PTs and PTAs listed as occupations that will "likely grow in importance"
ALEXANDRIA, VA, July 17, 2009 — The nation's aging population
and expanded health care coverage will increase the demand for physical
therapist (PT) services, says the American Physical Therapy Association
(APTA) as a new federal report1 that presents a projection of
potential developments in the US labor market over the next 5 to 10
years is released.
In its report titled "Preparing the Workers of Today for the Jobs of
Tomorrow," the President's Council of Economic Advisers says that
health care "dominates" the list of industries that are projected to add
the most jobs during 2008-2016. The increased demand in this area stems
largely from an aging population that will require care at home, in
nursing care facilities, and in inpatient and outpatient settings.
Occupations that will "likely grow in importance" include PTs and
physical therapist assistants. In addition, the expected expansion of
health care coverage through reform measures could lead to increased
demand for health care professionals.
"This report confirms what APTA has known for many years," said APTA
President R. Scott Ward, PT, PhD. "The physical therapy profession
currently is experiencing significant demand for services due to a
number of occurrences within the health care environment, including the
increased prevalence of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and
obesity, and we expect that as our nation ages the demand will continue
to grow."
Earlier this year, APTA expressed to Congress the vast health care needs of
patients and how the demand for physical therapist services is outpacing
the number of physical therapists in the workforce.
The report also says that the US economy appears to be shifting
toward jobs that require workers to possess greater analytical and
interactive skills -- skills typically acquired through post-secondary
education. PTs are required to receive a graduate degree – either
a master's degree or a clinical doctorate. Though the clinical doctorate
currently is not a requirement, the majority of PTs now graduate with a
Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
Physical therapists are highly-educated, licensed health care
professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore
mobility – in many cases without expensive surgery or the side
effects of prescription medications. APTA represents more than 72,000
physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of
physical therapy nationwide. Its purpose is to improve the health and
quality of life of individuals through the advancement of physical
therapist practice, education, and research. In most states, patients
can make an appointment directly with a physical therapist, without a
physician referral. Learn more about conditions physical therapists can
treat and find a physical therapist in your area at www.moveforwardpt.com.
1 Council of Economic Advisers. Preparing the workers of
today for the jobs of tomorrow. http://www.whitehouse.gov/assets/documents/Jobs_of_the_Future.pdf.
Published July 2009. Accessed July 16, 2009.