Physical therapy is an important medical tool that people can use to their advantage if they injure their body from sports, everyday activities, or even if they are victims of an accident. As a physical therapist it is your responsibility to ensure that you help your patients live a regular life after their injury. From making a reasonable amount of money to helping alleviate pain in patients, being a physical therapist can be both advantageous and disadvantageous.
The Pros of Being a Physical Therapist
1. Increased Job Opportunities
Physical therapists are in high demand, which means that there’s a high probability you’ll have access to a career once you have finished your schooling. Whether you choose to work in an independent practice or a hospital, there will be an assortment of opportunities for you to choose from. There is also a market for personal physical therapists that patients can hire on their own.
2. Reasonable Wages
As a physical therapist you won’t have to worry about making an insufficient amount of money for what you put into your post secondary schooling. On average, these professions can make over $79,000 as long as they work regular hours during the week.
3. Career Versatility
It is incredibly difficult to find a career that offers as much versatility as physical therapy. You will be able to choose from many different types of patient concerns that you’ll specialize in, including: rehabilitation, chronic conditions, geriatric conditions, restoration, sports medicine, and more.
The Cons of Being a Physical Therapist
1. Years of Education
In order to work in the medical field you will have to commit a substantial amount of your life to schooling and this is the same for physical therapists. There is a rigorous study plan that you will have to adhere to for at least 5 years, and then you will be able to practice. This also means that you will have to be financially prepared for the costs associated with going to school.
2. Victims of Healthcare Reform
The more that the healthcare industry changes and the less benefits that employees receive from their employers can negatively affect physical therapists. This is because people are less likely to pay for their services on their own unless they are suffering from a chronic condition. The less clients that you have equates to less money that you will receive, which can negatively affect your lifestyle halfway through your career.
