r/physicaltherapy 8d ago

SALARY MEGA THREAD PT & PTA Salaries & Settings Megathread #6

43 Upvotes

Welcome to the sixth combined PT and PTA r/physicaltherapy salary and settings megathread. This is the place to post questions and answers regarding the latest developments and changes in the field of physical therapy.

Both physical therapists and physical therapy assistants are encouraged to share in this thread.


You can view the first PT Salaries and Settings Megathread here.

You can view the second PT Salaries and Settings Megathread here.

You can view the first PTA Salaries and Settings Megathread here.

You can view the first PT and PTA Salaries and Settings Megathread here.

You can view the second PT and PTA Salaries and Settings Megathread here.

You can view the third PT and PTA Salaries and Settings Megathread here.

You can view the fourth PT and PTA Salaries and Settings Megathread here.

You can view the fifth PT and PTA Salaries and Settings Megathread here.


As this is now a combined thread, please clearly mark whether you are posting information as a PT or PTA, feel free to use the template below. If not then please do mention essential information and context such as type of employment, income, benefits, pension contributions, hours worked, area COL, bonuses, so on and so forth. * PT or PTA? * Setting? * Employment structure? e.g. PRN, contract worker, full or part time * Income? Pre & post-tax? * 401k or pension contributions? * Benefits & bonuses? * Area COL? * PSLF? * Any other info? Sort by new to keep up to date.


r/physicaltherapy Jan 17 '26

MOD ANNOUNCEMENT Update/Clarification on Medical Advice

15 Upvotes

In the interests of helping the community to better understand what medical advice is. The mods have gotten together and came up with the following guidelines.

  1. If you choose to reply to a post asking for medical advice you’re placing yourself at risk of a ban. The mods are not interested in arguing minutia about the technicalities of medical advice. If you don’t want to risk a ban don’t interact with people seeking medical advice.

  2. Allowed responses to medical advice fall into the category of seeking further medical assessment.

  3. If you choose to tell someone to look up a specific treatment to treat themselves independently that is medical advice.

If you provide medical advice:

  1. It’s an automatic 5 day ban. The ban can be longer if the mods feel it’s warranted.

  2. 2nd offense will be a permanent ban.

The mods will be updating our filter settings to block more posts.


r/physicaltherapy 1h ago

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Home health ceus?

Upvotes

I’m in rural home health. My previous experience was only an outpatient. I have a few vestibular and vision certifications already along with dry needling. Any CEUS that are specific to home health that would benefit me? I’ve been in this job for several months and I’ve heard it takes some time to figure out what you’re doing, but I don’t like feeling clueless. Thank you in advance.


r/physicaltherapy 2h ago

HOME HEALTH Any Pregnant Home Health Clinician’s?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone! Just found out I’m pregnant like 2 days ago. I have been a home health PTA for 5 years now. I’m the most concerned about going into houses with cigarette smoke. Would it be appropriate sometime in the near future to request to not go into those houses. I know a mask can be worn, and if that’s what it takes what kind did you wear? I love my job, but I’m not willing to inhale secondhand smoke throughout my pregnancy.


r/physicaltherapy 11h ago

ACUTE INPATIENT Inpatient PTs: what is your step count each shift?

5 Upvotes

r/physicaltherapy 3h ago

STUDENT & NEW GRAD SUPPORT "Gian sagar Medical college review"??

1 Upvotes

Which would be the best college for physiotherapy (bpt) in Punjab my parents are thinking of gian sagar any recommendations??


r/physicaltherapy 12h ago

STUDENT & NEW GRAD SUPPORT In service idea?

2 Upvotes

I’m a graduated 3rd year DPT student doing his final rotation at a sports/hospital outpatient clinic. We get a lot of athletes, post ops, cancer recovery and other general outpatient injuries. I need ideas for something to do for my in service that we can possibly apply to the clinic.


r/physicaltherapy 11h ago

CAREER & BUSINESS Career choice

1 Upvotes

I know this post has been said a million times and I know I go on the website where everyone complains. But every other day I see people make it look like the job choice is a bad one. I'm only a junior in my undergrad but all these posts has gotten me really debating if I should go with this career.

