Physical therapists across Idaho are feeling unusually secure about their careers, even as artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes many workplaces. In a recent interview, Boise’s Kyndahl Bruner of Purpose Built Physical Therapy explained that the personal connection she offers patients is a key reason the field remains resilient.
Survey shows PTs rank near the top of job confidence
A Careerminds poll of 3,088 Idaho workers placed physical therapists third among professions with the highest career confidence, trailing only auto mechanics and veterinarians. The survey measured workers’ sense of security, not whether their positions are immune to AI. The Idaho Department of Labor’s JobScape tool also projects about 133 annual openings for physical therapists statewide, underscoring steady demand.
AI offers efficiency but also pitfalls
Bruner recounted several patients who turned to AI‑generated exercise programs, only to find the routines too intense or poorly suited to their conditions. “I’ve had people put into ChatGPT, like ‘give me an exercise program for this,’ and it just wrecks them,” she said.
She warned that AI often fails to consider critical personal factors such as diet, sleep habits, and medical history. “If you type in maybe that you have shoulder pain, AI isn’t asking what your diet is, what your sleep is like, what your history is,” Bruner explained.
Using AI for administrative tasks
Despite those concerns, Bruner embraces AI for non‑clinical work. After virtual appointments, she uses AI to summarize sessions, shaving roughly 20 minutes off her documentation time. “It just saved me like 20 minutes of me sitting at my computer and typing that all out,” she noted, allowing more time for direct patient care.
Why personal care matters
During evaluations, Bruner spends about an hour with each patient, discussing symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors that influence recovery. She believes that the human element—listening, asking detailed questions, and tailoring treatment—protects the profession as technology advances.
“I think why we’re safe is that people are craving that personal connection,” Bruner said. Her perspective reflects a broader sentiment among Idaho PTs that while AI can streamline paperwork, it cannot replace the nuanced judgment and empathy that define effective therapy.
What this means for job seekers
For Idaho residents considering a career change, the Department of Labor’s JobScape tool provides data on wages, education requirements, and projected openings for physical therapy and other occupations. The strong confidence scores suggest that the field remains a viable and rewarding path, even as AI tools become more prevalent in health‑care settings.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
