Five Unconventional Physical Therapy Careers

When it comes to careers in healthcare, working as a physical therapist may be one of the most rewarding. Not only does the field provide a diverse range of exciting opportunities but physical therapists are the ones that actually get to help their patients recover, working with them every step of the way to provide expertise, support and hands-on care.

As Dr. Jill Horbacewicz puts it, “PTs are the movement experts, and we’re here to improve function, manage pain and optimize quality of life.” The chair of the physical therapy program and a professor at Touro University School of Health Sciences explains that when it comes to helping patients recover and get back on their feet—sometimes literally—that work often falls to physical therapists.

Considering the aging population and increase in chronic conditions across the U.S., it’s no surprise that the field of physical therapy is a $47.59 billion industry—and it’s only expected to grow. In fact, the demand for physical therapists is likely to increase significantly, with a projected growth of 14% and nearly 37,000 added jobs by 2033.

“There’s so much work out there,” says Dr. Horbacewicz. “You can work with populations that range from pediatrics to geriatrics, and there’s a particularly large need among aging Baby Boomers, as well as the active younger population.” Physical therapy is also expanding as medicine becomes more interdisciplinary, and many PTs now work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care for their patients.

While the majority of graduates who earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy go on to become clinically-based physical therapists, earning a median annual salary of nearly $100,000, there’s actually a wide variety of career possibilities in the field. “Physical therapy programs prepare students to work clinically with patients with neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary and integumentary dysfunction,” shares Dr. Horbacewicz. “However, there are a variety of nonclinical positions to pursue. We’ve had alumni become researchers, administrators in healthcare organizations, professors, consultants and more!”

To learn more about the expansive range of opportunities that are waiting after you earn a DPT, check out the following five exciting careers in physical therapy. Then, keep reading to learn more about how you can earn your physical therapy doctorate and build a rewarding career in this thriving and dynamic field.

#1 Pelvic Health Physical Therapist

As pelvic health gains attention for both men and women—especially among an aging population that needs specialized care and postpartum and postsurgical populations—the demand for physical therapists specializing in this area has exploded.

Pelvic health physical therapists often work closely with gynecologists or urologists. In this role, you’ll create treatment plans using exercise, manual therapy and biofeedback to help patients strengthen their pelvic floor muscles, leading to improved function of the bowel, bladder and sex organs. In general, you can expect to earn around $97000 annually—and in the New York area, that average climbs to nearly $106,000 a year.

#2 Human Movement Research Scientist

A human movement research scientist studies the mechanics of movement, conducting research in areas like motor control and rehabilitation in order to improve patient performance and physical well-being. You’ll also work cross-functionally to apply your findings in real-world settings, and you may present your work at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Human movement research scientists often work for healthcare providers or institutes, and compensation varies by organization. However, salaries typically range from $71,000 to $133,000 annually—with senior researchers earning upwards of $159,000.

#3 Professor of Physical Therapy

Training the next generation of physical therapists as a PT professor at a university can be both exciting and incredibly satisfying. Not only will you get to share your expertise and passion for healing, but you’ll also help to shape the future of the field.

Some PT professors dedicate themselves to teaching full time, while others pursue adjunct teaching and continue their own careers. The average salary for a full-time physical therapy professor is nearly $109,000 annually, with some earning as high as $172,000. The path can also open doors to higher-paying positions like department chair and, eventually, school dean, which can pay $225,000 per year.

#4 Director of Rehabilitation

As a director of rehabilitation, you’ll be at the forefront of innovation, combining evidence-based practices and groundbreaking treatments to deliver the best possible outcomes for your patients. Your responsibilities will also include leading a cohesive team, collaborating with other providers to deliver coordinated care, and staying on top of the latest research and advancements to ensure you’re providing cutting-edge care.

A director of rehabilitation can work in many environments, including a PT clinic, a hospital or long-term care facility. You can expect to earn an average annual salary of $109,000, but depending where you work, total pay can soar up to $171,000 annually.

#5 Physical Therapy Expert Witness

Physical therapists can also choose to become consultants for industries like shipping, insurance or, as in the case of an expert witness, legal. They often provide their expertise in cases related to malpractice, workers compensation, personal injury and disability.

As an expert witness in physical therapy, you’ll support a legal team in a variety of ways, reviewing and analyzing medical tests and records, giving depositions, and providing testimony in court. While the fees can vary based on location, the case involved, and your level of expertise, physical therapy expert witnesses typically earn between $250 and $450 an hour.

Touro’s School of Health Sciences Physical Therapy Program

At Touro University School of Health Sciences, the CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy Program was specially designed to give students a broad foundation in the field—ensuring that they’re able to build the kind of career in PT that best suits their interests. “We provide an individualized experience,” Dr. Horbacewicz stresses.

That starts with small classes, which students can attend at the Central Islip campus on Long Island or the Times Square campus in Manhattan. Both programs are taught by expert faculty members who’ve actually worked in fields like orthopedics, pediatrics, neurology and more. “The faculty at Touro is very supportive, and because class sizes are small, they’re able to provide one-on-one guidance, serve as mentors, and step in to help if students are struggling.”

Along with a rigorous classroom curriculum, the program includes clinical experiences that prepare graduates for licensure and practice in a wide range of settings. “Our clinical experiences are unmatched, and our location in the heart of New York’s tri-state  area connects us with amazing opportunities,” enthuses Dr. Horbacewicz.

Students work in some of the world’s most renowned hospitals, as well as rehab centers, nursing homes, private practices and in-home care. “The clinicals are interspersed with the academic semesters, so students learn, go apply that learning in their clinicals, and then come back for another semester to learn even more and go out and put it into practice. Our students have an amazing reputation in the clinic because we really prepare them!”

Additionally, students participate in faculty-driven research and complete a research project, giving them a glimpse into another area of potential practice, and they also perform community service. “That experience really helps students to understand the struggles of their patients and consider each person as a whole,” notes Dr. Horbacewicz. It’s another way the program ensures students are well-rounded and well-prepared.

If you’re ready to open the door to a wide range of exciting opportunities in physical therapy and find a role that’s right for you, contact Touro University School of Health Sciences today to learn more about our Doctor in Physical Therapy Program. A rewarding career awaits!