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In 2009, physical therapists earned a median annual salary of $74,480.
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A Day in a Physical Therapist's Life:
On a typical day a physical therapist will:
- examine patients' medical histories;
- test and measure the patients' strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function;
- determine patients' ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or workplace after injury or illness;
- develop treatment plans describing a treatment strategy, its purpose, and its anticipated outcome;
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Physical Therapists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos080.htm (visited March 23, 2010).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Physical Therapists, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/29-1123.00 (visited December 6, 2010).
Should You Become a Physical Therapist? Take a Quiz to Find Out.

