Research physical therapists may be involved in basic or clinical research directed toward formulating theory and improving patient care by developing more effective treatment methods and evaluation. Physical therapy research is conducted in patient care settings as well as in clinical and laboratory research centers. Currently there are not enough physical therapy practitioners to meet the needs throughout the country. Department of Labor projects a continuing increase in available jobs for physical therapists through the year 2000. Physical therapists' salaries compare favorably with those in other professions requiring similar preparation.
Salaries vary depending upon one's experience, geographical location, and the position.
Educational Programs Accredited educational programs which offer entry level preparation for the physical therapist may be at the master's or the baccalaureate level. Master's degree programs are generally two to three years in length and frequently admit students who already hold a baccalaureate degree in an area other than physical therapy. Baccalaureate degree programs are designed for students who have completed two or three years of pre-professional college work. The professional physical therapy curriculum comprises the final two or three years of college, depending upon the type of program. Both types of programs are designed to assure that graduates are safe practitioners of physical therapy.