Melinda Said:

Could someone tell me more about a career in physical therapy? I'd like to hear from a PT.?

We Answered:

I'm not in physical therapy, but I have some friends who are. The classes seem very hard. They have to study a lot. Some of the undergrad classes include: Chemistry with Labs, English, Psychology, a bunch of different Anatomy & Physiology classes, Physics, Nutrition, Biology with Labs, and quite a few others related directly to the field. After graduating with a bachelors, you will have to apply to Physical Therapy (PT) school to get your doctorate degree. Right now, most places are still accepting students into a masters program, but the field is changing and will soon require doctoral degrees.

However, if you don't want to go to grad school, you can get a 2 year associates degree in physical therapy assissting. The doctor will prescribe the therapy and treatment plans and the assistants will actually work with the patient on a regular basis to carry the plans out.

Richard Said:

What are some opportunites for growth and advancement within the career, Physical Therapy...?

We Answered:

In PT itself, you can go from staff PT to senior PT, to Director of PT, to Director of Rehab to owner. I have worked with PTs who are now VP in large hospital system after earning an MBA. You can earn additional certification. CWS, Lymphadema, CSCS, ATC, CKTP, etc. There are many. You can go on to Board certification in a specialty area. You can get a PhD or EdD and become a professor. You can specialized in an area and teach CEU classes. Some therapist have gone on to sales (medical) or to work as a DME specialist and sell wheelchairs. I know a few therapist when PT was a BS program that have gone on to be orthotists and prosthestist (people who make and fit artificial limbs and braces) Some PT have gone on to med school

Most people stay in PT s there are so manyopportunitiess within PT.

From APTA

http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Sect…

Physical therapists (PTs) are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility - in many cases without expensive surgery and often reducing the need for long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects.

PTs examine each individual and develop a plan, using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

Physical therapists provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices.

All PTs must receive a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapist program before taking the national licensure examination that allows them to practice. The majority of programs offer the doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree.

WHAT DO PHYSICAL THERAPISTS EARN?

More than 175,000 physical therapists are licensed in the U.S. today. The median salary for a physical therapist is $80,000 depending on position, years of experience, degree of education, geographic location, and practice setting.

WHERE DO PHYSICAL THERAPISTS PRACTICE?

Although many physical therapists practice in hospitals, over 80 percent practice in:


Outpatient clinics or offices
Inpatient rehabilitation facilities
Skilled nursing, extended care, or subacute facilities
Homes
Education or research centers
Schools
Hospices
Industrial, workplace, or other occupational environments
Fitness centers and sports training facilities
WHAT ARE THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A PT?

The minimum educational requirement is a post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited education program. While some programs offer a master's degree, a growing majority of programs offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Currently, 199 colleges and universities nationwide support 212 accredited professional physical therapist education programs; 96% now offer the DPT and the remaining programs are planning to convert.

Brian Said:

Which is a better career Physical Therapy Or Occupational Therapy?

We Answered:

Hi!

I'm an occupational therapist, and I chose this career because I am interested in both physical and mental health.

Reasons to choose physical therapy as a career:
- you like physical rehabilitation
- you enjoy routine
- you like having a job with clearly defined roles

Reasons to choose occupational therapy as a career:
- you like physical rehabilitation but also want the option of working in other areas
- you don't mind working in a job where others do not know what you do
- you like variety

It would be a good idea to research both careers and see if the job duties and philosophies of one or the other appeal to you more. Either career would be rewarding and interesting - you can't go wrong!