The 10 BEST STATES In Which to PRACTICE

Headnote

Every state has much to offer physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. It may be quality of life. Employment opportunities. Regulatory and business friendliness. Or any of dozens of other features. But to make it to the top of PT in Motion's fourth annual analysis of the best states in which to practice, states need high rankings in multiple factors that health care professionals say are important.

What's the best state in which to practice physical therapy?

The answer of course depends in part on what you value. How important is salary? Quality of life? Future job prospects? Fewer regulatory restraints? The demographic characteristics (such as age and health) of the state's residents? And so on.

Many rankings of "best states" use some combination of these factors. PT in Motion's analysis builds on 8 criteria, all weighted equally:

kk Well-being and future livability. The quality of life-as it relates to physical therapists (PTs), physical therapist assistants (PTAs), and the general population-and the overall health of the population are included here, as are projections on future living conditions.

kk Literacy and health literacy. Both general literacy and health literacy, considered to be desirable population traits, reflect the ease and effectiveness with which health care providers can communicate with patients and clients.

kk Employment and employment projections. What's the job situation? This factor is based on state population and projections for the percentage growth in physical therapy jobs.

kk Business and practice friendliness. Most health care professionals say it's more desirable to practice in a state that is friendly toward business in general as well as PTs in particular. This criterion includes the level of direct access within a state.

kk Technology and innovation. Health information technology is becoming increasingly important in the practices of PTs and other health care providers with whom they interact. Which states lead in health care technology?

kk PT, PTA, and student engagement with APTA. These figures reflect PT, PTA, and student membership in APTA. Greater involvement suggests stronger commitment in time and money to current and future professional development, and involvement in state and national regulatory and legislative issues.

kk Compensation and cost of living. How much is a PT paid on an annual basis? And how far does...