Hi all, Just asking for some information, My son is looking to PT for a career option this coming year as he enters his senior year in HS. He has very good grades and I'am not too worried about him getting into a good school. My main concern is the salaries of PT's coming out and some time in the profession.  My  kid and myself are facing around $140,000 to $160,000 for 7 years of schooling to get a doctorate in PT and come out to face a salary of $65,000 a year to start.  I'am not complaining of the starting salary, however, the resarch I've done is showing PT's at $80,000 to $90,000 a year after 10 years on the job? What a JOKE!!

 Is this something to get into and make a good career?  I would have expected at least $150,000 a year with a doctorate in PT. Also, to be frank, (not to offend any one) but is the PT always bowing down to the "all mighty M.D."? I would think a PHD in PT would command some respect in the medical community and a respectable salary.

Don't get me wrong, I'am not professing he is only looking at the dollar for a career, but to put up that kind of time and money for very little cash reward. How is a young person to buy a house, pay back school loans and live in this day and age. Any comments or advice from the profession would be greatly appreicated.  I would like to find out as much as possible before we start on this road. Thanks a lot. Ron 

Ron,

First of all, congrats on your son thinking of a career in PT. I would first suggest to him to do some job shadowing of a local PT or PTs in different settings to see if this is something worth pursuing. You have to have a love for the profession and not see PT as  a job otherwise things get lost along the way.

As far as financial reward: yes school is very expensive, but the payout at the end (improving the lives of those we care for) makes up for a lot. Now there are ways to go around the total cost of schooling (loans, grants, scholarships) as well as some companies do hire on PT students who are 'x' amt of years into the program for hire upon graduation and completion of the PT exam. Also Congress just passed legistion aiding with the forgiveness of loans for PT students in various parts of the country and serving certain clients (see APTA.com for more info).

Most PT programs are at a DPT level and there are some out there that are a combined DPT/PhD program as well. The purpose of this was to allow autonomous practice for all PTs. I support this theory. Some PTs do not, but in this day and age of chiropractors, massage therapists, reflexologists, I think PTs should be ready for any patient to enter the door and be ready to treat them. If not, refer them on. In this manner the highest quality of treatment is given. Now understand there have been many physicians who I believe has misdiagnosed an injury where MY skills as  a PT has helped identify an issue/concern that eventually helped a pt.  Right now the DPT does not warrant a higher pay scale but I do think it will make a difference in the future.

Hope this helps a bit. Good luck.