Mary Scott Faircloth

24 November 2015
CNS 220
Applied Research Project
Part 1: Physical Therapy in Charlotte, NC vs. Atlanta, GA
Salary
Rent
Groceries
Car Payment
Utilities
Internet
Health
Insurance
Income Tax
Gas
Fitness Club

Charlotte
63440
860
250
300
137
47

Atlanta
64956
1053
250
500
162
52

245
7.75%
2.21
30

232
6%
2.29
36

I would choose to live and work in Charlotte, North Carolina. I think the salaries
would end up being very close to one another, but the standard of living in Charlotte
seems to be lower for the most part. Since my family lives in Greensboro and
Winston Salem, I think it would be nice to live close to home. Charlotte also is a big
city similarly to Atlanta with great neighborhoods for families. There are also so
many things to do in Charlotte. I think this would be a really good place to have my
first job.

Part 2: Impact of Graduate School on Physical Therapy

39% have Masters Degrees
37% have Doctoral Degrees
8% have Bachelors Degrees
Starting
Salary
Master's
Degree
Bachelor's
Degree
Doctoral
Degree

82634

Cost of School
Arkansas State:
32000

79947

Wake: 64540

81014

Duke: 68264

Job Title
Occupational Therapy
Health Specialties Teachers,
Postsecondary
Nursing Instructors and Teachers,
Postsecondary
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Physicians
Sports Medicine Physician

Earning
Options
78810
90210
66100
187200
187200

In conclusion it would be best to go to graduate school and get a Masters Degree.

This is because with a Masters one would make the most money and would not
have to be in school for as long as one would be in obtaining a PHD in physical
therapy.