Choosing a career path is a big decision. If you’re thinking about becoming a physical therapist, it’s essential to consider certain things to make sure it’s the right fit for you. Physical therapy is a rewarding field, but it can also come with challenges. Physical therapy requires a balance of science, empathy and patience. Read on to discover several key considerations that can help you figure out if physical therapy is the right career choice for you. 

What does it mean to have a good career as a physical therapist?

When you’re considering pursuing a career, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not a “good” career if you don’t enjoy it. To truly enjoy your job, you need to have a genuine interest in the field you’re working in. However, interest isn’t the only thing to keep in mind when you’re making a career choice. A “good” career also boils down to a matter of opinion. What you consider a good career may not be someone else’s idea of a good career. When you’re considering if physical therapy is a good choice for you, you should weigh important factors, such as:

• Salary — While salary is a big determining factor in choosing a career, it shouldn’t be your only determining factor. You want to make sure your chosen job will be able to provide you with enough compensation to meet your lifestyle, bills and long-term goals. Like many health care fields, physical therapy can offer competitive salaries. 
• Variety — Repetitive tasks can cause you to experience boredom or even job burnout. Physical therapy offers a job full of variety. Each patient you see is unique and will require different treatments and techniques. This can help keep each day engaging and prevent monotony. Physical therapists also have the flexibility of where and how they work. They work in a variety of settings, and there are also 10 specializations to focus on a specific patient group. 
• Job security — Physical therapy is a career field that is in high demand, which helps ensure job security. There will always be a need for health care professionals who can help people manage pain, improve mobility and recover from injuries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations over the next decade. 
• Work-life balance — An average workweek for a physical therapist is around 40 hours. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential to help avoid falling into burnout. Many physical therapists work in clinics that have standard business hours. This allows the physical therapists to have a better balance between work and their personal life. 
• Purpose — Helping others improve their lives is a fulfilling career choice for many people. Physical therapy offers this opportunity, enabling you to have a positive impact on your patients’ lives. It also provides you with the ability to find personal satisfaction in your work. 

These are just a few key considerations to keep in mind when considering a career in physical therapy. By taking these into account, you can make an informed decision about whether having a career in physical therapy is right for you. 

How to know if physical therapy is a good career for you

Becoming a physical therapist is a significant commitment — and for the right person, it can be a deeply rewarding and fulfilling career. To help you determine if this is the right career for you, it can be beneficial to learn about the personality traits and skills that can help you be a successful and effective physical therapist:

• Do you enjoy helping people? — At its core, physical therapy is all about helping people. As a physical therapist, it’s your job to help patients get back on their feet, regain strength and improve their overall quality of life. Working with patients can sometimes be emotionally demanding. You’ll encounter people who are frustrated by their slow progress or have a condition that won’t fully heal. You’ll need to remain patient, supportive and capable of helping them stay motivated even during challenging times. If you find joy in seeing people overcome difficulties, then this may be the right career for you. 
• Do you have a strong interest in science and the human body? — Physical therapy is rooted in science. To become an effective physical therapist, you’ll need to understand the mechanics of the human body. You’ll study anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and kinesiology to fully understand how the body moves. You’ll also need to understand medical conditions like arthritis, neurological disorders or sports injuries, as well as how to treat them effectively. If you have a passion for science, especially how the human body functions, physical therapy could be a perfect match. 
• Are you a good communicator? — Communication is an essential skill for physical therapists. You’ll need to effectively explain complex concepts in simple ways so your patients can understand their treatment plans and do their exercises correctly. Good communication also involves being an active listener, as you’ll need to understand each patient’s unique concerns and goals. You’ll also work with other health care professionals and need to communicate effectively to ensure that your patients are receiving the best care possible. If you enjoy talking with people, explaining things clearly and working in a team, you’ll likely excel as a physical therapist. 
• Are you physically fit and strong? — Physical therapy can be a physically demanding job. You’ll spend a lot of time on your feet, moving patients, demonstrating exercises, and helping people with stretches and movements. It’s essential that you are in good physical condition to be able to keep up with the physical demands of the job. If you enjoy being active and staying fit, this aspect of the job may be appealing to you.
• Do you have patience and persistence? — Healing takes time, and physical therapy is rarely a quick fix. Many of your patients will be dealing with long-term recovery processes. Others may have chronic conditions that they may need to manage for the rest of their lives. As a physical therapist, you’ll need a lot of patience to help these patients make slow but steady progress. If you’re someone who values steady improvement and enjoys seeing gradual progress, then you’ll likely find this field rewarding. 
• Can you handle emotional challenges? — Physical therapy isn’t just physically demanding. As mentioned above, it can also be emotionally demanding. Some patients will make incredible progress, while others may never fully recover. You may work with people who are struggling with pain, frustration or sadness because of their injuries or conditions. It’s essential to be empathetic, compassionate and emotionally resilient. You’ll be supporting your patients emotionally while also staying focused on their treatment goals. If you’re someone who can handle difficult emotions while also staying positive, physical therapy could be a good fit. 
• Are you ready for the educational commitment? — Becoming a physical therapist requires a significant educational commitment. You’ll need to complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. This degree takes about three years of graduate school after earning your bachelor’s degree. During your DPT program, you’ll take courses in subjects like anatomy, biomechanics, pharmacology and neurology. You’ll also do hands-on clinical rotations, where you’ll work with actual patients under the supervision of experienced physical therapists. After you graduate, you’ll also have to pass a national licensure exam to practice as a physical therapist. Depending on your state requirements, you may also have to pass a state licensing exam. In addition, physical therapists are required to complete continuing education throughout their careers to help them stay up to date with the latest research and treatment techniques. If you enjoy learning and are prepared for several years of additional schooling, physical therapy could be a great career choice for you. 

At the end of the day, one of the biggest reasons to become a physical therapist is the sense of fulfillment it brings. You get the chance to help people improve their quality of life. If you’re looking for a career that offers both challenges and rewards, physical therapy can be a great choice. The opportunity to build meaningful relationships with your patients and see them improve over time can be incredibly satisfying. Becoming a physical therapist is a significant commitment; even so, for the right person, it’s the perfect career. 

Take the next step in your career path with Lattimore Physical Therapy

If you’re considering whether physical therapy is the right career for you, Lattimore Physical Therapy can help you take the next step. Physical therapy is a rewarding and fulfilling profession that offers the opportunity to make a real impact in people’s lives, and at Lattimore, we support that journey. We pride ourselves on fostering a team that’s passionate about helping patients. We can help you get started on your career path as a physical therapy aide and support you on your journey. If you’re looking for a career where you can thrive and make a difference, we invite you to join our dedicated team here at Lattimore Physical Therapy. 

Contact our team today for more information or check out our Careers page.