Although it has been several years since the financial collapse of 2007, the U.S. is still trying to crawl out from the devastating impacts of an economic recession. Jobs remain scarce, but careers in physiotherapy are expected to soar over the next several years. As the country's baby boomers continue to age, medical services are desperately needed to help maintain the health of the country's senior citizens. And under U.S. President Barack Obama's public health care initiative, some physiotherapy services will be covered under the new legislation. This will most certainly trigger an even higher demand for physiotherapists in hospitals and clinics across the country.
According to 2010 industry data, physiotherapists in the United States earn an average salary of $77,990 USD. Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston are hot areas of employment -- with each city boasting more than 5,000 physiotherapists. Younger workers are more likely to make the long-distance move across the country for work, and it seems many of them end up in Chicago. The city has the youngest average age of physiotherapists and the highest percentage of workers under age 35. That's why many graduates of America's physiotherapy schools flock to Chicago for entry-level employment.
Before we take a look at some of the best physiotherapy schools in America, it's important to know exactly what a physiotherapist does. A physiotherapist works with clients of all ages to maximize their ability to move. If you're considering a career in this rewarding field, take note of the valuable services this industry provides.
Physiotherapists enrich the lives of Americans by:
- Offering pain management and rehabilitation services to those suffering from acute injury
- Creating customized exercise programs to improve a patient's overall strength
- Managing the body's limitations in physical activity
- Promoting exercise and healthy lifestyles
Below are America's top physiotherapy schools and why they're considered favorites amongst aspiring health care professionals.