Physical Therapy Jobs are Increasingly In Demand

No matter where you look in the healthcare industry these days, the story seems to be the same: professions in just about any area of healthcare are increasingly in demand. And as those working in the field know, the present demand for physical therapists is certainly no exception.

This rapid growth is due, in part, to the increase in both need and spending in healthcare services, particularly as the Baby Boomers continue to age and retire (including those who work in PT), and experience a greater need for medical care and attention. As medicine improves for the critically ill and life expectancy continues to lengthen, the challenges involved with meeting this need will only increase. In a nutshell there will be fewer professionals, and more need for their services.

Along with these factors, it’s also important to note that the world of physical therapy has crystallized into an exceptionally multifaceted arena — one that the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) has organized into 19 different specialty sections. Each section is made up of no less than thousands of active professionals, and is broken up into even more specialized special-interest groups. Collectively, this adds up to a wealth of experience and professional influence across the profession — as well as an agile and versatile career.

Job Growth In The PT Field

Demand for those working in physical therapy is expected to increase well into the next decade. According to statistics published by the US Department of Labor, PT employment is expected to increase by 77,400 jobs to a total of 276,000 jobs from 2010 to 2020 — an increase in 39%. Physical therapy assistant jobs are also seeing an increase in demand; professionals in this field can expect 30,800 jobs to be added by 2020 — a 45.7% increase to 98,200 positions.

Healthcare positions in general are expanding in need, but particularly within the support occupations. This is particularly true for those working in both occupational and physical therapy. The 2012 US News & World Report’s “Best Jobs” report places both fields in the top ten jobs listed, and shows the salary of a PT ranging from $53,620-$107,920.

The US Department Of Labor breaks down the future of allied healthcare like this:

What This Means For Travel Physical Therapy

Especially in times of high demand, the distribution of active professionals is far from ideal, and some areas have a much stronger need than others. Those working in travel healthcare should will be able to pick from openings across the country — finding the openings that best suit their personal needs and preferences.

If you’re interested in transitioning to travel healthcare, you’ve come to the right place. Onward Healthcare is a leading provider of travel physical therapy jobs, as well as all other allied health professions.  If you’d like more information, we’d like to invite you to contact us by phone at (800) 278-0332, or by applying online!

Comments