There are currently more than 300,000 licensed physical therapists in the U.S. today, treating well over one million people every day.
Physical therapists work in a variety of practice settings including:
- Private outpatient clinics
- Acute care facilities
- Hospitals and in-patient rehabilitation facilities
- Extended care
- Nursing home and skilled nursing facilities
- Schools
- Wellness and fitness centers
- Home health care
- Industrial or workplace environments
- Academic institutions
- Research centers
Board certification through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) allows physical therapists to develop clinical expertise in one or more areas of practice, such as cardiovascular and pulmonary, clinical electrophysiology, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, pediatrics, sports, women's health, and wound management.
Career Outlook
According to the Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 17 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
According to Projections Central, demand for physical therapists in Texas is projected to grow 27.4 percent from 2020-2030. From a 2020-estimated employment of 15,610 to a 2030-projected employment of 19,920 physical therapists. On average, there are 1150 annual openings for physical therapists across Texas.
The salary for a physical therapist is variable, depending on the clinician's education, experience, specialty, employment setting, and location. According to published statistics, the median annual wage for physical therapists was $95,620 (September 2022).
Please visit the American Physical Therapy Association website for more details.
Click here for more information regarding the accreditation status of Baylor's DPT program.
