Below are some “fun facts” about physical, occupational and speech therapists we thought you’d find of interest.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011Edition reports that “[p]hysical therapists held about 185,500 jobs in 2008. The number of physical therapist jobs is probably greater than the number of practicing physical therapists, because some physical therapists work part time, holding two or more jobs. For example, some may work in a private practice, but also work part time in another healthcare facility.”
Occupational therapists, meanwhile, held 104,500 jobs in 2008. The greatest number (29 percent) of OTs worked in ambulatory healthcare services, with hospitals, public and private educational services, nursing care facilities and offices of other healthcare practitioners (including other OTs), bringing up the rear. However, OTs also worked in home healthcare services, outpatient care centers, physicians’ offices, community care facilities for the elderly, and government agencies.
As for speech therapists, the BLS’ Handbook reports that they held about 119,000 jobs in 2008, with 48 percent working in educational services. The remainder worked in the “usual” places — hospitals, offices of other healthcare professionals, nursing homes, home healthcare facilities, child care centers, etc. Nine percent of speech therapists were self-employed, contracting their services to schools, physicians, hospitals and nursing homes.
Who makes the most? Physical therapists. The BLS reported that the median annual salary for PTs in May 2008 was $72,790. Occupational therapists came in second, with a median annual salary of $66,780, while speech therapists made a respectable median annual salary of $62,930.
If you’re an experienced physical, occupational or speech therapist, hospitals and rehabilitation facilities all over the country need you! Contact Centra Healthcare Solutions to learn more about the terrific opportunities waiting for you at facilities eager to bring you aboard. We look forward to hearing from you.
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