The Physical Therapy Profession Remains in H...( DETROIT Oct. 30 /- October is Nat...),Health

DETROIT, Oct. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- October is National Physical Therapy month and to celebrate the Michigan Physical Therapy Association (MPTA) is encouraging Michigan residents to "Become a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant."

Even as Michigan continues to face uncertain economic times, the physical therapy profession continues to grow and offer professional satisfaction. MPTA Public Relations Director Aaron Bailey, PT, says there is an urgent need to reach potential professionals. "We are eager to communicate this message and have set a goal to reach out to 10,000 people to encourage them to consider a career in physical therapy," Bailey notes. "Reaching this goal will help us meet the high demand for professional, licensed physical therapists both in Michigan and nationwide over the next ten years." Michigan students and residents looking for a change in career should also consider becoming a physical therapist.

In an effort to spread their message, the MPTA is making representatives available to present at schools and career fairs across Michigan. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has produced a DVD that illustrates the role of a physical therapist in professional health care, which will be shown at the MPTA's presentations. Additionally, interested individuals are able to view the video at http://www.BeAPT.org .

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth identified 'physical therapist' as one of the top 50 jobs in the state. More than 5,000 physical therapists and more than 3,000 physical therapist assistants are employed in various settings throughout the state. And, demand for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants is expected to grow by 27 percent through 2012 with an expected shortage of 2,300 physical therapists in Michigan by 2015. The US Department of Labor expects employment of physical therapists and physical therapist assi
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