Most physical therapists sing the praises of their jobs; they get to make a lasting and positive impact on their patients lives and they get to really know their patients, since PTs tend to spend a minimum of 45 minutes per session with their patients.

If you’re considering a career as a physical therapist, here are some brief descriptions of the different types of PT jobs available today.

1) Geriatric PT. The nation’s population is aging and that can mean plenty of opportunity for physical therapists. Our bodies can present several issues as we go about the natural process of aging: health issues including osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, balance disorders, incontinence, arthritis, and more. A geriatric physical therapist will work with patients to help them reduce pain, increase their fitness levels and be as mobile as possible.

2) Orthopedic PT. As a physical therapist specializing in orthopedics, you’ll treat, diagnose and manage injuries and disorders of an individual’s musculoskeletal system. You also could work with patients as they recover from orthopedic surgery. Orthopedic PTs tend to work in an outpatient treatment setting, helping patients with sports injuries, amputation, post-operative joint pain, arthritis and other conditions.

3) Pediatric PT. If you enjoy working with young people, you may love working as a pediatric physical therapist. As such, you’ll help detect health problems in young people from babies to adolescents. You’ll also diagnose and treat your patients for diseases, disorders and injuries that affect their joints, bones and muscles. You’ll help your young patients improve their balance, gross/fine motor skills, strength and endurance and more.

4) Neurological PT. Patients who have ALS, a brain injury, cerebral palsy, MS, Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease, a spinal cord injury, brain injury, or other disability/injury often work with physical therapists in their recovery.

5) Traveling PT. Many physical therapists enjoy the variety that working with a staffing firm such as Centra Healthcare Solutions offers them because they a) enjoy working in a variety of PT settings and with different types of patients and b) enjoy traveling. If this is you, we’d love to hear from you!