What settings can a physical therapist work in other than a clinic?

 

Physical therapists work in a variety of settings besides clinics, providing many opportunities for travel PTs to apply their skills in diverse environments.

Here are some settings for physical therapy jobs other than clinics:

Schools
School-based PTs play an important role in helping students experience success and joy in their education. PTs support students in the development of motor, mobility and learning skills to reach their goals.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, PTs first create Individualized Education Programs that outline the assistance and support that students will receive.

“The PT designs and performs therapeutic interventions, including compensation, remediation and prevention strategies and adaptations, focusing on functional mobility and safe, efficient access and participation in educational activities and routines in natural learning environments,” explains the American Physical Therapy Association.

School-based PTs collaborate with teachers, school administrators and parents to most effectively implement a student’s IEP. They may work in a range of education levels, from preschool to college and beyond.

PTs who work in school settings may also specialize in sports medicine and work alongside school sports teams, helping to treat injuries and other issues experienced by student athletes.

Patients’ homes 
Home health physical therapists administer care in patients’ homes. They may work in-home because a patient has mobility issues that prevent them from traveling to a clinic, or because the patient prefers to receive care at home as opposed to in a clinical setting.

Home health PTs perform a range of duties and support patients in a variety of situations. They may help patients regain their strength after an injury or accident. They may help patients with disabilities perform daily functions and enjoy a high quality of life. They may also help patients manage chronic conditions such as arthritis.

Home care settings demand a unique set of skills in addition to those required of PTs in standard clinical environments. PTs must be conscious of how treatment is administered within the existing layout of an individual’s home and discuss any adjustments with the patient. They must also be skilled at communicating a patient’s treatment plan and preventative care methods so that the patient can perform these self-care duties outside of appointments with the PT. In addition, PTs should be aware of the impact that visits can have on patients’ moods and strive to be good listeners and a positive presence in their lives.

Nursing homes
Physical therapists can work in nursing homes and similar facilities that provide long-term care to elderly patients, explained APTA. This can include skilled nursing facilities and extended care facilities.

In these settings, PTs can support seniors’ mobility and help them exercise and enjoy their favorite hobbies or recreational activities. They can help rehabilitate individuals after illness or injury, and can help them manage long-term conditions to enjoy a high quality of life. PTs in these environments coordinate care with nurses, caretakers, speech therapists, occupational therapists and other specialists. Learn more about working as a physical therapist in skilled nursing facilities.

Sports teams and athletic centers 
Physical therapists who are certified in sports medicine can work with sports teams or at athletic rehabilitation centers. They help athletes regain their strength and mobility after injuries, developing treatment plans for gradual and safe recovery. They also treat athletes for swelling, pain and other issues, helping them to improve their range of motion or coordination.

Sports PTs can work with teams at a variety of levels, from community groups to major-league organizations. They can also work at general sports medicine rehabilitation centers, or be hired by colleges, athletic associations or wellness centers and gyms.

There are some of the alternative settings to clinics available to physical therapists, enabling individuals to find the environment best suited to their skills, experiences and interests.