Physical therapists to Baby Boomers: 'Thanks for the work'

Physical therapists have a job that is about as recession proof as they come, and they have Baby Boomers to thank.

PTs are included among the health care jobs that are going begging in many states because the demand is outpacing the supply.

According U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is expected to grow 27 percent from 2006 to 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations.

The primary reason is so many Baby Boomers who are reaching the age where they need intensive care, such as the physical therapy necessary to recover from knee surgery or a hip replacement. As they age, many aren't slowing down; Boomers are holding on to a very active lifestyle -- running, basketball, skiing, hiking -- that can take its toll on certain body parts.

"Baby Boomers are not only getting older but they're also entering retirement," Cynthia Christie, Assistant Dean of Career Services at Quinnipiac University said in a WTNH.com story. QU offers a highly regarded doctoral program for physical therapy students.

"Health care is one of the only industries that is recession proof," she said.

According to the story, 4,100 health care jobs were added last year in Connecticut alone.

In a Memphis Business Journal story, Joe Black, president of the Tennessee Physical Therapy Association, said the availability of therapy jobs makes for a “state shortage.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says physical therapy "employment is expected to increase much faster than average" and that "job opportunities should be good, particularly in acute hospital, rehabilitation, and orthopedic settings."

Notes the Bureau: "The baby-boom generation is entering the prime age for heart attacks and strokes, increasing the demand for cardiac and physical rehabilitation."