PT Settings
What physical settings can physical therapists work in?
Basically anywhere people are is a potential place for a PT to work. Clinics just for physical therapy are most common, where several PTs may work in one building and patients or clients go to them. Hospitals, schools, and skilled nursing facilities are all fairly common as well. PTs who work in home health can also make visits to peoples’ homes. Physical therapists are experts in the movement system and since people move their bodies wherever they go, there’s possibilities for them to help everywhere.
Photo by Kampus Production: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-guiding-a-man-on-his-physical-therapy-6111585/
In many places, constant input from a PT isn’t really needed but occasional visits or guest appearances could be really beneficial for the groups of people who are there. For example, a PT could work with a business (any type of business!) to share basic education with employees about protecting their bodies in their particular line of work or help the business create a general wellness program. Physical therapists can also visit educational programs to share information with students on how to protect their bodies in their future professions and why it’s important to do so. This would be particularly useful for programs designed to prepare learners for a specific type of job, such as being an automotive mechanic, veterinarian, teacher, or administrative assistant.
What specialty settings can PTs work in?
There are a ton of these and it’s always growing! The existing ones that come to my mind are emergency care, pelvic floor, neurology, cardiopulmonary, pediatrics, geriatrics, hand specialty, acute care, inpatient, orthopedic, aquatics, hippotherapy (patients get to ride horses!), athletics & sports, wound care, women’s health, men’s health, and community health & fitness. Some of these specialties are certified and physical therapists need to maintain certain credentials in order to use that title. Some of these are just unique populations or areas that PTs have found a calling in. New specialties are being created all the time, as PTs find new ways to help people in new places, which I think is really cool!
Photo by RODNAE Productions: https://www.pexels.com/photo/doctor-talking-to-a-patient-6129651/
What setting are you most interested in after graduation?
This is where I think I have a problem. I enjoy all of physical therapy so much that I just can’t decide! I have a tendency to get more excited when complex factors are involved, like neurology, psychology, cardiopulmonary, wound care, and socioeconomic status. Ultimately, though, my primary interest is in helping the people who need it most. I care less about what kind of physical therapy I’m doing or what building I’m working in and more about who I’m servicing. If that means helping people with their low back pain and knee replacements every day, I’ll still be super stoked.
