Physical therapy career path: How to Become a Physical Therapist – Career Path and Job Description

Опубликовано: December 30, 2022 в 6:10 pm

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How to Become a Physical Therapist – Career Path and Job Description

  • Overview

  • Skills to Acquire

  • Alternative Paths

  • Career & Salary

  • Find Jobs

  • FAQs

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Steps to Become a Licensed Physical Therapist

The process of becoming a physical therapist is pretty cut and dry. You’ll need to follow the steps in their correct order to become a PT. The entire process takes a minimum of six to seven years but can take longer depending on your individual circumstances. However, once you make it through the process, you’ll have a rewarding career ahead of you.

  • Step 1: Complete a Four-year degree

  • Step 2: Complete Your Graduate Degree in Physical Therapy

  • Step 3: Complete Clinical Internship

  • Step 4: Meet State Licensing Requirements

Step 1: Complete a Four-year Degree

An undergraduate degree is required before you can apply to and start a Physical Therapy program. If you are entering college with the intention of becoming a Physical Therapist, you should do two things. First, learn the course and/or major requirements for a physical therapy program that interests you. Second, choose an undergraduate major that complements physical therapy such as physical education, or take a lot of heavily medical-related courses such as biology, anatomy, physiology, and chemistry. When you’re looking at physical therapy programs, pay close attention to the courses required, as well as any academic requirements you’ll need to meet in order to be accepted, such as a certain grade-point average. Also, your major and the school should be regionally accredited, as this is a general requirement to attend many graduate programs.

A health-related degree is ideal, but it’s not a requirement. Keep in mind though, that several classes from health programs will be required, so if you opt to not declare a health-related major you’ll still need to find a way to fit those classes in.

Step 2: Complete Your Graduate Degree in Physical Therapy

During the application process, you’ll most likely apply to schools using the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Using this tool will help you select the schools that offer what you want to study and ensure the program is accredited. Most doctor of physical therapy programs last three years. Programs are accredited through the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). As a physical therapy student, you will study Applied Physical Therapy, Life Span Development, Complex Conditions and a variety of other courses.

Step 3: Complete Clinical Internship

Most programs require you to complete at least one internship in acute care or an orthopedic department. It can be completed in a hospital or clinic so long as it is monitored by a licensed medical professional. The number of hours required to complete the internship varies by the school so it’s best to check the requirements of your particular school.

Step 4: Meet State Licensing Requirements

Each state also has a set of requirements physical therapist candidates need to meet. Determine in which state you want to live and learn their requirements. Once you know what they are, follow them to the letter. In most cases, your physical therapists program can provide information on licensing requirements for any states you might be interested in working in. You’ll also need to take the National Physical Therapy Examination which is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Some states require background checks and fingerprinting. Check your state’s requirements regarding licensure.

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

A typical day for a physical therapist consists of completing a variety of tasks all centered around patient care. A therapist’s primary job is to work with patients to help them improve their mobility and fine motor skills, so part of the day consists of working with clients in the therapy room or other locations that are beneficial to the patient’s recovery. Between patient appointments, therapists meet with other caregivers to review and create treatment plans for patients, plan individual plans, and field questions patients might have regarding their progress. Depending on the work setting, the physical therapist might also have office duties that must be completed, such as paperwork or calling in prescriptions. Therapists also attend workshops and continuing education classes so that they can stay up-to-date with the latest technology and treatment methods.

Skills to Acquire

Physical Therapists use a variety of skills to do their jobs.

  • Communication skills:
    From talking to other medical professionals about treatment plans to explaining situations to patients, the ability to communicate with people is important.

  • Physical stamina and endurance:
    As a PT, there is a lot of physical activity involved. Assisting patients with standing, walking, and other tasks requires that the therapist have the strength and stamina for two.

  • Motivational skills:
    For patients who are stubborn, scared, or discouraged, physical therapists can be the best cheerleaders and coaches.

  • Knowledge of equipment:
    Therapists learn how to use most equipment during school, but when a new piece of equipment is introduced, the ability to learn how to use it on your own will be necessary.

  • Written skills:
    Preparing treatment plans and updating patient files require excellent writing skills and attention to details.

  • Teaching/instructing:
    Physical therapists have to explain treatment plans to patients, their families, and other medical staff. They also have to teach the patient what they need to do during therapy.

