Leslie Said:

Can I qualify for a physical therapist career?

We Answered:

Physical therapy is moderately physical. It will depend on what type of PT you will go into. A hospital (inpatient) setting involves lifting patients and assisting them with mobility. Outpatient settings does not involve lifting patients but may still involve assisting them with mobility and lifting weights as heavy as 50 pounds. However, in school we are taught proper body mechanics to achieve these tasks without stressing the back or any other parts. If you exercise and stabilize your core and use good body mechanics you can be a PT with history of back pain.

I found this on the OSHA website:
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/hospital…

Ergonomics
Potential Hazard

Exposure of physical therapy staff to potential work related musculoskeletal disorders (i.e., strain and sprain injuries to back and shoulders areas) from constant lifting and reaching for patients during treatment procedures and transfers.

Possible Solutions

Good work practice recommends employers address ergonomic stressors in the physical therapy department and provide engineering controls and work practice techniques to help minimize stressors such as:

* Emphasize and teach the use of proper lifting techniques using good body mechanics.
o Take time to stop and think (evaluate the lift).
o Bend your knees, use arm and leg muscles, keep your back straight.
o Use smooth and steady lifting motions.
o Avoid lifting/reaching or working above shoulder height.
o Avoid awkward postures, such as twisting while lifting.
o Lift items close to the body.
o Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time (take a break).
o Provide sufficient staff to handle lifts (i.e., get help).

* Use mechanical aids to reduce the need to lift patients. Some examples include the use of:
o Mechanical Lift Equipment When lifting patients who cannot support their own weight into/out of whirlpools or tubs.
o Sliding Boards A slick board used under patients to help reduce friction during transfers (e.g., to and from wheelchairs and treatment tables).

* Use adjustable equipment such as tubs and therapy tables. Therapists can then adjust the equipment to fit their individual height and comfort levels.

Cynthia Said:

Do you think Physical Therapist Assistant a Good Career?

We Answered:

The job of a PTA is supposed to be quite physically as well as emotionally draining, just fyi. The salary may depend on one's geographic location, if one works under a contract (usually a higher hourly wage but without health benefits) and the type of setting (nursing homes usually pay a lot more than hospitals). To become a Physical Therapist, a master's degree in PT is usually the minimum which is basically about six years of college if attending on a full-time basis.. The PTA degree doesn't act as a stepping stone for PT school but, as you'd mentioned, may help to pay for further schooling if the facility that one is employed with offers tuition reimbursement. For PTA or PT, one must successfully complete clinical fieldwork where one has an actual patient caseload and then pass the licensing or registration examination.

For general career info: http://www.bls.gov/oco and can type into search.

For possible volunteer opportunites: http://www.volunteermatch.org

Willie Said:

Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist Career?

We Answered:

Generally speaking, PT is more akin to ATC (or I should say ATC is more akin to PT). There are some facilities where OTs will work with patient's with orthopedic shoulder problems and this is where your athletic training will come in handy, but for the most part, OTs who work in orthopedic settings are usually focused on the hand/wrist/elbow injuries...sometimes these are related to athletic injuries, but most athletic injuries typically involve the larger joints....I'd stick with PT/ATC combo

Glen Said:

What jobs can benefit me towards a physical therapist major?

We Answered:

Look into becoming a rehab aide/technician. It does not require any formal experience. The pay is kinda crappy, but is a good experience for anyone hoping to become a PT, OT, PTA/COTA

Elmer Said:

what is a good attention getter for an informative speech about a physical therapist career?

We Answered:

When you help someone regain use of lost or diminished physical functions, you have made a difference in life.

Janice Said:

What would be a better career, Physical Therapist Assistant, or Personal Trainer?

We Answered:

Many PT and PTA work as both a therapist and a trainer. There are pros and cons to both. PTA require an associates degree. A trainer requires just some certificate. PTAs get benifits and work reqular hours. trainers work when people want them to and there are no benifits. Some trainers charge big bucks. I work with a PTA who is a PFT. She startered her own training business in the evenings and it is beginning to take off. She advertises that she is a PTA as well.

Best wishes

www.apta.org