Physical therapists help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain and prevent permanent physical disabilities from injury or disease. They examine medical histories and test patients’ strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration and motor function. They also determine patients’ ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or workplace after injury or illness.
Work environment:
Physical therapists practice in hospitals, clinics or private offices. Some physical therapists may provide treatment at patients' homes or schools.
Training requirements:
Physical therapists are required to earn a master's degree. They are licensed by the State of California Board of Physical Therapy.
Salary range:
$52,020 $88,940 Minimum training:Doctorate; state-issued license requiredJob description:Chiropractors diagnose and treat problems associated with the muscular, nervous and skeletal systems, especially the spine.More
Salary range:
$71,968 $95,576 Minimum training:Master's degree; state-issued license requiredJob description:Occupational therapists help persons with mental, physical, emotional or developmental impairments improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily life.More
Salary range:
$39,666 $73,466 Minimum training:Bachelor's degree; certification requiredJob description:Orthotists and prosthetists design and assist patients with orthopedic and prosthetic devices, like braces or artificial limbs.More
Salary range:
$41,641 $70,283 Minimum training:Bachelor's degreeJob description:Recreational therapists provide treatment services and recreation activities to individuals with disabilities or illnesses.More
The number of healthcare jobs available in California is only going to grow in the coming years — and there are a lot more options than doctors and nurses.
Other jobs in healthcare offer great pay, opportunities for advancement and require only a few months or years of training. They can also be stepping stones to better-paying healthcare jobs in the future.
Whether you are just starting out or you already know what you are looking for, Health Jobs Start Here will set you on your way toward a good job in healthcare. More +
If you want to get advice directly from people who work in healthcare jobs, take a look at a "Day in the Life" of a real health worker and ask us a question on our Facebook
If you are looking for a healthcare job right now, be sure to sign up for job alerts to receive weekly e-mails with the latest job postings of your choice. Or, choose one of the options above and start your own healthcare job search now.