The healthcare sector will continue to provide job security in the near future, regardless of the economic situation, experts predict. Nearly half of the 30 fastest-growing jobs are in the healthcare industry - and physical therapists are among those who will find the most opportunities, the Department of Labor (DOL) forecasts. Many of these jobs will be in a hospital, rehabilitation or orthopedic setting. Physical therapists diagnose and provide treatment for people who have illnesses or health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities. They also help restore and maintain overall fitness and health. According to the latest statistics from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), those practicing in this career should seek a master's or doctoral degree from one of the 209 accredited physical therapist education programs in the US. Basic science courses such as biology and chemistry, couples with specialized studies of human growth, disease and neuroanatomy will form the backbone of such a program, along with clinical experience. APTA states that physical therapists, who held 173,000 jobs at the DOL's last count, earn a median salary of $75,000, though that amount varies depending on experience, location and employer.  |