Alternative Paths

There are ways that you can work in an office with a physical therapist, such as during an internship or as a volunteer. But to work as an actual therapist, following the educational path outlines above is the only way to be a physical therapist.

However, if you’re interested in getting some experience in the field to increase your qualifications before completing a full degree or just to have the opportunity to make some money while you work toward your full degree, you could earn an associate degree in physical therapy first. While it’s true that you need to complete the full program to be a physical therapist, you can work as physical therapists assistant with just an associate’s degree in physical therapy. This can give you vital experience in the field and your job may even count towards your school credits. Even if it doesn’t, the chance to see a physical therapist in action will make your classes that much simpler and give you a leg up in your physical therapy program.

Physical Therapist Career & Salary

Where Might You Work?

Physical therapists can work in a variety of medical settings. Many physical therapists work in the physical therapy departments in hospitals. They also work in independent physical therapy clinics and centers. Some gyms and workout facilities have physical therapists on staff to assist customers with techniques, and colleges and universities often have physical therapists on staff to work with athletes to help with recovery and to help prevent injuries. Finally, you have therapists that travel and offer physical therapy to people in their homes. For those who want to help train the next generation of PTs, teaching at the undergraduate or graduate level is also an option, but this is generally a path taken later on in a therapist’s career.

Salaries for physical therapists increase with the level of responsibility. The median salary for a new physical therapist is $70,000, while a therapist that works their way up to running a facility can earn $90,000 or more on average.

Potential Career Paths

A physical therapist can hold several job titles throughout their career. Most start out as therapists in a hospital environment, but as their careers progress, they migrate to other jobs in other types of medical establishments. Here is a list of jobs a physical therapist might encounter and experience during their career:

Physical Therapist:
this is where all physical therapists start out, usually in a hospital or clinic.

Senior Physical Therapist:
after physical therapists have been working for a few years, they might earn this designation to help them stand out from the newer physical therapists. Staff might call on a senior PT more because of their expertise.

Physical Therapy Manager:
as with any business, there are managers. A Physical therapy manager manages other physical therapists and might be in charge of running the facility.

Physical Therapy Director:
this therapist is in charge of the entire physical therapy department.

Rehabilitation Director:
This therapist could be in charge of an entire business, or the director of a rehab that is part of a skilled care facility or hospital.

Career Outlook

If you are planning to become a physical therapist, then we have good news. Demand for therapists is expected to grow at a rate of 28%, much faster than the average for career growth. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, a minimum of 70,000 physical therapists will be needed between 2016 and 2026. The reasons for the demand revolve around two areas: Baby Boomers and chronic disease. Baby Boomers are living longer, and many are committing to active lifestyles, so physical therapists are needed to help them stay healthy and injury free. On the other end of the health spectrum, people with chronic diseases such as arthritis and diabetes often need help recovering their mobility after a medical setback. Also, modern technology is extending the life expectancy of both the baby boomers and those who suffer a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke. These people often require work with a physical therapist to aid in their recovery.

If you have particular parts of the country in mind when starting your career, Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Montana have a high demand for physical therapists. If money is a motivator, Nevada, New Jersey, Arkansas, Texas, and Georgia pay their therapists the most. Also, it’s worth it to note, rural areas are also often in need of therapists, since the majority of physical therapists tend to reside in more populated areas. Rural areas often need the most help in acute care facilities, skilled care facilities, and orthopedic offices.

Advancing From Here

Physical therapists often remain in their profession for the majority of their working lives, maybe turning to teach later on when the demands of therapy might become too much. But other physical therapists have gone on to attain medical degrees and becoming doctors.

Find Physical Therapist Jobs Near You

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a physical therapist do?

Physical therapists practice on patients with injuries or setbacks to regain their mobility. They focus on rehabilitation, treatment, and preventive care.

Where do physical therapists work?

Physical therapists work in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, patients’ homes, and private offices.

What is the job outlook for physical therapists?

According to the Bauru of Labor Statists, the projected growth rate for physical therapists from 2020 to 2030 is 21%.

What qualities should physical therapists have?

Physical therapists should be patient, determined, resilient, and compassionate. They also need to be collaborative, knowledgeable, and resilient.

