Graduates with a degree in physical therapy are in high demand because the profession is experiencing a boom as part of one of the fast-growing segments in US healthcare. As such, tulsaworld.com states, graduates in the discipline face a wide choice of possible employers and enhanced job security once they start work. Physical therapy jobs are classed under allied healthcare - which covers all medical professionals except doctors and nurses. The sector now accounts for around 80 per cent of US healthcare employee, the site says, including X-ray operators and blood sample technicians, as well as physical therapists. Healthcare industry professional Sheryl McLain said that while increasing job opportunities and job security may be attractive to those considering studying physical therapy, they should ultimately pursue a degree and career in the profession because they "want to make a difference in somebody's life". According to figures from the American Physical Therapy Association, physical therapy positions require a degree-level education, with 35.6% working in the profession possessing a master's degree. It added that in June 2007, the majority of working physical therapists earned between $50,000 and $80,000 a year, with a further 8.7% of earning over $100,000 a year.  |