Physical therapists work in a variety of healthcare and community settings, including:
- Private practices and clinics
- Hospitals and outpatient rehabilitation centers
- Nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities
- Patients' homes through home health agencies
- Schools and educational institutions
- Sports and fitness centers
- Medical clinics and outpatient offices
They spend much of their time on their feet, actively working with patients to improve movement and manage pain
. Additionally, physical therapists may work in specialized areas such as cardiopulmonary, neurology, geriatrics, orthopedics, pediatrics, and oncology, which can influence their workplace environment
. Geographically, physical therapists are employed across the U.S., with high employment concentrations in states like California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania, and in metropolitan areas such as New York-Newark-Jersey City, Los Angeles, and Chicago
. In summary, physical therapists have diverse work environments ranging from clinical and hospital settings to community and home-based care, reflecting the broad scope of their practice.
