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Physical Therapy, DPT: Career Outlook

Prepare for the Physical Therapy Role You Want

The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 15 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. Physical therapists can provide many services, including advocacy, prevention and education; and outpatient, intensive outpatient, inpatient, residential, and crisis/emergency services. They work in hospitals, in both inpatient and outpatient roles, along with other healthcare and rehabilitation entities.

By earning your Doctor of Physical Therapy, you’ll stand out in the employment market and gain the necessary skills to serve patients of all ages and body types.
13,900 openings for physical therapists are projected each year, on average, from 2022 to 2032 1
The highest 10 percent earned more than $128,830 annually in 2022 1
15% growth employment outlook by 2032 1
With a Doctor of Physical Therapy, you’ll be prepared to render independent judgments that are ethical and based on the best clinical practices and scientific evidence currently available.

Scranton’s DPT program promotes the quest for excellence and knowledge along with a commitment to life-long learning, social responsibility, and advocacy.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

$97,720/year

Physical therapists diagnose patients’ functions and movements by observing them or listening to their concerns, develop individualized plans of care for patients, outlining the patients’ goals and the expected outcomes of the plans, and they use exercises, stretching maneuvers, hands-on therapy, and equipment to ease patients’ pain, help them increase their mobility, prevent further pain or injury, and facilitate health and wellness.1

 

Physical therapists typically work in:

  • Private clinics
  • Hospitals
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Nursing homes

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Program Outcomes: Become a Leader in the Field

By the time you complete your doctorate, you will be able to:
Demonstrate competence in all areas of patient/client management (i.e., screening, examination/evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, plan of care, intervention, and outcomes assessment) for individuals in varied health care delivery settings
Embrace and exhibit the core values of the profession including: accountability, altruism, caring and compassion, excellence, integrity, professional duty and social responsibility
Effectively communicate using appropriate teaching methods that are culturally sensitive and commensurate with the needs of the learner
Utilize evidence-based practice to make clinical decisions essential for design and implementation of best practice for various populations
Demonstrate professional advocacy and social responsibility by participating in prevention, health education and wellness initiatives locally, nationally and/or globally

Scranton Career Support

Whether you’re just starting out or advancing in your field, the Roche Family Center for Career Development is here to support you.

Both before and after you graduate, our experienced advisors can help you build your career and find opportunities that suit your unique skills and talents.

Let’s work together to ensure your success. We can’t wait to get to know you.

Global Network

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Receive help with your résumé, cover letter, or online profile, and practice meeting with potential employers using Big Interview, an online interview preparation tool.

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Sources:

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physical Therapists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm (visited September 06, 2023).
  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Athletic Trainers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/athletic-trainers.htm (visited September 06, 2023).