How much can you make as a physical therapist?

Physical therapist make around $70,000 on average. Therapists that works their way up to running a facility can earn $90,000.

sources:

Becoming a Physical Therapist | APTA

Physical therapists help people live healthy and active lives.

Are you ready to be a PT?

What Physical Therapists Do

Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education.

Physical therapists diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to people at the end of life. Many patients have injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions that need treatment. But PTs also care for people who simply want to become healthier and to prevent future problems.

Physical therapists examine each person and then develops a treatment plan to improve their ability to move, reduce or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability.

Physical therapists can have a profound effect on people’s lives. They help people achieve fitness goals, regain or maintain their independence, and lead active lives.

Visit ChoosePT.com, APTA’s official consumer information website, to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy.

Where Physical Therapists Work

Physical therapists practice in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, people’s homes, schools, sports and fitness facilities, workplaces, and nursing homes.

How Much Physical Therapists Earn

The median salary for a physical therapist is $85,000. Salaries vary based on position, years of experience, degree of education, geographic location, and practice setting.

Demand for physical therapists varies by geographical region and area of practice, but PT unemployment rates are typically low across the country. The need for physical therapists is expected to remain strong as the United States population ages and the demand for physical therapist services grows.

Physical Therapist Education and Licensure

To practice as a physical therapist in the U.S., you must earn a doctor of physical therapy degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education-accredited physical therapist education program and pass a state licensure exam.

The length of professional DPT programs is typically three years. Primary content areas in the curriculum may include, but are not limited to, biology/anatomy, cellular histology, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, pathology, behavioral sciences, communication, ethics/values, management sciences, finance, sociology, clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, cardiovascular and pulmonary, endocrine and metabolic, and musculoskeletal.

Approximately 80% of the DPT curriculum is classroom (didactic) and lab study and the remaining 20% is dedicated to clinical education. PT students spend on average 27.5 weeks in their final clinical experience.

If you are an internationally educated PT or PTA, please read more information on internationally educated PTs and PTAs.

Getting Into a DPT Program

Most DPT programs require applicants to earn a bachelor’s degree prior to admission. Other programs offer a 3+3 curricular format in which three years of specific preprofessional (undergraduate/pre-PT) courses must be taken before the student can advance into a three-year professional DPT program.

A few programs offer freshman entry, recruiting students directly from high school into a guaranteed admissions program. High school students accepted into these programs can automatically advance into the professional phase of the DPT program, pending the completion of specific undergraduate courses and any other stated contingencies, e.g., minimum GPA.

The list of programs at PTCAS includes requirements for each programs.

Find a DPT Program

Choosing the Right Program

APTA does not rank DPT education programs. Programs are accredited by CAPTE, which assures quality in physical therapist education. Among the factors you should keep in mind when choosing your program:

  • Cost and financial aid opportunities. Most DPT students graduate with student loans. Make sure you are financially aware and prepared. Programs offer different student experiences and have different costs.
  • Program length. The traditional DPT program is three years, but some programs compress academic requirements into a shorter time span, which could help you manage the total cost of your education experience and enter the field faster.
  • Demographics and setting. You will be investing a lot into your physical therapy education. Make sure that you select a program where you feel at home.

You may wish to contact current students and recent graduates of the program, or interview employers who hire new graduates, to ask about a program’s strengths and weaknesses.

Admissions

The Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service allows applicants to use a single web-based application and one set of materials to apply to multiple DPT programs.

Learn About the Admissions Process

After Graduation

Licensed physical therapists may choose to pursue a residency or fellowship program to enhance their knowledge and practice.

A clinical residency is designed to advance a physical therapist’s preparation as a provider of patient care services in a defined area of clinical practice. It combines opportunities for ongoing clinical supervision and mentoring with a theoretical basis for advanced practice and scientific inquiry.

A clinical fellowship is a planned program of postprofessional clinical and didactic education for a physical therapist who demonstrates clinical expertise in an area of clinical practice related to the practice focus of the fellowship. (Fellows are frequently postresidency prepared or board-certified clinical specialists.)

Physical therapists also have the opportunity to become board-certified clinical specialists through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Specialization is the process by which a physical therapist builds on a broad base of professional education and practice to develop a greater depth of knowledge and skills related to a particular area of practice. PTs are not required to be certified in order to practice in a specific area.

