Western Washington Area Health Education Center
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
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WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
Health Career Information
Physical Therapist
Job description
A physical therapist (PT) evaluates and treats individuals with temporary or long term physical disabilities to relieve pain, restore function, and promote healing by applying the therapeutic properties of exercise, heat, cold water, electricity, ultrasound, massage and other forms of treatment. The physical therapist treats the "whole person" by psychologically preparing the patient for treatment and working to rebuild confidence.
Activities may include
●
evaluate, plan and administer treatment to patients with problems related to neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems
●
administer and interpret tests and measurements for muscle strength, coordination, range of motion, and respiratory and circulatory efficiency
●
instruct patients and their families in the care and use of wheelchairs, braces, canes, crutches and other devices
●
maintain patient records
●
devise special tools and treatment for the specific needs of patients
Specialties
Some physical therapists specialize in pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine, neurology, industrial rehabilitation or cardiopulmonary diseases.
Salaries and benefits*
Entry level Physical Therapists average $2,860 to $3,640 per month. With three to five years of experience, they can earn $4,000 to $5,600 per month. An entry level Physical Therapist I working for the State of Washington averages $2,864 to $3,666 per month. Statewide, Physical Therapists earn $3,693 to $5,588 per month. Physical Therapists working for public schools in the state average $3,135 per month. Nationally, recent college graduates with a bachelor's degree working as Physical Therapists average $3,240 per month. In the Pacific Northwest, PTs working for health care institutions average $3,832 to $4,304 per month. Nationally, mid-level Therapists average $4,767 per month and top-level Therapists average $5,417 per month. Most PTs who work within a hospital or other healthcare facility receive a full benefit package. Self-employed Therapists must self-insure.
Training and requirements
Washington State licensure requires completing a bachelor's degree from an accredited program in Physical Therapy. However, Bachelors- and Masters-level programs have been phased out in Physical Therapy programs taught at Eastern Washington University, the University of Puget Sound and the University of Washington are at the graduate level, for a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Competition to enter a Physical Therapy school is intense. Students should find volunteer positions to increase their knowledge of the field and enhance their admission chances.
Necessary skills
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ability to learn new tasks and the use of new equipment
●
ability to make sound judgments excellent verbal and written communication skills
●
ability to detect small changes
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excellent eye/hand coordination
●
ability to use hands skillfully
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ability to evaluate and interpret diagnostic tests
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excellent problem solving skills
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ability to stand and move about freely for extended periods of time
●
ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Licensure/Certification
Physical therapists are licensed by the state of Washington as a requirement for employment. Completion of 40 hours of continuing education and 200 hours of employment every two years for license renewal
For more information contact:
●
Washington State Department of Health
Board of Physical Therapy
P.O. Box 47868
Olympia, WA 98504-7868
(360) 236-4873.
http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/hpqad/Physical_Ther/default.htm
Helpful high school courses
Include biology, computer science, English, first aid, foreign language, health, history, math through calculus, physics, psychology, science, and speech.
Colleges/Vocational Schools in Washington State
●
Eastern
Washington University
Department of Physical Therapy
Health Science Building
310 N. Riverpoint Blvd.
Box T Room 270
Spokane, WA 99202 - 1675
(509) 368-6601
●
University of Puget
Sound
1500 N. Warner
Tacoma, WA 98416
(253) 879-3100
●
University of Washington
Physical Therapy Curriculum Office
1959 NE Pacific Street, Suite CC-902
Seattle, Washington 98195-6490
(206) 598-5333
Outlook*
In Washington, this occupation is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Employment is projected to increase 36 percent by 2008. It is estimated that there will be 174 openings annually in this occupation.
Professional Associations
●
American Physical Therapy Association
1111 North Fairfax St.
Alexandria, VA 22314-1488
(703) 684-2782
(800) 999-2782
http://www.apta.org
●
Physical Therapy Association of Washington
208 Rogers St. NW
Olympia, WA 98502-4940
(360) 352-7290
http://www.ptwa.org/
* Note: General career descriptions are updated as necessary, however salary expectations and projected outlooks have not been updated since 2000. Go to Workforce Explorer Washington and search your career for the most up-to-date salary and job growth expectations. Washington Healthcare Careers and Workforce College are also good resources for job information.
For additional information, contact your school's career counselor or
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Page updated 9/15/04