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Physical therapy jobs involve helping injured patients with their rehabilitation through individual treatment plans such as pain management and improving overall movement with hands-on therapy. You'll interact with people through all walks of life and can work in a variety of settings, such as: hospitals, private practices, outpatients clinics, nursing homes, schools, sports and fitness facilities—to name a few.

In addition, other careers in physical therapy include physical therapist assistants. They work under physical therapists and have less educational requirements.

Requirements for Physical Therapy Jobs

To begin a career in physical therapy, you'll need the following:

• Bachelor degree in a health-related field (4 years)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy or Master of Physical Therapy (3 years) at an accredited school
• Complete a clinical internship
• Complete a clinical residency program (optional)
• Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and other state licensing requirements for the state you'll work in

Average Salary for Physical Therapy Jobs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for physical therapists is $87,220. States with above average annual salaries include: California, Texas, Illinois, Florida, and New York.

As for physical therapist assistants, the average annual salary is $56,850. States with above average annual salaries include: Texas, California, Florida, Ohio and Illinois.