Physical Therapy is a rewarding career.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, Physical Therapists are licensed clinicians who work with multiple patient populations impacted by disease, injury, and movement dysfunction. They optimize quality of life by maintaining, restoring, and improving patients’ ability to move, function, and live more active lifestyles.
The rewards of a career in physical therapy are numerous, including job security, earning potential, and the ability to work in various health care settings with diverse patient populations. Physical Therapists tend to be compassionate, empathetic people, realizing significant satisfaction from helping patients get back to doing the things they love when dealing with the effects of disease or injury. They enjoy fulfillment from facing intellectual challenges and solving problems, often in creative ways, to help their patients achieve their goals. Physical Therapists also value connection, investing in the patient/provider relationship, and developing meaningful trust and rapport. Being part of each patient’s story is a distinct privilege.
"Physical therapy is a bridge that connects my passion for healing with the heart of my community. By helping individuals move, thrive, and live their best lives, I'm honored to contribute to the health and well-being of those around me."
Physical Therapists serve in many places.
There are currently more than 300,000 licensed Physical Therapists in the United States today, treating well over one million people every day!
Physical Therapists have the power to shape their careers to match their passions and interests. Those who enjoy helping children can specialize in pediatrics and work in a school setting, outpatient clinic, or even a neonatal intensive care unit. Others who have a heart for geriatric patients can work in rehabilitation facilities, patient’s homes, or extended care sites to help older patients reach their highest levels of mobility. Those who enjoy working on a team of healthcare professionals can choose to work in inpatient hospital settings and treat diverse patient populations. Those who enjoy sports can work in outpatient centers, universities, and sports complexes to help athletes recover from injury and optimize their performance. Those who are passionate about making a difference in underserved communities can explore a wealth of opportunities to serve in rural areas, urban centers, and public health sectors where they can drive meaningful change and improve lives.
Physical Therapy practice settings include:
- Private outpatient clinics
- Acute care facilities
- Hospitals and in-patient rehabilitation facilities
- Extended care
- Nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities
- Schools
- Wellness and fitness centers
- Home health care
- Rural and underserved communities
- Industrial or workplace environments
- Academic institutions
- Research centers
Baylor DPT students are equipped to succeed in the workforce.
Throughout their time in the DPT program and after graduating, Baylor students are able to connect with Baylor’s Career Center. In addition to teaching classes specifically for the DPT program, the Career Center team works individually with students to help them build strong resumes, practice interview skills, learn how to negotiate a job offer, and connect with employers across the country. This individualized assistance is available to DPT students for free.
The Career Center helped me get the most out of the resources available, personalize things so that I could present myself well to potential employers, and answer my questions while I was navigating the wild waters of job hunting and negotiating."
At the Baylor University Career Center, our mission is to ensure each student has the opportunity and support to achieve their career potential. From orientation throughout the two years of the program and beyond graduation, my team and I are dedicated to assisting you with every aspect of professionalism."
A PT career can be advanced through specialty certification.
After earning a DPT and passing the licensure exam, PTs can embark in a rewarding career serving patients in their communities. To advance their careers further, therapists can complete a residency program and seek board certification through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). Board certified therapists have developed 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
- Wound Management
Residency programs are typically 12 months in duration, paid, and are accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education. About 12% of new DPT graduates apply to residency programs to advance their skills further. Baylor’s own Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency offered jointly with Baylor Scott & White in Waco TX, seats two residents per year. Additionally, the Baylor Physical Therapy Department is in the process of building a pediatric residency that is set to launch in summer of 2025.
"What excites me about being part of the Baylor Scott & White + Baylor University Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency is having the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with established experts in the field through the Baylor University DPT program. I am also looking forward to the clinical mentorship component of this program to gain experience treating a wide variety of orthopaedic conditions."