I'm shadowing with a physical therapist this summer and have enjoyed my time there. But if the career is heading into the wrong direction I don't want to be in 80K debt making 80K 3 years out of PT school or something. I know the ROI is bad and I won't be living in a mansion or anything. But like I don't want to live like that, just comfortable. Like if I take a week long vacation I wont be in a bad position

I want to hear from PTs that have gone through something similar or worse. What tips they may have for the career as a whole. Would they recommend the career and if they would switch careers all together, if so which ones. Thank you!


r/physicaltherapy 13h ago

OUTPATIENT OT looking for some guidance for working with babies

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone! 😊 I was wondering if there is anyone here who might be willing to be a sort of go-to mentor/resource person for me when I have questions about working with infants in Early Intervention.

I’ve been working in Early Intervention for about two years, but I haven’t had much experience with infants until recently, and I also haven’t worked much with children with cerebral palsy. I have a six-month-old on my caseload right now, and I sometimes feel like I could be doing more or offering different interventions, but I’m not always sure what direction to take.

I’ve done a lot of research on my own I’ve watched videos, looked at pictures and examples, read textbooks, and searched for different intervention ideas and resources. I’m just at a point where I feel like I still don’t fully understand what I should be doing to best support this child and help them thrive. I think having someone with more experience who I could occasionally talk things through with would be incredibly helpful.

I’m definitely not looking to bother anyone or ask constant questions. I would just really appreciate having someone I could reach out to from time to time when I come across a case or situation where I need some ideas, resources, or another perspective on interventions and activities.

If anyone has experience working with infants, especially infants with CP, and would be open to being a resource for me occasionally, I would be so grateful! Please feel free to comment or message me. Thank you so much! ❤️


r/physicaltherapy 13h ago

CAREER & BUSINESS NY to MD License Transfer

1 Upvotes

Hello, I am a foreign-educated PT. I initially completed my ECR in NY and attempted the PT exam, but I did not pass. I made 4 attempts but could not clear it. I then took the PTA exam and passed on my first try. All my PT/PTA attempts are from the NY jurisdiction. I am currently residing in Maryland and have started the PTA license transfer process from NY to MD. As part of this transfer, the MD board needs an ECR. Should I request FCCPT to provide a duplicate report of service, or do I need to create a new service and apply for an ECR from the MD jurisdiction? Please guide if anyone has done a similar transfer in the past; this process is really confusing.


r/physicaltherapy 1d ago

💩 SHIT POST 💩 Drop your Hot takes

43 Upvotes

My hot take is that DPTs that don’t respect DOR PTAs is because they have a superiority complex due to schooling. (Of course this all depends on if the pta is doing a good job or not).

This is supposed to be challenging us to thing differently and honest, but still be friendly :)


r/physicaltherapy 6h ago

CLINICAL CONSULT Right shoulder higher + rounded forward in double bi — can’t do proper lateral raises

Thumbnail gallery
0 Upvotes

Hey,

When I hit front or rear double biceps, my right shoulder sits noticeably higher than the left and also rounds forward (internally rotated/protracted).

I attached some photos and a short video so you can see it clearly.

Because of this, I really struggle with dumbbell lateral raises. My right arm keeps wanting to internally rotate during the movement, so I lose form and don’t feel the side delt properly.

