Where do physical therapists work?
While many physical therapists establish their own practices and provide care directly to patients, others work in a variety of settings: • nursing homes • home health agencies • public and private schools • hospitals • industry • athletic and fitness centers • research facilities. A therapist’s specific work setting is determined by his or her practice specialty, which may be community health, neurology, pediatrics, oncology (cancer), orthopedics, geriatrics, or long-term rehabilitation. How can you prepare? In high school, take courses in science, biology, mathematics, and chemistry. Volunteer in any department of your local hospital. Select a college or university with an accredited physical therapy program. In college, continue to volunteer. Arrange to “shadow” a practicing therapist in order to learn firsthand exactly what physical therapists do and to verify your interest. You can read about and stay current with trends in the profession by becoming an active student member of th
Physical therapists practice in a broad range of inpatient, outpatient, and community-based settings, including the following: · Hospitals (e.g, critical care, intensive care, acute care, and subacute care settings) · Outpatient clinics or offices · Rehabilitation facilities · Skilled nursing, extended care, or subacute facilities · Home Health· Education or research centers · Schools and playgrounds (preschool, primary, and secondary) · Hospices · Corporate or industrial health centers · Industrial, workplace, or other occupational environments · Athletic facilities (collegiate, amateur, and professional) · Fitness centers and sports training facilities.
