The physical therapist in the state of São Paulo

ABSTRACT To identify the profile of the physical therapist is important for a profession overview, which can help organs and institutions of higher education to train more qualified, fulfilled, valued, and recognized professionals for health care. The profile of the physical therapist has already been studied in other states, specific specialties or workplace; however we are not aware of the current profile of the physical therapist in the state of São Paulo (SP). The aim of this study was to describe the profile of the physical therapist of SP according to demographic, training, and professional performance aspects. All physical therapists registered in Crefito-3 with at least one year since graduation were invited to participate in the study, by means of answering an online questionnaire. In total, 2,323 physical therapists participated in the research. The sample was composed by: 80% women, 62% graduated between 2001 and 2010, 83% graduated from a private university, and 66.7% had attended a post-graduation specialization course. Most of them worked as physical therapists and had physiotherapy as their only source of income. The predominant workplace was home care and the monthly gross income was up to R$ 3,000.00 in 45% of cases. Professionals who were graduated for a longer time, those who work in universities and in their own clinics were better remunerated. Most professionals are satisfied with their profession, often attend update courses, present low adherence to unions and associations and are unaware of the current legislation in force. There is a predominance of female physical therapists in the state of São Paulo, young, who attended a post-graduation specialization course and who seek to be updated, but with low participation in the profession's institutions. Many are self-employed, professionals working in universities and in their own clinics are the best paid and the time of training and experience are relevant factors to achieve a better monthly income.