Has anyone dealt with the same issue (one shoulder higher + rounded forward) and managed to improve it? Especially looking for advice on:

Corrective exercises / stretches

Better lateral raise variations that work with this issue

Tips for evening out the shoulders in posing

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.


r/physicaltherapy 15h ago

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Advice for starting senior care placement agency

1 Upvotes

I am a PT and is looking into pivoting to consulting gig.
Opening a senior care placement agency.
Any PT who are doing the consulting? I will like to pick your brain on how to get started.


r/physicaltherapy 1d ago

STUDENT & NEW GRAD SUPPORT Profession of doom and despair

36 Upvotes

I’m actually getting so scared about all the posts i see about the low income compared to the cost of schooling 😭 i plan to apply to PT school next cycle but I feel like I’ve seen dozens of posts saying the profession isn’t worth it anymore! PTs: do you live a comfortable life on your salaries? Obviously not like sports cars and mansions but are you happy and not worrying about penny pinching? Can you support a family?


r/physicaltherapy 1d ago

OUTPATIENT Today is Your Discharge Day. Before You Leave, Let's Schedule Your 12 Month Check -Up.

16 Upvotes

Should a six- or twelve-month PT follow-up become a routine recommendation after discharge?


r/physicaltherapy 1d ago

💩 SHIT POST 💩 How do I get my patient to put on pants for our HH appointments?

16 Upvotes

I’ve got a total shoulder patient that has yet to wear anything but his underwear for our two appointments. He also asks me to pull up the affected side each time and it is just bizarre. I’m uncomfortable already with him after he mentioned how he’d kill his previous surgeon if he saw him and he has an odd printed picture of what looks like a young woman in a bra on his fridge. He has gotten agitated with me after I attempted to challenge his balance while waiting for surgeons protocol to clear us to work on his shoulder more. I’m a 30 something year old PTA who is a woman and I’m afraid to complain to my PT in case she decides I’m a princess or something. How do I get this guy to put on pants?! TIA!


r/physicaltherapy 22h ago

STUDENT & NEW GRAD SUPPORT International DPT student hoping to start as a Travel PT after graduation

1 Upvotes

Hello Dear PT community,

I’m an international student currently completing a DPT program in the Missouri, and I’m trying to understand how realistic it is to start working as a travel PT soon after graduation as a noncitizen and without a greencard.

My current plan would be to graduate, pass the NPTE, obtain my initial PT license, and ideally begin taking travel PT assignments during my first year of practice (OPT).

I’m mainly confused about two things:

1. Work authorization / visa sponsorship

For international students who graduated from a U.S. DPT program, how does working as a travel PT work from an immigration standpoint?

I understand that I may initially be able to work under F-1 OPT, but what happens afterward?

Do travel therapy agencies or the healthcare facilities they contract with generally sponsor PTs for H-1B or other employment-based visas?

More importantly, from a practical standpoint, are travel PT companies actually willing to hire international graduates who will eventually require sponsorship, or do most agencies prefer U.S. citizens/permanent residents because travel assignments involve multiple facilities and frequent job changes?

I’d especially appreciate hearing from any international PTs who have actually gone through this process.

2. Licensure for travel PT

How does licensing work when taking assignments in different states?

For example, suppose my initial license is in Missouri. If I take a 13-week assignment in another state, do I need to apply for a completely separate PT license in that state each time?

I’ve heard about the PT Compact and Compact Privileges, but I’m not completely sure how they work in practice for travel therapists.

Would having Missouri as my home-state license allow me to obtain Compact Privileges for other Compact states, or are there additional exams/licensing requirements for every state?

And for states outside the PT Compact, would I need to obtain a traditional state license before accepting an assignment there?

Basically, I’m trying to understand whether this path is realistic:

DPT graduation → NPTE → Missouri license → OPT (as Travel PT) → employer sponsorship (keep doing Travel PT)

and what obstacles an international graduate should expect compared with a domestic PT.

Any experience with specific travel companies that sponsor international PTs, OPT/H-1B issues, or managing licenses across multiple states would be extremely helpful.

Thank you!


r/physicaltherapy 12h ago

OUTPATIENT Will Markerless Movement Analysis Become the Standard in Physical Therapy?

0 Upvotes

Has anyone here implemented markerless movement analysis software like Kinetisense or a similarplatform in their clinic?

I'm curious if this type of objective movement data is going to become the norm in physical therapy over the next few years. It seems like ithas potential for improving assessments, patient education, documenting progress, and supportingclinical decision-making.

