Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Physical Therapist
What physical therapists actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a physical therapist?
Review the day’s schedule and notes. From there, the day usually includes examine and evaluate patients, diagnose movement problems, and design treatment plans. Most work full-time; clinics often offer early morning and evening hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a physical therapist working full time.
- Review the day’s schedule and notes.
- Evaluate a patient after knee surgery.
- Treat a runner with hip pain.
- Coach an older adult on balance exercises.
- Supervise a PT assistant’s sessions.
- Use manual therapy for neck pain.
- Write progress notes.
Where physical therapists work
PTs work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, nursing facilities, homes, schools and sports settings.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time; clinics often offer early morning and evening hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Examine and evaluate patients
- Diagnose movement problems
- Design treatment plans
- Guide therapeutic exercise
- Provide manual therapy
- Educate patients and families
- Supervise PT assistants and aides
Tools you’ll use every day
- Exercise equipment
- Treatment tables
- Goniometers
- Ultrasound and electrical stimulation
- Gait aids
- Electronic health records
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Help people regain independence
- Faster-than-average growth
- Good pay
- Active, hands-on work
What’s hard
- Doctoral degree and debt
- Physically demanding
- Productivity pressure
- Insurance documentation
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love anatomy and exercise
- I enjoy motivating people
- I like hands-on work
- I’m patient with slow progress
- I want a healthcare career
- I’m willing to earn a doctorate
Not sure? Take the free Physical Therapist fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use proper body mechanics
- Guard patients during gait training
- Follow infection control
- Watch for vital sign changes during exercise