Physical therapists are responsible for helping patients with
restoring mobility, overcoming disabling conditions, and
preventing permanent disabilities. Many individuals involved in
accidents and injuries turn to a physical therapist for
services. Physical therapy schools can provide the necessary
training and experience for a long-term career in physical
therapy. Common treatments provided by physical therapists
include restoring joint function, improving mobility, reducing
back pain, and promoting overall health and fitness. Physical
therapy assistants and physical therapy aides can also be a part
of the team of physical therapists at a given clinic, moving
into a physical therapist role later in their career.
Physical Therapy Jobs: Descriptions and Responsibilities
Physical therapy school
graduates can pursue various career opportunities and roles. Common roles
include a career as a physical therapist, physical therapy assistant, or a
physical therapy aide. Physical therapy jobs can be flexible, and lead to
management and supervisor roles with training and experience. Each of these
roles require the candidate to:
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Review patient medical
history
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Develop treatment plans based
on a careful treatment strategy
-
Test and measure the
patient's strength, range of motion, posture, and balance
-
Determine if the next steps
at each stage of treatment
-
Provide recommendations on
alternative therapies and available procedures
-
Create a schedule of ongoing
treatment to reach the anticipated outcome
-
Educate patients about their
physical therapy treatments
-
Display strong interpersonal
and communication skills
Physical therapy jobs include
physical assistants and physical therapy aides. These positions are responsible
for a variety of physical therapy procedures and tasks, as assigned by the
supervising physical therapist. They may assist with providing services to
relieve pain, prevent injury, and help patients with disabling conditions.
Physical therapy assistants or the physical therapy aide is often involved with
tasks such as:
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Massage
-
Electrical stimulation
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Administering hot and cold
packs
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Ultrasound therapy
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Paraffin baths
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Moving patients from room to
room
-
Clerical and general office
administrative tasks
Career Options and Physical Therapy Jobs for Physical Therapy School Graduates
Students of physical therapy schools can choose to work in a
variety of industries and pursue physical therapy jobs in:
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Hospitals
-
Group
practices
-
Ambulatory health care
service
-
Medical laboratories
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Outpatient care centers
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State and local government
health care agencies
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Nursing care facilities
-
Offices of health care
practitioners
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Independent clinics
-
Physician offices
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Chiropractor's offices
Physical Therapy Schools Degree Programs, Courses, & Licensing
Physical therapy students must
first graduate from a physical therapist educational program to obtain a
master's or doctoral degree. A physical therapy school is the first step. State
licensure is also required, and the process can be lengthy. The American
Physical Therapy Association reports that 94 accredited master's degree programs
and 111 doctoral degree programs are available in the United States.
Licensed physical therapists
are required to take continuing education classes and attend workshops and
seminars. This is required to retain their license, and is an ongoing form of
study.
Physical therapy programs
balance both science and health courses in beginning courses. Biology, physics,
chemistry, and human anatomy are standard topics. Specialized studies then move
into biomechanics, neuroanatomy, manifestation of disease, examination
techniques, and human growth and development. The most useful courses before
entering a professional physical therapy education program include mathematics,
social science, anatomy, biology, and chemistry. Many education programs also
require hands-on experience in the field of study; this can be accomplished as a
volunteer in the physical therapy department of a clinic or hospital.
For students who choose not to
obtain a license, or are in the process of completing their necessary
coursework, working as a physical therapist assistant or physical therapy aide
can provide valuable hands-on experience. Physical therapist aides are trained
on the job, and typically will earn an Associate degree from an accredited
physical therapist assistant program.
Physical Therapy Schools Accreditation
The Commission on Accreditation
of Physical Therapy Education is the accrediting institution for all physical
therapy degree programs and provides accreditation for all physical therapy
schools.
Physical Therapy School Graduates Earning
Potential and Employment Prospects
Average earnings for physical therapy assistants were $37,890, and
$60,180 for physical therapists in 2004. The demand for physical therapists,
physical therapy assistants, and physical therapy aides is growing as the need
for specialized therapy services continues to rise. As more people require help
with disabilities, chronic pain management, and treatment from accidents,
occupations in this field are expected to grow faster than average. Related
occupations include:
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