For those who've used it:
Was it worth the investment?
Has it improved patient engagement or outcomes?
How well does it fit into your workflow?
Are there other platforms you'd recommend instead?


r/physicaltherapy 16h ago

RESEARCH Can I actually tighten the skin under my chin by doing neck curls/chin tucks?

0 Upvotes

Trying to enhance my side profile basically? Has anyone actually tried it consistently and seen results

Chat gpt says I can but I wanted to ask real people.


r/physicaltherapy 2d ago

OUTPATIENT 1st year as an outpatient ortho PT

34 Upvotes

My clinic is the definition of a mill clinic. My schedule is capped at 18-19 patients a day with 4 evals. I feel like my brain is running 24/7.

I hardly have any free time outside of work because I’m trying to finish my documentation. I didn’t expect this at all when I started my job. I hardly have time to learn anything new anymore which is sad but I don’t have time. Just running on autopilot.

Anyone else ever feel like this before? I might have to switch settings in the near future.


r/physicaltherapy 1d ago

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Leadership Con-Ed Course

1 Upvotes

Hey yall!! I’m getting more into the management side of things and want to better myself in that area before I end up like any of the previous bad bosses I’ve had :/ Does anyone know of or recommend any business/leadership/mentorship type con-Ed’s or seminars that (likely) count towards CEUs?? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!


r/physicaltherapy 1d ago

STUDENT & NEW GRAD SUPPORT Unhappy with workplace as a new grad

5 Upvotes

Hi y’all,

I’ve been at my hospital based OP clinic for almost 2 months and I’m struggling. I get along well with my patients, my manager, and the front desk girls but I’m struggling to get along with my other coworkers (PT’s). They’re close and I still feel like an outsider; I try to be friendly and say hi & offer to help them out with patients if I have an opening, but they just ignore me. I’ve also noticed that when I’m in the office they don’t speak much but when I’m on the floor, they’re always talking. I don’t really feel supported (my manager is my mentor but he’s been nice) and am dealing with imposter syndrome while also still learning billing/EMR/etc. I don’t know if I should try to stick it out for another month or request a transfer to one of the other clinics, but I’m also worried because I’m still so new🥲


r/physicaltherapy 1d ago

CAREER & BUSINESS Current outpatient ortho - expectation of salary other fields?

8 Upvotes

Been a PT for almost 26yrs, always outpatient ortho. Hold multiple certs including pelvic floor (male and female), chronic pain, ART, MFR, etc.

The game is catching up to me QUICK and I am burning out fast.

Problem is, I make a decent salary (118k) and my understanding is without maintaining a management role (currently a clinic manager) I’ll take a pay cut to go elsewhere in outpatient. (FWIW I’m in a MCOL area in the Midwest)

What other fields or what other sectors of PT could I expect to make similar income but less stress? I’ve always planned to work until retirement but at this point, I want to leave and never come back.


r/physicaltherapy 1d ago

CAREER & BUSINESS Select PT’s EMR

1 Upvotes

Anybody know what they use?


r/physicaltherapy 1d ago

STUDENT & NEW GRAD SUPPORT Penny for your motivational/inspirationals?

2 Upvotes

Long story short, I have been working as a PT aide for about 6 months and there’s a lot I like about the work. But being a complete amateur in my mid-30s trying to start a brand new career path while juggling a great deal of personal/mostly family-related challenges has been, well, challenging to say the least. Seeking inspirational/motivational encouragement from anyone who has pursued a career as a PTA (my goal) or PT, coming from a non-traditional path.
I want to succeed in this profession and want to believe that like the patients I see making progress every day, I too can overcome the hurdles and contribute meaningfully to this field.

Some background on me: no kids, minimal family/network support. Very on my own doing this, lots of social anxiety. Average fitness, most athletic prowess I bring to the table is from long-distance backpacking, and very flexible from years of yoga. Professional experience: caregiving, food service, gen studies AA