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Learn how to become a physiotherapist • BUOM

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Watch Darrion, a former professional football player, try out three careers that are great for people who want to get out of the office.

What does a physiotherapist do?

A physiotherapist, or physical therapist, helps an injured or sick person improve their mobility and manage pain. These healthcare professionals help people optimize their quality of life after injury or illness. They work with patient mobility through hands-on nursing. Sometimes a physical therapist can put together a treatment plan to help prevent loss of mobility. They can use the treatment for:

  • Restore the motor function

  • Prevent the future disability

  • Help people recover after an injury or operation

  • Work with patients for the development of the treatment plan

  • Treat chronic diseases using exercises

    • Average salary

    Although part-time and on-call positions are available, most physiotherapists work full-time. Physiotherapist salaries vary based on education and work experience, company size, and geographic location. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the Salary link.

    • Typical US salary: $1,513 per week

    • Some salaries range from $300 to $3,000 per week.

    Physiotherapist Requirements

    Physiotherapists need a combination of education, training and licensing to develop the skills to be successful in their role.

    Education

    Anyone who wants to become a physiotherapist will need to complete a program accredited by the Commission for Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). At a minimum, a physical therapist must hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.

    A bachelor’s degree is the minimum qualification for participation in the DPT program. Although there are seven-year programs that combine both a bachelor’s degree and a doctoral degree, most programs last three years and require students to apply through the Centralized Physical Therapist Application Service (PTCAS).

    A physiotherapist may take courses in anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, pharmacology or neurology during the program. These courses help them prepare for practical work with patients.

    Continuing Education

    During the DPT program, the physiotherapist will complete 30 weeks of clinical work. Experience in orthopedics and emergency care helps students learn how to work with patients.

    After completing the DPT program, physical therapists will be required to complete a clinical residency program. These residencies typically last one year and provide physiotherapists with experience and additional training in a specific area of ​​care.

    Sometimes a physiotherapist completes an internship in a particular clinical area. The scholarship will provide training related to the specialty and may include the study of specific muscle groups, body parts, or different age groups. Fellowships can last from six months to three years, depending on the specialty and program.

    Certifications

    A physical therapist will need a government license to work in the US. To obtain this license, you must pass the national physical therapy exam, which is administered and approved by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Some states also require a background check and an industry exam.

    Throughout your career as a practicing physical therapist, you will need to complete several hours of continuous training. Requirements for continuing education hours vary by state.

  • Pediatrics

  • Women’s Health

    • To become certified in any of these areas, you must pass an exam and earn at least 2,000 hours of clinical work.

    Skills

    There are certain skills and qualities that a physical therapist needs to be successful in this career, including:

    Attention to detail

    Physical therapists must be detail-oriented, have above-average observational skills, and have a strong analytical mind mind to diagnose and treat the patient’s problem.

    Agility

    Physiotherapists use their hands when working with patients and can perform physical therapy and manual therapy as needed. The physical therapist must be able to physically assist patients as they move their muscles and joints during exercise.

    Emotional Intelligence

    The physiotherapist will have to explain the treatment, motivate his patients and listen to their concerns. Emotional intelligence can help the physical therapist work closely with patients to develop effective plans and track progress.

    Physical endurance

    The physical therapist will spend a lot of time doing physical exercises while working with patients. They should be able to move continuously throughout the entire session lasting about an hour.

    Time management

    Not only will a physiotherapist need to treat several patients during the day, he can also work with several patients at the same time. Physiotherapists will also be required to perform administrative tasks such as documenting a patient’s progress and entering this information into a computer.

    Working conditions of a physiotherapist

    In most cases, a physiotherapist works in a private office or clinic. Some physical therapists may work in a hospital, nursing home, or in a patient’s home. They will spend most of their time actively working with clients and may need to lift at least 50 pounds. Physiotherapists must be able to sit for extended periods of time filling out patient paperwork. They should be well versed in computer programs and the software that the institution uses.

    Most physiotherapists work during regular business hours, although they may also have sessions at night or on weekends to accommodate their patients’ schedules.

