Physical Therapists are members of a health care team that work to restore a patient’s physical activity following an accident or illness. Physical Therapists use exercise and show patients how to properly use their bodies to gain strength and mobility. They get patients moving again and back to their lives. They:
The perks
You’d be a good candidate if you are…
The opportunities
Physical Therapy is diverse. Almost every city has hospitals or clinics that employ Physical Therapists or you can own your own clinic. Here are just a few examples of where you can practice:
The benefits
The demand
The pay
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist Assistant
Occupational Therapist and Speech Therapist
Education
You need to receive a bachelor’s degree - it can actually be in any course of study as long as you have taken the prerequisite courses for the Physical Therapy Graduate Program/school you want to attend. Prerequisites vary slightly but would all include anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, statistics, abnormal psychology, biology, chemistry and physics. Next, you need to attend an accredited school of Physical Therapy, all which provide coursework and clinical internships in hospitals and clinics so you can learn all you need about the field. All accredited Physical Therapy programs grant master’s or professional doctorate degrees (MS PT or DPT). Prospective Physical Therapists need to pass the national exam as part of the process to get licensed in the state they wish to work.
Check out these local schools that have approved Physical Therapy programs:
Physical Therapist Assistant
What about Occupational Therapy (OT)?
Occupational Therapists help patients achieve independent living by improving activities of daily living, cognitive and psycho-social skills, adapting living environments and teaching family members about patient needs. OTs can work in schools, hospitals and outpatient clinics. To work in health care, OTs start with a master’s degree and can earn degrees up to the doctorate level. OT assistants work under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist and a 2 year associate’s degree is required.
For more information, go to The American Occupational Therapy Association.
What about Speech Therapy (ST)?
Speech Therapists evaluate and treat speech, hearing and swallowing disorders. STs work with all age groups in hospital, clinic and school settings. STs need a four-year degree and a master’s degree.
For more information, go to American Speech-Langugage-Hearing Association.
Check out a few other rehabilitation careers: