It is key to understand the differences between a physical therapist and a nurse. However, it can be hard to say which role is better. A direct comparison is challenging because each job has many different situations.
Here is a summary of the career you will need. It includes other things to consider that can help you decide if you should go for a career in physical therapy or nursing.
Noticeable Differences To Measure Nursing vs Physical Therapy, Which one is Better?
What does a nurse do?
Nurses are known for their skills and kindness. They are a vital part of the medical field, which is one of the most varied professions today. Nurses team up with doctors and other healthcare workers to organize and perform tasks. They help design and provide care for patients who have a wide range of medical issues and illnesses.
What does a physical therapist do?
Physical therapists help patients of different ages. They work with people who have physical problems, trouble with activities, or injuries. They also assist those in rehab, those who have disabilities, and those who are active. Professional physical therapists provide rehab, improve performance, and create prevention programs. Their goal is to help everyone improve their quality of life.
In Education:
Becoming a physical therapist is usually harder than becoming a nurse. Physical therapists need more education and training. In the US, they must earn a doctoral degree, which can take around seven years. On the other hand, a nurse can start their career with much less education. The quickest way to become a nurse is to complete a two-year associate degree.
Physical Therapy Education and get Licensure
To work as a physical therapist at the entry-level, you need to have a doctorate in physical therapy from an approved program. You also must pass a state licensure exam. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, new students can no longer enroll in the Master of Physical Therapy or the Master of Science in Physical Therapy degrees in the U.S.
- Responsibilities: A therapist is in charge of figuring out the problem and providing treatment to their patients. The therapist should find a good way to treat the illness and help their patients feel better.
- Job and Salaries: Jobs in the healthcare field are very high right now because there is a big demand. A physical therapist needs to make a detailed plan for treatment. They will also write procedures for physical therapist assistants (PTA) to follow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a physical therapist starts at $79,860. This salary can vary from one state to another.
Nursing Education and get a Licensure
There are different types of nurses. The lowest level is the LPN, which stands for licensed practical nurse. This role requires one year of training and passing a licensing exam.
Then, there are registered nurses, or RNs. They must have at least an associate degree or a bachelor of science in nursing. Some may also be bachelor’s level nurse practitioners, which means they have a specific degree.
The highest levels of nurses are those with a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
- Responsibilities: A nurse is mainly responsible for taking care of sick patients who are getting treatment. A nurse works closely with doctors to check and support the health of patients. They also help plan treatment and attend to patients’ needs. This includes tasks like setting up IV drips, giving injections, and assisting doctors.
- Job and Salaries: There are many job openings for nurses in healthcare. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2012, new nurses can expect to earn between $40,000 and $50,000 each year. As nurses gain more skills and experience, their pay can increase. You can also earn a higher salary if you have a master’s degree and several years of experience.
Can a Nurse be a Physical Therapist?
To become a Physical Therapist, you need the right education and a degree. A nurse can become a Physical Therapist if they get a doctorate in Physical Therapy. Without a degree or training, a nurse cannot become a Physical Therapist.
Work Settings and Job Responsibilities
When we look at the work settings for nurses and physical therapists, there are some clear differences. Nurses often work in busy places like hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They frequently take night shifts to care for various patients and health issues. Their main tasks are to check patient health, give medications, and work with other healthcare professionals to provide full care.
Physical therapists usually work in more specific settings. This includes rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and sports facilities. Their main job is to assess a patient’s physical abilities, create treatment plans, and guide patients in therapeutic exercises.
Both jobs have a strong job outlook, as the need for healthcare workers keeps growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that nurses and physical therapists have rewarding careers. They play a big role in improving patient outcomes in many different places.
Salary and Job Outlook Comparison
When we look at salaries for registered nurses and physical therapists in the United States, we need to think about several things. These include where you work, your area of special focus, and how much experience you have. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that the average yearly salary for registered nurses is about $77,600. In comparison, physical therapists make a bit more, earning around $95,620 on average. Both jobs have a good future ahead. Physical therapy jobs are expected to grow by 21% from 2020 to 2030. Nursing jobs will see a 9% growth rate in the same time. Here is a quick summary of the average salary and job growth for these fields:
Profession
Average Salary
Job Outlook Growth
Registered Nurse (RN)
$77,600
9%
Physical Therapist (PT)
$95,620
21%
Both jobs offer a steady and profitable future in healthcare. This makes them attractive choices for people who want to start a career in the field.
Which one to choose?
There are several things to think about when choosing a career. To make the right choice for you, it’s important to understand which career fits your needs best.
- What income do you want to make to feel good about paying for your degree and living the life you desire?
- How much time and effort are you ready to give to your education and career growth?
- What kind of places do you want to work in?
- What type of job do you want to do for the rest of your life?
There are two career choices to think about. You need to decide between them, and each choice depends on what you like and what you feel comfortable with. If you are good at working with patients and aren’t afraid of needles and blood, you might want to become a nurse. If you feel uneasy about handling patients but still want to work in healthcare, a physical therapist could be a good option for you. A helpful way to make your decision is to list the good and bad points of each choice before you pick one.
Which is the best, a physical therapist or a nurse?
Nurse vs. physical therapist can sound like a friendly competition. But there’s no real hatred between these careers. The goal here is to look at the differences in education and thinking between nursing and physical therapy. Many people stick to a job that doesn’t suit them. They may feel content and pay their bills, but they often feel like something important is missing from their lives.
So which one is better?
Physical therapist vs nurse: Which one should you choose? I wish it were easy to answer. I favor being a physical therapist, so I might be biased. However, I truly believe no one can say one job is better than the other. It really depends on what makes you happy and what keeps you feeling fulfilled.
I have never wanted to be a Nurse. It comes with a lot of responsibility and takes a lot of time. It’s not my thing. I would rather stay close to my patients, connecting with them in a personal way. When thinking about the job you want, keep these important points in mind. If you feel unsure, you can visit some hospitals. This way, you can follow a nurse or a physical therapist and see what they do in person.
Pros and Cons of Choosing Nursing vs Physical Therapy
Choosing between nursing and physical therapy has its own benefits and challenges. A major benefit of nursing is the strong job security and different chances available in many healthcare places. It is seen as one of the best healthcare jobs. Nurses feel emotional satisfaction when they care for patients directly and build strong bonds with them. But the job can be tiring. Nurses often work long hours, which can lead to burnout. So, if you are thinking about a career in caring for patients directly, nursing or physical therapy could be a good fit for you.
Physical therapy lets professionals help patients in a clear and organized way. They focus on rehabilitation and restoring mobility. A lot of physical therapists like their jobs because they have better work-life balance. They usually have regular hours and can work in outpatient settings. However, some people find the long education and training needed tough to handle. In the end, both careers can be rewarding. The choice between them should depend on what you like, your lifestyle, and your career goals.
Vertex:
Deciding between Nursing and Physical Therapy is a big choice. Make sure you feel really sure about it. Choosing either path takes a lot of your time and energy. It would be tough to put in all that work and feel unhappy later on. Remember, it should not just be about the money. You need to pick something you care about. Once you make your choice among the popular choices, focus on your goal. Don’t give up until you reach your dream. Good luck!