Sunday, September 2, 2012

The Best Job in America? - Physical Therapy

Do you know why physical therapy is regarded as one of the best jobs in America? Are you wondering what career path to take? Do you want to change from your dead end job to a career in one of the fastest growing industries in America? Do you want to work in a profession that allows you to have a life outside of your work?

If you do, consider a career change to physical therapy. It is a challenging and rewarding career and as you'll see, is considered one of the best jobs in America. Here's why.

Job security is a major factor in determining Americas' best job. Even in the recent global financial crisis, the health care sector has performed as one of the strongest growing industries in America, in particular physical therapy. The ageing population in conjunction with obesity is placing greater demand on the health care system and therefore on physical therapists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimate a 39% increase in physical therapy workforce in the next 10 years. That's a further 75000 jobs. This is a reason why US News rated it as the 4th best Health care job in America.

A high paying salary is another reason physical therapy is high on Americas' best jobs list. In 2010, The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the average yearly wage for a physical therapist was approximately $76,000. You can expect to be paid more than $105000 in a managerial position and around $54000 in your first year after you graduate from university. The beauty is that the more experience you have the better you get paid so the prospects of development and progression are phenomenal.

The third and arguably the most important factor making physical therapy one of the best jobs in America is a positive work-life balance and job satisfaction. Full time employees generally work a standard 40 hour week but this is very flexible as you get the choice of whether you want to work on weekends, evenings, half days, part time or overtime. Also, because a career in physical therapy is so versatile, more and more therapists are opting to work two part time jobs in different areas which makes for a less monotonous workload and better job satisfaction. According to Workforce Developments 78% of physical therapists are satisfied with their jobs compared to the national average of just 47%.

So there you have it, great job prospects and career growth, a lucrative salary and a flexible work life balance make physical therapy a great career choice. It's no wonder it's rated one of the best jobs in America. Don't hesitate if you want to begin a career in physical therapy.

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