Physical therapists also plan, administer, and evaluate rehabilitation services and provide consultative, preventative, educational, and research services. Physical therapist assistants provide physical therapy services under the supervision of physical therapists. According to the Labor Statistics employment opportunities for qualified physical therapists are excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for physical therapists will rise by over 87 percent by the year 2000. Physical therapists practice in school settings, private practices, sports rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, and industry, as well as in the more traditional acute care settings such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
Career opportunities are also available in administration, research and teaching.
Many employers offer additional benefits, such as paying for licensure fees, professional association dues and continuing education expenses.