In this day in the life guide, you will find out:
- What does a day as Physical Therapists looks like
- What do they do every day
- Things they do on a weekly or monthly basis
- How many hours do they work
The purpose of this is to give you a clear picture of this career so you can make a better career decision on whether this career is suitable for you or not.
Typical Day for Physical Therapists
Here is a list of tasks that Physical Therapists do every day.
- Plan, prepare, or carry out individually designed programs of physical treatment to maintain, improve, or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain, or prevent physical dysfunction in patients.
- Perform and document an initial exam, evaluating data to identify problems and determine a diagnosis prior to intervention.
- Evaluate effects of treatment at various stages and adjust treatments to achieve maximum benefit.
- Identify and document goals, anticipated progress, and plans for reevaluation.
- Record prognosis, treatment, response, and progress in patient’s chart or enter information into computer.
Weekly and Monthly Tasks
Here is a list of tasks that Physical Therapists do on a weekly or monthly basis.
- Discharge patient from physical therapy when goals or projected outcomes have been attained and provide for appropriate follow-up care or referrals.
- Refer clients to community resources or services.
- Evaluate, fit, or adjust prosthetic or orthotic devices or recommend modification to orthotist.
- Construct, maintain, or repair medical supportive devices.
Working Hours
- How many hours do Physical Therapists work per week? 40 hours per week
- What is the work schedule like? Regular (Set schedule and routine)
Work Environment
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Exposed to Disease or Infections
Learn more about Physical Therapists
Overview | Job Description | Salary | Requirements | Is This Career Right For Me
Related careers to Physical Therapists
Chiropractors
Athletic Trainers
Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
Nurse Practitioners
This career is also closely related to Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapist, Chief Physical Therapist, Geriatric Physical Therapist, Home Care Physical Therapist, Kinesiotherapist, Orthopedic Physical Therapist, Outpatient Physical Therapist, Pediatric Physical Therapist, Per Diem Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist (PT).