Is Physical Therapy a Good Career?

Physical therapy (PT) can be a good career for those interested in healthcare, as physical therapists help patients improve their physical conditioning and overall functioning after injuries, surgeries or chronic conditions. However, whether it's the right career for you depends on your personal interests and goals.

Before deciding upon a specific career pathway, it’s important to thoroughly research it. You should know exactly what physical therapists typically do, the requirements to become one and the general pros and cons of being a physical therapist.

In this article:

• Pros of Being a Physical Therapist
• Cons of Being a Physical Therapist
• Earn Your Degree at GCU to Work Toward a Physical Therapy Career

Pros of Being a Physical Therapist

There are many potential benefits of pursuing a career in physical therapy. As a physical therapist, you’ll have the opportunity to help improve quality of life and wellness for other people, among other perks. 

Consider the following benefits of being a physical therapist:

The Chance to Make a Difference in People’s Lives

You may choose to pursue a degree with a pre-physical therapy emphasis because you feel a strong calling to a career dedicated to helping others and making a positive impact in your community. These types of careers could offer personal fulfillment and job satisfaction. As a physical therapist, you may be able to make a positive difference in the lives of your patients.

People often visit physical therapists after being diagnosed with an occupational or sports-related injury. In addition, physical therapists can help people with chronic conditions (e.g., arthritis) acquire better functionality and enjoy pain relief. In some cases, physical therapy can help patients avoid having to undergo surgery. When surgery is required, physical therapists help patients recover and work toward regaining their pre-surgical functioning.¹

The Job Outlook and Average Compensation

You may find it helpful to consider the job growth outlook and salary for careers you are thinking about pursuing. In the case of physical therapy, this field is expected to experience faster than average growth.² According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth rate for physical therapists is expected to be 14% from 2023 to 2033, indicating that healthcare employers expect to hire about 36,800 new PTs during this time period.² According to the BLS, the median annual wage for physical therapists was $99,710 as of May 2023.³

The Opportunity for Work/Life Balance

Many people are drawn to entering the medical field because they wish to help other people and make a positive difference in their community. However, many jobs in this field require working long, irregular shifts. This can make it tough to sustain an ideal work/life balance.

For those seeking a better balance, a physical therapy emphasis may be an appealing option. Physical therapists often work more regular hours and have the opportunity for time off during holidays. Additionally, if you choose to start your own practice, you may have the flexibility to set your own schedule.

Opportunities to Acquire Advanced Medical Knowledge

Physical therapists work with a wide range of medical issues. For example, they can help breast cancer survivors battle lymphedema and they can even help people overcome neurological problems like headaches and vertigo. 

Because physical therapists work with such a varied patient population, they have never-ending opportunities to continue to refine their medical knowledge of the entire body and each of its major systems. If the idea of a profession that involves lifelong learning appeals to you, then physical therapy could be a good choice for you.

Opportunities to Stay Physically Active

Are you someone who would rather take a hike on a nature trail than sit on the couch and watch a movie? One of the pros of being a physical therapist involves the active nature of the work. You’ll be on your feet for much of the day, directly working with patients by demonstrating exercises and stretches and helping them perform them.

Cons of Being a Physical Therapist

While many people might enjoy the opportunity to stay active for much of the day, others might view this as a con. If staying on your feet for long hours at a time tires you out, then perhaps a career as a PT isn’t the right choice for you.

Some potential challenges of this career path may include:

• Dealing with complex health insurance requirements and billing practices
• Risking burnout due to managing high patient caseloads
• Difficulty in encouraging patients with resistance to follow treatment recommendations

In addition, becoming a physical therapist requires an intensive academic journey. According to the BLS, physical therapists must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and obtain state licensure.⁴

Earn Your Degree at GCU to Work Toward a Physical Therapy Career

You can blend your passion for helping others with purpose when you earn a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with an Emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy degree at Grand Canyon University. This bachelor’s degree can serve as a stepping stone for pursuing the doctoral degree required for PT licensure.⁴ Our Christian learning community offers student support services to help your progress. Connect with a university counselor today to get started.