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First, some facts. Of the Physical Therapy graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 118 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 64%, Physical Therapy graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-3%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 44% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Physical Therapy graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2022 from Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONPhysical Therapist The NeuroMedical Center Rehabilitation Hospital May 2022 - Present ABOUTMy name is [NAME REMOVED] Pace and I am originally from Monroe, Louisiana. I obtained my bachelor of Science degree at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA and I obtained my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge, LA in May 2022.I fell in love with the Physical Therapy profession from prior experience that I was able to obtain while in my undergraduate collegiate years. I knew I wanted to help people one day, but it did not come easy in figuring out how I could use my individual capabilities to do so. I was able to gain valuable experience in a variety of clinical settings within the physical therapy profession throughout my clinical rotations including pediatrics, outpatient orthopedics, inpatient rehabilitation, and the acute care setting. I value each experience I have had so far, and I am excited to continue to grow my exposure within the field of physical therapy and help others maximize their potential. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Throughout an analysis of various LinkedIn profiles of individuals who graduated with a degree in Physical Therapy, a clear pattern in job selections emerges. Many have pursued careers directly related to physical therapy, such as Physical Therapist roles in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Others have taken on positions that, while valuable in the healthcare realm, do not necessarily leverage the specific expertise of a physical therapy degree. There’s also a noticeable trend of graduates working in unrelated fields, such as sales, teaching, and administration, which raises some questions about the direct application of their qualifications.
The most common type of job that individuals with a Physical Therapy degree have held is that of a Physical Therapist, which directly utilizes the skills, knowledge, and patient care techniques that students acquire during their studies. In roles such as these, individuals are actively engaged in rehabilitation and patient treatment, making their jobs highly relevant. Additionally, many have taken on internships or student roles during their education, which serve as excellent foundations for future employment in physical therapy. These hands-on experiences ensure that they are well-prepared for direct patient interaction and the application of therapy principles post-graduation.
However, it's also important to acknowledge the significant number of graduates who have ventured into roles that are not directly related to their educational background. Positions such as sales representatives, various administrative roles, and even teaching can be found quite frequently among their job histories. For example, a graduate working as a Real Estate Agent or a Chief Executive Officer in a medical billing company demonstrates how diverse their career paths can be, albeit at the expense of utilizing their physical therapy education. Consequently, while there are many relevant positions, a substantial portion of these graduates appear to be underutilizing their training in Physical Therapy.
In conclusion, while the profiles indicate a strong foundation of graduates working in physically therapeutic roles that align with their degree, there is also a significant group of individuals whose careers do not effectively apply their qualifications in Physical Therapy. This raises a larger conversation about career guidance and job placement initiatives for students in this field, emphasizing the potential need for more support in turning their educational achievements into relevant and fulfilling career opportunities.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Physical Therapy graduates:
Looking at the career trajectories of Physical Therapy graduates presents a mixed bag of outcomes. For many, their first jobs after graduation revolve closely around the field of physical therapy itself, often as interns, aides, or entry-level therapists. However, as we take a longer look into the career paths that these individuals follow, it becomes clear that there’s a notable divergence in where they end up five to ten years later. Many graduates stick to the healthcare track, finding fulfilling roles as licensed physical therapists, managers, or specialized practitioners. Others, however, branch out into completely unrelated careers, which raises some eyebrows about the direct applicability or value of their degree for jobs outside the healthcare industry.
The trend for first jobs seems to lean heavily towards entry-level positions within the medical or healthcare sectors. Jobs such as physical therapy aides or aides in rehabilitation centers are common stepping stones. A good number of graduates utilize internships or volunteer experiences to gain the necessary hands-on training right after school. However, a notable trend reveals that a portion of the graduates ends up in roles that seem to have little relation to their education, ranging from sales positions to administrative roles across completely different sectors. This may point to difficulties in entering the job market as licensed physical therapists or a lack of opportunities in their desired field. By the five to ten-year mark, those who have stayed within the healthcare field typically advance into higher roles, perhaps as physical therapy directors or specialized therapists. In contrast, those who drifted into unrelated fields often find themselves in positions that don’t utilize their physical therapy training at all, leading to questions about the long-term benefits of their education.
A Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy can be pretty challenging, especially compared to some other degrees. You're diving into subjects like anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, which can be quite complex if science isn't your strong suit. Plus, there are hands-on lab components where you’ll be expected to demonstrate skills, so there’s a practical aspect that adds pressure. It’s not impossible, but it's definitely more demanding than an average liberal arts degree; you’ll need to be ready to hit the books and stay focused to keep up with the material. If you’re passionate about the field, though, it can be a fulfilling experience that makes the hard work worth it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Physical Therapy.
Looking at the job histories of these physical therapy graduates, it's clear that their financial journeys vary quite a bit. Some like the graduate from Lamar University have stuck with stable jobs in healthcare coordination and auditing, which likely comes with a decent salary over time. Others, however, have jumped around a lot, taking on roles like medical record assistant or bus person before finally settling into something closer to their field, making it tough to predict if they’ve made much money overall. Graduates who moved straight into physical therapy roles generally seem to be in a better position, considering those positions typically offer more financial stability and growth potential.
However, we see some grads like those from newer education paths or who have taken detours into less related fields, like sales or administration; they may be struggling when it comes to salary. A few have taken on managerial or executive roles, indicating they could be doing quite well financially. Overall, if they stuck to their field and climbed the ladder, they might be making decent money, but those bouncing around might find it harder to break into the better-paying jobs in physical therapy.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Physical Therapy. This may or may not be useful:
