Physical Therapy Demand

Health care reform, aging baby boomers, and technological advancements will continue to drive the demand for allied health careers, which are those professions that support physicians and dentists. Physical therapy is one of these areas which have an expected demand.

Health Care Reform

Physical therapists and assistants work with people who have movement dysfunction due to injury, trauma, surgery or disease. Health care reform, slated for 2014, will give access for physical therapy and other healthcare services to millions who may not currently have it. This will increase the demand for physical therapy services along with other allied health professions.

Aging Baby Boomers

Currently we are experiencing the first wave of baby boomers, now age 65. The largest majority of baby boomers are just 10 years behind. All of these folks are at an age (55 and older) where the risk of heart attack and stroke is greatest. For many who may experience such a health incident, physical therapists will be brought in for rehabilitation.

Technological Advancements

As technological advancements continue to help save more lives as well as help successfully treat more illnesses and disabilities than ever before, the need for rehabilitative care will increase. Meanwhile, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act will continue to guarantee students with disabilities have access to physical therapists.

Of course liking your career means a lot more than demand. So you may be interested to know that in 2006 the Wall Street Journal's CareerJournal.com stated "Physical Therapists have one of the eight Best Careers!" Also, the April 15, 2007 edition of Parade Magazine recognized Physical Therapy as a "hot job." And, both the Chicago Times and USNews have reported a high job level satisfaction for physical therapists. Thus, it may be a career that deserves looking into.