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Therapy Employment

Therapy employment remains strong throughout the US, despite recent negative economic cycles. It is projected that by 2012, the therapy employment rate will increase by 35.2 percent for therapists and therapy assistants due to anticipated demographic and economic changes. Evolving technologies may improve the employment outlook as skilled and knowledgeable therapists are required in the therapy process.

Therapy employment statistics for 2002 reveal that qualified occupational therapists held approximately 78,580 jobs. Compensation for therapy employment varied significantly depending upon the size and nature of the employer, its geographic location, and economic conditions. In 2002, most occupational therapists earned between $42,910 and $61,620. The lowest 10 percent of the profession earned less than $35,130, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $74,390. Most physical therapists earned between $48,480 and $70,050, with the lowest 10 percent of the profession earning less than $40,200, and the highest 10 percent earning more than $86,260.

Enlisted to attempt remediation for patients, therapists are employed after suspecting or detecting health or developmental problems in a patient.  Each function of a therapist’s job is aimed at helping patients to easily transition into society and live a normal life.  Therapist jobs may require specialization in a specific field such as:

• Physical Therapy – increases range of motion and reduces pain
• Respiratory Therapy – reduces cardiopulmonary ailments
• Recreation Therapy – uses arts, crafts, animals, games, music, etc. to treat and maintain the well-being of clients
• Speech and Language Pathology – treats neurological maladies associated with oral and written communication
• Massage Therapy – reduces stress and pain by applying pressure to the body’s soft tissues
• Occupational Therapy – aides with gaining or regaining abilities necessary for daily functioning
• Audiology – Treats ear related injuries and disorders

Therapy jobs may require professionals to utilize a number of medications, methods, specialized equipment, and/or surgical procedures to treat disorders at any stage.  Therapy careers can be located in public or private facilities, ranging from hospitals to nursing homes, and fitness centers to schools.  Therapist jobs may be in medical settings or personal offices, and often require a certain amount of physical stamina.  Professionals must be capable of sitting or standing for extended periods of time, as well as lifting, moving, and positioning patients and/or heavy equipment as needed. 

Education requirements vary by specialty, and range from Bachelors to Doctoral degrees.  Certification is necessary for a number of jobs in the therapy field, but requirements differ by state.  In addition to educational requirements, therapy professionals must be kind, caring, and possess an intense desire to help others.  

Due to advancements in technology, a number of new practices and procedures have led to increased survival rates.  With more patients in need of medical rehabilitation, the need for therapists in all fields is expected to increase greatly.  Overall employment for therapy jobs is projecting faster growth than average industries.  This will make a therapist’s job search more successful in coming years.  Candidates with a large amount of education and experience will have the highest success. 

For more information on therapy employment opportunities, please visit the following sites:

• The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
• Franklin College
• Central Oregon Community College

iHireTherapy can help with your therapy employment needs.  We are a niche job board specializing only in therapy positions and job postings.  A few of the job titles we offer include:

• Massage Therapist
• Physical therapist assistant
• Occupational therapist