Should a person be in good shape to become a physical therapist? Do employers consider that when hiring?

The person usually just needs to make basic physical requirements…standard requirements usually include lifting 25-50# on occasion and the ability to stand for long periods of time. Ideally, a PT should be in shape as we promote health and recovery through exercise, but not hiring someone based on their level of fitness would be considered dicriminatory.

I have worked with several therapists who were perhaps not the most “in shape people”…some even obese…but they are wonderful therapists and I am glad to call them my teammate!

I would say that it would be a bonus if you were in shape. If you were becoming a personal trainer, it would be a little different. A physical therapist doesn’t necessarily HAVE to be in shape, but it would instill more confidence in your clients that they picked the right person. Being in shape could help you land a job easier, yes. People look at everything, espescially in the health fields when hiring. Just like you wouldn’t go to an obese nutritionist, people may want their physical therapist to be in shape, but it’s definitely not a requirement.

I would say so, I can’t imagine having a physical therapist who was not in shape. I can definetely say that if I got a physical therapist who was out of shape I would look for a new one!

only if you want to be taken seriously