Physical Therapists |
Who are Physical Therapists?Is This Program in My Area?What do Physical Therapists Do? Physical therapists work with patients to assess physical issues and develop a treatment plan. First, they examine patients’ medical histories and test the patients’ abilities in terms of strength, range of motion, coordination, balance, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function. After they have assessed the patients, they develop a treatment strategy for the patient which includes an anticipated outcome. The treatment physical therapists provide range, depending on the patient, but often involve exercises to develop and improve strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, or endurance. Physical therapists also provide means of pain and swelling relief, including electrical stimulation, ultrasounds, and hot packs or cold compresses. They also teach patients how to use devices such as crutches, prostheses, and wheelchairs to assist with mobility or help them adapt to their new physical circumstances. Physical Therapists work closely with the patients to monitor their progress and track results, and also sometimes consult with a team of medical professionals. Physical therapists work in hospitals, clinics, and private offices and sometimes even treat patients in homes or schools. Physical Therapist Training In order to practice, physical therapists need to have a master’s degree from one of the 210 accredited physical therapy schools across the U.S. and a state license, which often requires passing state and national examinations. Only master’s degree and doctoral degree programs are accredited, according to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Undergraduate students who want to learn how to become a physical therapist should looks for opportunities to volunteer in the physical therapy department of a hospital or clinic and take relevant courses in anatomy, biology, chemistry, social science, mathematics, and physics. Physical therapy education programs include basic science courses as well as specialized courses, such as biomechanics, neuroanatomy, and therapeutic procedures. Students studying physical therapy receive classroom, laboratory, and clinical instruction. Physical Therapist Certification Physical therapists are required to pass national and state licensure exams before they are able to practice. They also must graduate with a masters or doctoral degree from an accredited physical therapy school. The American Physical Therapy Association provides a master list of accredited physical therapy schools as well as details about state and national licensing. In order to retain national and state licensure, physical therapists are often required to take professional development courses or participate in workshops. Physical Therapist Job Prospects The outlook for physical therapist jobs is currently quite favorable. Employment of physical therapists is expected to grow 27 percent from 2006 to 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, which is much faster than average for all occupations. The growth in the industry is a result of the rise in new treatments and techniques as well as the increasing number of individuals with disabilities or limited function, as well as the growing elderly population. Job opportunities are expected to be especially good in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and orthopedic settings where the elderly are treated. Student pursuing a career in physical therapy should have strong interpersonal skills so that they can educate patients and communicate clearly with family members. They should also be compassionate and interested in helping patients succeed. Physical Therapist Job Security and Salary The job market for physical therapists is expected to continue to improve for physical therapists over the next several years, particularly for those who work with the elderly. Physical therapists can expect to earn between $46,510 and $94,819 according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Salaries for physical therapists are dependent on the location of the services, for example those therapists involved in home health care services generally earn more than those who work in the offices of physicians. Additionally, a growing number of physical therapists are taking corporate positions to evaluate worksites, develop exercise programs, and teach safe work habits to employees. Physical therapists with specialized knowledge of particular types of treatment also will have excellent job opportunities. |