Important Pros and Cons of Becoming a Physical Therapists

Maybe you’re wondering what are the positives and negatives of becoming a physical therapists? Well, if you are contemplating whether this profession holds great significance; with fulfilling benefits that will satisfy your career life then, you made the right choice by clicking this article! We’re going to discuss all the important pros and cons of becoming a physiotherapist.

Working as a physical therapist is easily a very rewarding profession that comes with many, undoubtedly gains. As with any other line of work, it is not perfect, and it also has its own challenges. 

Physical Therapists, defined

Physical Therapists are medical specialists who treat patients with physiotherapy. They do this by aids of a variety of rehabilitative techniques, such as therapeutic exercises and manual therapy. The profession helps patients who have lost or are suffering from limited movement, injuries, or illness, and they are to help regain function, reduce pain; and recover for those unfortunate damages and disabilities. They work with their patients at every stage of the healing process; starting from initial diagnosis up to individualized restorative treatment.

The Pros and Cons of Becoming a Physical Therapist 

As this profession comes with several advantages, if you are to make an informed career choice; and the one that you will not regret, you are also to take into consideration its challenges and perceived disadvantages. 

Pros 

Job Security 

Physiotherapy is in a state of experiencing growth in employment opportunities. Experts in the field say that the demand for physical therapists will further prosper by 18% through 2029; which is an outstanding rate. As baby boomers welcome their retirement age; the need for the profession continues to rise in order to aid with their mobility-related injuries, chronic illness and other related conditions older populations are prone to have. With this; you are certain to have the security of employment that will help you to excel and gain experiences as much as possible. 

High average pay 

Medical professionals always have their driving force to choose empathy; and willingness to care for patients, and this has led to the paycheck not being a significant factor. But then, the national average salary of a physical therapist is almost $80000 per year. This aids in the professionals having a great, comfortable lifestyle and pleasant work and life balance. 

Numerous career paths and specializations 

Additional training after obtaining the degree of the said profession opens for a wide variety of specializations. This helps in ensuring; that you as a working professional will not stagnate and can have a specific work that speaks the best to you. The specializations include: 

• Sports
• Pediatrics
• Geriatrics
• Orthopedics
• Clinical electrophysiology
• Cardiovascular and pulmonary
• Neurology
• Oncology
• Women’s health

Diverse working environment options 

The wide demand for physical therapists’ skills; and services are needed in a number of locations since the profession requires working with all ages and backgrounds. With this; it will help you find employment that is in a setting that works best and is most advantageous to you. The environments are: 

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Fitness centers and gyms
• Schools
• Nursing homes
• Military facilities
• Prisons
• Sports teams
• Patients’ homes
• Private practices

Job satisfaction 

Because of the patient-facing and hands-on nature of physiotherapy, PTs are to experience a great sense of job satisfaction as they work directly with people in a very meaningful and impactful way. They help in making people’s lives better and alleviate their sufferings, opening those patients for better life quality. 

Cons 
Extensive educational requirements 

Becoming a physical therapist accounts for the requirement of obtaining a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. The program takes a minimum of three years to complete; this comes after you have obtained your bachelor’s degree in either anatomy, biology, psychology, physiology, and kinesiology. 

Acquiring and maintaining a license 

Extensive education also requires passing a state licensure exam; and you need to get it in every state you want to practice. After receiving the initial license, you are to renew it every two years. The need for the renewal process ensures that PTs are up-to-date with new regulations as well as treatment procedures, moreover; discoveries. 

Demanding work 

The profession is physically demanding; as you are to spend a lot of time on your feet when you are working with your patients. Since the very job is to help patients regain physical capabilities; you have to continuously demonstrate tasks, give physical support during those tasks, and even act as a literal crutch. 

Working with challenging patients 

Becoming a physical therapist can also be mentally demanding and exhausting. The profession requires a lot of patience, especially to those patients who are frustrated, sad, and depressed. You are to constantly give them encouragement and positivity. 

Challenging insurance rules and regulations 

Some PTS patients will come through referrals from other doctors, as well as clinics. It is important to note the policies and guidelines for various insurance companies to be aware of what they can cover for the patient; and what only they can give out of their pocket. With this, PTs are to be aware of all the up-to-date rules and administrative requirements for insurance to secure their proper and just compensation. 

Conclusion

And it’s a wrap, we have now established balanced pros and cons of becoming a physical therapist, and becoming one of them is such a great accomplishment to have. Having to move the lives of those who are suffering in unimaginable ways of improvement and life enhancement, will really outweigh all the seemingly negative cons the profession has. That is why, I would encourage you to be one of them if you are debating on whether to pursue it, but to be fair, your life is yours, and take into really deep consideration the priorities and your tolerance for their associated challenges.