    How to Become a Physiotherapist

    Here are some basic steps to follow to become a professional physiotherapist:

    1. Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

    To become a physiotherapist, you need to complete a bachelor’s degree program in a physiotherapy-related subject such as pre-medical medicine, physiology, biology or anatomy. After completing your bachelor’s degree, you will need to complete a three-year DPT program at an accredited university.

    2. Obtain a license.

    To practice physical therapy in the United States, a physical therapist must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which is a multiple choice exam. You will need to renew your license as required by your state. To renew your license, you need to complete continuing education credits.

    3. Gain residency experience.

    After completing the DPT program, many physical therapists complete a one-year residency. In residency, you will learn how to work with patients on your own in a clinical setting. If you want to study a specialty, such as pediatrics, you can also get a scholarship.

    4. Get a certificate.

    If you want to specialize, you can get a Board of Directors certificate. Earning a certificate can show your expertise in a particular area of ​​physical therapy. It can also help you earn higher wages.

    5. Apply for a job in physical therapy.

    If you have a license, you can apply for a job. Browse job postings for positions in the state in which you are licensed and select the positions that best match your qualifications. When submitting your application materials, try to tailor your CV and cover letter to the job description. Recruiters are more likely to review all your materials and invite you for an interview.

    Sample Physiotherapist Job Description

    Our private physical therapy practice is looking for a licensed physical therapist with experience in orthopedic physical therapy procedures. The ideal candidate should have at least five years of experience as a physical therapist with a preferred orthopedic background.

    The physical therapist will need to evaluate patients, develop a treatment plan, and work with PTAs and technicians to ensure patients have an optimal quality of life. Ideal candidate must:

    • The ability to work on the first shift from Monday to Friday

    • To be able to operate on top

    • Work with different patients

    • Understand the needs of patients

    • to develop individual treatment plans

      • 9001 with patients and team members

    Related careers

    Professional field overview: physiotherapy

    Modern medicine actively and extensively uses the possibilities of physiotherapy. This is one of the directions in medicine, which is an effective addition to medical and surgical treatment, as it allows you to enhance the overall result. Therefore, physiotherapy is not used in isolation, but in the process of complex treatment of patients.

    The main advantage of physiotherapy treatment is that it makes it possible to reduce the drug load on the patient’s body. And even when using the most radical surgical method of treatment, physiotherapy helps to restore strength and speed up the process of postoperative rehabilitation.

    Physiotherapeutic approaches involve the use of several methods of treatment at once. For example, when prescribing electrophoresis, which helps to introduce the drug into the body using electric currents. This physiotherapy method combines both physics and pharmacology.

    Physiotherapy appointments are made by the attending physician. For example, a rheumatologist who treats joint pain with injections may refer a patient to a physical therapy session with ultrasound. But before prescribing treatment, it is necessary to consult a narrow specialist – a physiotherapist.

    Specialty Physiotherapist

    Physiotherapist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of diseases through physiotherapy methods. It helps with problems caused by diseases of the musculoskeletal system, blood vessels, ENT organs, nervous system, etc.

    The physiotherapist’s area of ​​expertise should include the nature of physical and chemical effects on the body, the clinical and biological disciplines, and the theory and practice of physiotherapy treatments.

    The physiotherapist must be aware of the symptoms and manifestations of various diseases, which, if indicated, can be managed with physiotherapy. Also, it is necessary to understand the principles of prescribing, conducting and compatibility of physiotherapy with other methods of treatment, as well as the technique of carrying out procedures when working with equipment. All this will allow the physiotherapist to provide competent medical care.

    This specialist can also consult not only with patients, but also with colleagues in the process of developing optimal treatment tactics.

    Physiotherapist training

    There are two stages of training required to work in the field of physiotherapy. For physiotherapists, this is a higher medical education + specialized residency or professional retraining. For secondary vocational education – basic education + professional retraining. The next stage is training in narrow-profile courses.

    Our Unified Center for Additional Professional Education trains specialists in the professional retraining program “Physiotherapy” for senior and middle-level medical personnel. With a diploma of professional retraining of the established sample, a graduate of the EC FVE will be able to start working in the field of physiotherapy.

    Physiotherapist job

    Physiotherapist can work in the physiotherapy department of any polyclinic or hospital, in a multidisciplinary or specialized medical institution, medical center or sanatorium.