Physical Therapist
Physical therapists (PTs) help patients who are disabled by illness or an accident or who were born with a developmental disability. They plan and carry out programs to help these people gain strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination and overall physical functioning. Physical therapists also provide programs to lessen pain and to prevent injury. They use lifestyle modification techniques, exercises, heat, cold, electrical stimulation, water and assistive devices to help their patients. Often physical therapists work as part of a health care or rehabilitation team.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Physical therapists are employed in hospitals; rehabilitation centers; extended care facilities such as nursing homes; home health agencies; public and private schools; industry and private practice.

HIGH SCHOOL PREPARATION
General college preparation is recommended: Three courses in math including algebra I, algebra II and geometry, or a higher level math course for which algebra II is a prerequisite; three science courses including one biological science, one physical science and one lab course; four English units and two social studies units, including one in U.S. History; and two years of foreign language.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
There are three ways to become a physical therapist: a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a post-baccalaureate certificate (although this is now less common). Studies cover anatomy and physiology, skeletal and neuromuscular disorders, therapeutic techniques, research, administration and clinical practice. Graduates of programs accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association must complete a licensing examination given by the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.

AVERAGE STARTING SALARY
$47,000 - $61,000.