Physical Therapy Schools in Pennsylvania

Guide to Physical Therapy Schools in Pennsylvania

There are a number of powerful reasons why someone might choose to study physical therapy in Pennsylvania, the primary reason being the high volume of reputable schools that are located in this state. The majority of these are small private institutions such as Gannon University or Duquesne University that can give their students a high level of personal attention, as opposed to the oftentimes impersonal feel of larger state schools. This has created a small and cozy academic environment that is pervasive in the professional world of physical therapists as well. Of course, for those who are looking for an affordable course of study, the larger state institutions can still be a fine prospect.

Because most jobs will require that physical therapists have at the very least a Master’s degree, this can involve several years of study, in addition to some internship experience. These can be achieved through the assistance of local hospitals and research facilities, as well as smaller clinics. Professional organizations including the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association offer a fuller network of support, and can help students prepare for the licensing exam that they will be required to take at the end of their duration of study.

Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Job Outlook and Salary

In line with job prospects in this field throughout the country, Pennsylvania also promises a positive job outlook for physical therapists within its state boundaries. This is for several reasons. Historically, there has always been a shortage of physical therapists in Pennsylvania, and now is no exception. This creates a constant demand for new graduates to fill the gaps in hospital work forces. In addition, the overall aging of the population in the state and country at large means that the demand will only grow in the decade to come, which is why experts and trend analysts are expecting a large number of job openings for graduates of physical therapy schools in Pennsylvania.

As with the rates of job growth, the salary outlook in Pennsylvania for qualified and licensed physical therapists is also in line with the rest of the country. The latest average salary reported within Philadelphia, for example, is approximately $75,000, just a little bit higher than the national average. This will depend on a therapist’s experience level, where they have practiced before, and their academic record. Some places where a physical therapist could expect to find employment within Pennsylvania include the larger hospitals as well as smaller clinics or even academic environments.