Physical Therapy Schools in Arkansas

Guide to Physical Therapy Schools in Arkansas

With 33 public and 13 private institutions of higher learning in the state of Arkansas, there are a number of study options available to those students wishing to pursue a higher education here. Studying physical therapy in Arkansas is a good idea for many different reasons. There is a lower cost of living here than in other surrounding states, and for those students who wish to work while attending school to support themselves, the state is well known for its abundance of service jobs. This can also help students prepare for the future of working with the public.

After receipt of their degree, students can seek licensure with the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy, which also offers ongoing continuing education and assistance. Other professional organizations that can serve as a resource include the Arkansas Physical Therapy Association and the well-respected programs at the University of Central Arkansas and Arkansas State University. With such an abundance of outlets for guidance, any questions a student may have are readily answered. There are also opportunities to reach out through these various programs within the community to aid scoliosis patients in hospitals, and help with community health awareness days.

Arkansas Physical Therapy Job Outlook and Salary

Like other positions within the health care industry, the job outlook for physical therapists within the state of Arkansas is quite strong at the moment. There has been a shortage of health care professionals within recent years, and the demand is expected to only increase in the coming decade with the increase in aging baby boomers. This makes the field of physical therapy one that is destined to only grow in coming years, with new advancements in the technology of recovery as well. There are many well respected research programs within the universities of Arkansas.

The salary range for physical therapists will vary, depending firstly on where a therapist is located. In the larger cities such as Little Rock, the pay will be correspondingly higher as there is a greater demand in the larger hospitals for therapists. The pay range averages anywhere from $58,125-$75,294 for those physical therapists who are working in the home care atmosphere, as well. Other factors that will influence this salary range include experience and education levels, though a Master’s degree is required in many cases for physical therapists in Arkansas. Interning while in school is highly recommended to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to succeed.