Physical therapists PTs provide care to people of all ages. An important member of multidisciplinary treatment and rehabilitation teams, they help individuals manage pain and improve movement from injuries caused by accidents, injuries related to work or sports, or from fractures and sprains, arthritis, neurological disorders, and other chronic conditions.
PTs may specialize in one area of care, whether that means working in geriatrics or developing treatment plans for athletes in their prime. Most, however, choose to work in a variety of areas and with different patient populations. Either way, the work will vary from one patient to the next, with treatment plans designed around individual issues and goals. On top of all that, physical therapists need patience, compassion, empathy, and have the physical strength it takes to confidently assist patients with mobility issues and earn their trust.
PTs must have motivational skills, be strong communicators, and be both positive and confident in their demeanor. A career in physical therapy allows individuals to specialize in one particular area, such as orthopedics, or offer a broad set of services to deal with all manner of mobility issues.
Regardless, it is imperative to stay up-to-date on all the latest equipment and techniques to ensure clients receive optimal care and treatment for the best possible outcomes. Physical therapists work in hospitals, clinics, long- and short-term care facilities, and in private residences. According the US Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS percent of all physical therapists work in the offices of occupational, physical, or speech therapists, and audiologists. Many physical therapists travel as part of the job, and are required to stand, bend and lift while working with clients and patients.
The job is physical and requires a great deal of strength and stamina. Most therapists work a regular workweek 9 to 5 , but many also are required to work evenings and weekends, clocking overtime in the process. From the degree requirements to certification, licensing and residency, there's a lot to do if you want to become a physical therapist. Even after you graduate, you'll still have to hunt for that perfect first job to start your career off on the right foot, and that can take time.
But as long as you're patient and you have everything in order, you'll be on your way towards becoming a physical therapist in no time at all. Let's review what's required. While there's some flexibility on the exact degree, you'll need to earn a bachelor's degree in a health science, sports or exercise science or closely related field before you can move forward in your quest to become a physical therapist. Some graduate programs may require specific prerequisites such as classes in physics, biology, kinesiology, physiology, anatomy and chemistry, so if you already know what doctoral program you'll be enrolling in, it's a good idea to check the prerequisites.
A DPT degree is what will prepare you to work in the field of physical therapy, and it includes courses in imaging, anatomy, biomechanics and pathophysiology, among others.
A DPT degree is generally a two-year program where the second year is intended for more hands-on experience in the clinic under guided supervision. Scores range from to and anything above a is considered a passing grade. Each candidate can take the exam up to three times a year, and if you don't pass you can always come back the following year. The fourth step in how to become a physical therapist is to get licensed. Step up. Physical therapists ask it of their patients, and they can do it as well.
To complement their knowledge of the human body and how to treat motion-related injuries, physical therapists use an array of tools and technologies in their work.
For example, balance beams and boards are designed to help patients regain their balance by working specific muscle groups and developing reflexes; specially designed hammers test tendon and nerve reflexes; and adjustable work tables provide a comfortable and effective space for stretching and other exercises. In addition, these professionals use different kinds of technology to do their work, such as medical software programs e.
PT, and Physical Therapy Advantage that are specifically designed to help physical therapists with administrative tasks. Such professionals can also pursue a number of other careers that make people a priority, including the ones listed below.
Physical therapists who have earned their degrees, or who have worked in the field for a while and want a change, may choose to use their education and experience to pursue related jobs in the health care industry. The following chart compares salary ranges for other jobs related to physical therapy:. Learn everything you need to know about attending plumbing school, and find a program near you on our list of the best programs. If you want to become an HVAC tech, attend a program that teaches what you need and get you hired.
Depending on the program, a rad tech degree usually takes two years. You'll typically need an associate degree to become a radiologic technologist. Read on to find the best radiology tech programs. Physical Therapy Basics. Physical Therapy In-Depth. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming. Step 1. Before enrolling in a doctoral degree program for physical therapy, you must meet certain prerequisites.
Step 2. In order to work as a physical therapist, you must complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program. Students in DPT programs must complete a clinical internship in an area such as acute or orthopedic care with supervised experience. Step 3. All states require PTs to become licensed. The NPTE is a computerized, multiple-choice exam.
Applicants may take the exam three times in a twelve-month period. Other licensing requirements may include a law exam and a criminal background check. Most renewal programs require the completion of continuing education credits. Make sure to check with your state board for specific licensing requirements. Step 4. After earning a DPT degree, you can apply to a clinical residency program for additional training and experience in specialty areas of care.
These programs typically last one year. You can then specialize further by completing a fellowship in an advanced clinical area. Step 5. After working in the field, physical therapists may apply to become a board-certified specialist in one of eight clinical specialty areas offered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
In order to become board-certified, physical therapists must complete at least 2, hours of clinical work or an APTA-accredited residency program in the specialty area, and pass an exam. Physical therapist assistant procedures This course introduces students to how the clinical environment works and the primary duties performed by physical therapy assistants.
Clinical kinesiology This class explores the musculoskeletal and nervous systems of the body and how they work. Therapeutic exercise This course explores types of therapeutic exercises and how they can be applied to different medical conditions. Without taking a comprehensive look at your entire self, we would be doing you a disservice in fully helping you heal and preventing future limitations.
We then move on to fixing your areas of limitation. Not all diagnoses are created equal. One person with neck pain may have completely different limitations than the next person. Your recovery program needs to be specific to what YOUR body needs and not just the typical exercise program that you can find online. Contact us today to schedule your appointment! Previous Article. Next Article.
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