We surveyed 1,404 physical therapists to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical physical therapist. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a physical therapist?
Low
High
Working as a physical therapist typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become a physical therapist?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a physical therapist typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a physical therapist?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a physical therapist. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for physical therapists.
Do physical therapists work full-time or part-time?
77% of physical therapists work in full-time roles while 23% work part-time.
Is being a physical therapist stressful?
Low
High
Stress is not uncommon amongst physical therapists, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.
Is being organized important as a physical therapist?
Low
High
Some level of organization is generally required to be a physical therapist.
How competitive is the workplace for physical therapists?
Low
High
Physical therapists see mild competition in their workplace.
Does being a physical therapist require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for physical therapists.
Are physical therapists allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Physical therapists rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do physical therapists have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally physical therapists will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.
Is being a physical therapist physically demanding?
Low
High
Being a physical therapist requires significant physical work, and is not a career for those unable to perform continuous and/or strenuous physical activity.
Are physical therapists exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Physical therapists tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being a physical therapist require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a physical therapist.
Does being a good physical therapist require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Strong compassion and empathy are critical to success as a physical therapist.