Keeping The Field Alive
Many have said that the demand for Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy is on the rise as the baby boomer generation ages. As a result, the need for more physical therapists and occupational therapists are needed to meet this demand. Recently some of the PT and OT faculty at the Univeristy of Illinois Chicago did a research study on current trends and the future outlook for therapists. Here is one of the major findings from the study.
Their critical finding is that increased demand and a reduced number of new graduates in the fields have resulted in shortages in all geographic regions and practice settings. They also found that future opportunities for OTs and PTs will be focused on older adults, children/youth, and prevention and wellness.
How this will affect the profession as a whole and the patient outcomes requires more attention at this point. We do know that the support of schools and therapists alike are important to keep the profession alive.
