Jeremy Said:

What other career paths are available to physical therapists besides therapy?

We Answered:

There are many different niches in which you can practice. Consider the possibility of practicing as a physical therapist in various settings: Acute care, rehab (both in a hospital), orthopedic outpatient, neuro (both inpatient and outpatient), pediatric, skilled nursing facility, home health. The different challenges of each area of PT are enough to keep the job from becoming stagnant.

A clinic in which you direct or manage can specialize in a specific area of care. You could, for example, open a clinic to specialize in rehabilitation of dancers, musicians, artists, athletes or specialize in a body part: foot and ankle, spinal, shoulder and knee, etc. You could even open a general health complex where you not only provide PT but also provide gym membership.

If you are looking for a path in which you stop performing PT altogether, you can teach high school, college, PT or PTA school. You could become involved in research. You could work as a medical supply representative. You could work as a case worker for insurance companies or worker's compensation.

You could eventually go back to school and explore the option of becoming a PA or physician.

Brent Said:

Should I pursue a PhD career or Physical Therapy?

We Answered:

I know people with degrees that are making a lot more than what you are saying just managing group homes. so, I don't know where you got that info. You are right. You need to love the job and you can branch out with the PHD but with physical therapy you're sort of stuck, doing the same thing. so, it is a big decision, but a great one to make. Ask professionals you can ask, like go to a hospital, to a college, to someone who does career counceling, like the college itself and figure out the options, really. Make the right decision. good luck.

Bonnie Said:

Is a Physical Therapy Assistant a professional career???

We Answered:

Yes it is considered a professional career. Some states require you to be licensed which is a really good thing!
If you are considering this career as a PTA it's the same degree as nursing...2 years. I always suggest to people who are interested in becoming a PTA (after they graduate, pass their clinical; in states required) to get a job in a hospital. You will learn things there that you would otherwise not have learned going into say, a nursing home. Hospitals are a great growing ground and you can sprout from there.
As far as the day to day job goes. The Physical Therapist assesses the patient writes goals etc. and it's you job to meet these goals. Depending on how the P.T. respects you and how knowledgeable you are depends on how much leeway you get. I have known many PTAs who are way more technical and knowledgeable than P.T.s and at the same time, I know PTA's who just shouldn't be in the field. Typically, the day to day task is, you have a list of patients to treat on your own and you have typically 30 minutes for each one. You check the chart see what's going on with goals etc and you work on it. It's very important to have good communication with the P.T. to keep them updated on anything that is out of the ordinary or exchange therapy techniques/ideas. If you become a very sucessful PTA, the PT over years working with you will know and trust how you work and it won't be necessary for them to over see you like they did in the beginning. In fact, you may get to a point in your career where they do the intial eval then they don't see them until discharge.
The great thing about Physical Therapy in general is that you can get into different specialized areas ie; pediatrics, sports medicine, geriatrics (elderly), etc.
Since you in a position where your considering on what you want to do, talk to a therapist at a hospital and ask if you can observe quietly. Typically Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech Therapists work hand in hand (separate treatments although at times you can do a session together ie; OT and PT depending on the circumstances) so why not check them out as well?
One of my favorite verses I would like to share with you..."In his heart a man plans his course but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9 Hugs to you and I am so excited for the lives you will touch!

Valerie Said:

can you help me with my Physical Therapy College Essay?

We Answered:

Think about helping people as a goal./

Terrance Said:

where i can get physical therapy or OT courses in USA?

We Answered:

www. apta.org
www.aota.org


professional organizations

Calvin Said:

Does anybody know if the Professional Skills Institute for Physical Therapy Assistant in Toledo, OH is legit?

We Answered:

PTA that are accredited in Ohio

Clark State Community College (A5, D2, F1, PU)
Cuyahoga Community College (D2, F1, PU)
Hocking College (D2, F1, PU)
James A Rhodes State College (D2, F1, PU)
Kent State University-Ashtabula (D2, F1, PU)
Kent State University-East Liverpool (D2, F1, PU)
Lorain County Community College (D2, F1, PU)
Marion Technical College (D2, F1, PU)
North Central State College (D2, F1, PU)
Owens Community College (D2, F1, PU)
Professional Skills Institute (D2, F1, F2, PR)
Shawnee State University (D2, F1, PU)
Sinclair Community College (D2, F1, PU)
Stark State College of Technology (D2, F1, PU)
University of Cincinnati Clermont College (PU)
Washington State Community College (D2, F1, PU)
Zane State College (D2, F1, PU)