What Do They Do?
What Do They Do?
Physical therapists (PTs) are licensed health care professionals who help patients with injuries or illnesses improve movement, manage pain, and recover from physical limitations. PTs assess patients and develop treatment plans to enhance strength, flexibility, and endurance. Treatments may include exercises, massage, and the application of heat, cold, or electricity. PTs often work with individuals recovering from injuries or dealing with conditions like arthritis, heart disease, or cerebral palsy, and they may also develop preventative fitness programs. Some PTs specialize in areas like pediatrics, geriatrics, brain injury, or sports medicine. A PT’s job can be physically demanding due to having to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and stand for long periods of time. In addition, PTs may move heavy equipment and lift patients or help them turn, stand or walk.
Where Do They Work?
Where Do They Work?
PTs work in hospitals, outpatient clinics and private offices that have specially equipped facilities. PTs also work in rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, home health agencies and schools. A small percentage of PTs are self employed.
How Much Do They Earn?
How Much Do They Earn?
Annual median salary: $100,734
Entry-level salary: $71,780
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Searchable Wage Database: https://dol.ny.gov/occupational-wages-0
Supply and Demand
Supply and Demand
PTs are expected to grow statewide by 29% between 2022 and 2032, with almost 1,500 average annual openings.
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Employment Projections: https://dol.ny.gov/employment-projections
Educational Requirements
Educational Requirements
PTs must have a postgraduate degree, typically a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), which takes three years. Some programs offer a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT), lasting two to three years. Admission usually requires a bachelor’s degree and specific prerequisites like anatomy, biology, and chemistry. PT coursework includes anatomy, biomechanics, pathology, and medical sciences, with a focus on evaluating and treating various body systems. PT programs also cover behavioral science and clinical reasoning, along with supervised clinical experience. Optional residencies and board certification are available for further specialization.
For More Information:
American Physical Therapy Association: https://aptaapps.apta.org/accreditedschoolsdirectory/AllPrograms.aspx
Licensure Requirements
Licensure Requirements
To be licensed as physical therapists in New York State, applicants must complete an accredited education program in physical therapy and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
For More Information:
New York State Education Department:
https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/physical-therapists/license-requirements
National Physical Therapy Examination:
https://www.fsbpt.org/Secondary-Pages/Exam-Candidates/National-Exam-NPTE
Financial Support
Financial Support
Financial support can come from various federal, state, and private sources. Contact your college or university to learn about the financial aid options they offer, as well as other potential sources of funding that may be available.
For More Information:
American Physical Therapy Association: https://www.apta.org/for-students/scholarships-awards
Education Programs
Education Programs
| Institution | Degree | City/Town | Region | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Utica University | DPT | Utica | Mohawk Valley | Visit |
Upstate Medical University SUNY | DPT | Syracuse | Central NY | Visit |
University at Buffalo SUNY | DPT | Buffalo | Western NY | Visit |
Touro University | DPT | New York City | New York City | Visit |
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University | DPT | Brooklyn | New York City | Visit |
Stony Brook University SUNY | DPT | Stony Brook | Long Island | Visit |
Russell Sage College | DPT | Troy | Capital Region | Visit |
New York University | DPT | New York City | New York City | Visit |
New York Medical College | DPT | Valhalla | Hudson Valley | Visit |
New York Institute of Technology | DPT | Westbury | Long Island | Visit |
Nazareth University | DPT | Rochester | Finger Lakes | Visit |
Mercy University | DPT | Dobbs Ferry | Hudson Valley | Visit |
Marist College | DPT | Poughkeepsie | Hudson Valley | Visit |
Long Island University | DPT | Brooklyn | New York City | Visit |
Ithaca College | DPT | Ithaca | Finger Lakes | Visit |
Hunter College CUNY | DPT | New York City | New York City | Visit |
Dominican University | DPT | Orangeburg | Hudson Valley | Visit |
D'Youville University | DPT | Buffalo | Western NY | Visit |
Daemen University | DPT | Amherst | Western NY | Visit |
Columbia University | DPT | New York City | New York City | Visit |
College of Staten Island CUNY | DPT | Staten Island | New York City | Visit |
Clarkson University | DPT | Potsdam | North Country | Visit |