical therapy assistants (PTA) help restore mobility and relieve pain for those suffering from injuries or diseases. TheraStaff appreciates the compassion and interpersonal skills this type of professional requires and the talent our PTs and PTAs bring to our clients’ medical facilities.
TheraStaff’s Physical Therapists
Our PTs come to TheraStaff with a minimum of one year hands-on experience but typically have more than a few years. In addition, they must have the required state licensing and education from an accredited physical therapy degree program. TheraStaff sees many professionals in this field now carrying a Ph.D. TheraStaff’s physical therapists always operate under doctors’ orders and the required guidelines of our therapy staffing agency, and are authorized to utilize medications in their treatment of patients.
In addition to these essential requirements, TheraStaff ensures its PTs are up to speed with the continuing education courses needed to maintain licensing. The typical medical environment our PTs and PTAs work at include hospitals, rehabilitation or private clinics, skilled nursing facilities and even public and private schools.
Employment Outlook for Physical Therapists
Physical therapy employment is forecast to grow much faster than the average of all other occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. From 2006 to 2016, the employment of physical therapists is expected to rise 27% with 220,000 PTs in the workforce by 2016.
“Advancements in medical treatments, including innovations that improve mobility and joint replacements will ensure physical therapy rehabilitation services continue to see strong growth in the years to come,” says Bill Stone, founder and CEO of TheraStaff. The BLS agrees, stating medical developments will allow more trauma victims to survive, thus creating the need for additional physical therapy rehabilitation services.
In addition to medical advancements, the BLS predicts that a heightened interest in overall health, lifestyle and quality of life will increase the demand for physical therapists while employers use their services for developing exercise programs, teaching safe work practices and more.
TheraStaff’s Physical Therapy Assistants
Our physical therapy assistants have graduated from an accredited physical therapy degree program, are licensed in the state they are working in (if required) and have successfully passed their PTA boards. Since many professionals in this field receive training while on the job, our PTAs have at least one year of experience within the past three years prior to joining our team.
TheraStaff PTAs perform physical therapy rehabilitation duties under physicians’ orders and work under the direct supervision of registered physical therapists. Our PTAs also comply with state and federal regulations governing their duties.
Outlook for Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs
Just like PTs, the BLS reports that professionals working in physical therapy assistant jobs continue to be in demand due to evolving medical technology, an aging baby boomer population, improved medical technologies and treatments, and the goal to reduce the overall costs by utilizing PTAs to carry out treatments as directed by the PT.
By 2016, the number of physical therapy assistants in the workforce is expected by the BLS to be 80,000 – that’s a 32% change from 2006. Job openings will result in the need to fill positions from those leaving the profession permanently and those looking to advance to other positions in the field such as administrative, education or areas of specialization, says BLS.
Be part of this growing workforce. Find jobs in physical therapy by submitting an online application with our staffing agency and take control of your schedule.