Toni Said:

What is the difference between a physical therapist and a physical therapist doctor?

We Answered:

A medical doctor who specializes in rehab and therapy is a physiatrist.

PT is a graduate degree. Currently you can get an MPT or a DPT (Doctor of physical Therapy). The difference is one year. However, if you have not applied to PT school yet, you probably would not be able to get a MPT degree. Everyone is converting to the DPT. There are less than 5 percent of the programs are still MPT. As an employer, I would urge you to get the DPT because if I had 2 new graduates as applicants, I would take the DPT. They had one more year of schooling and clinical experience.

Christine Said:

what's the difference between physical therapist and massage therapist?

We Answered:

They are vastly different careers. In a nutshell, a massage therapist does, well...massages. That is the limit of their technique for the most part. PTs do some massage, but their focus is really in restoring physical function; therefore, the repertoire of a PT includes not just massage, but strengthening, manual therapy, balance and gait training, stretching, etc.

As such, the educational requirements differs dramatically for each career. A massage therapist is typically a certificate program taking anywhere from 6-10 months to 2 years to complete. A physical therapist degree is at least a master's degree, but nearly all programs are now doctorate (DPT). The costs of becoming an MT can range anywhere from several hundred dollars at a community college to $10-15,000 at a private college. The cost of getting a DPT degree can range anywhere between $70-200,000 depending on if you go to state schools, private schools or a combination between your undergraduate and graduate degrees.

As far as opportunities, you should be aware that there is a very high demand for PTs. Whereas, MTs are struggling in an economy where discretionary spending is limited. Most MTs also cannot work full time, not just because of a low demand, but also because most people cannot tolerate it as full time work...it's very repetitive work and burn out is common. Since most people work only part time, or work for themselves, getting benefits can be difficult. Average pay is about $17 an hour, but this doesn't include tips. I always say, if you are lucky enough to work full time, count on a salary around $35,000...figure an extra $4-5,000 in tips assuming 15-20% tip rate. National average salary for a PT, on the other hand, is usually at least double that...and you do not need to rely on tips.

However, PT is an academically challenging career. You have to have a very strong background in the sciences. Entrance into a PT program is highly competitive. Being an MT is great for a certificate career and is, for the most part, enjoyable work. Its good as a second source of income, but don't expect to be the breadwinner of the family...count on a working spouse to provide you with benefits.

Frederick Said:

What is a better job, a physical therapist or a pediatrition?

We Answered:

In terms of stress and lifestyle, being a pediatriction is highly stressful. Being in charge of life or death situations with children is a very touchy subject...sometimes dealing with the parents is worse than the kids. Physicians in general, work insane hours and have little personal time. However, you career is what you make it, if you dont' want to work full time, don't. You could probably work part time as a physician and make as much as a full time PT. However, PT, generally speaking is a much lower stress occupation...it also takes less time and money to become a PT.


So, in the end, it really depends on the lifestyle you want to lead. Both are great careers...but very, very different.

Ashley Said:

What does a physical therapist do, and details about education?

We Answered:

The primary function of a physical therapist is to evaluate and treat people who have "functional limitations" that affect their daily living. This could be due to pain, weakness, lack of flexibility, decreased balance, etc. A physical therapist evaluates the neuromuscular skeletal system to look for reasons why these things may be happening and provides a "physical therapy diagnosis" and recommends and implements treatments.

These treatments may include "gait training" (showing someone how to walk, etc), balance training, manual techniques, exercises, education, stretching, massage and/or modalities.

One does not necessarily have to be "strong," but as a general rule, a PT should be able to lift 25# at least occasionally and be able to stand for long periods of time. Educational requirements in the US require a master's or doctorate level degree. Most programs are designed to be completed in 6-7, but it depends on how long it takes one to complete the prerequisite courses and your bachelor's degree.

The prerequisite courses usually involves a lot of science, math and psychology. Once you are in the program you must take gross human anatomy (human dissection) and all your physical therapy based courses including evaluation techniques, musculoskeletal coures, neurology, etc.

Blood is encountered occasionally in PT and will be more likely if you work in a hospital inpatient setting...you can be exposed to a variety of bodily fluids in this settings. Some settings also have PTs complete wound care which could include packing and debriding wounds. Other than that, it's generally a pretty clean job...especially in the outpatient setting.

The APTA has a great section for prospective students. Go to the educational programs section at http://www.apta.org

Joshua Said:

What kind of schooling is needed to become a physical therapist?

We Answered:

To be a PT in the US now requires at least a master's degree, but 90% of programs are now doctorate level programs.

Good schools in the Midwest:
Northwestern
Unversity of Evansville
Creighton University
UIC
SLU

You will start your college by declaring a major in a field of your choice, however, you must also complete a list of prerequisite courses. This varies from school to school but usually involves bio, chem, physics, psych and math. You will probably also need to complete volunteer hours and sit for the GRE. Once you've met a school's requirements, you apply for admission which is typically competitive. SLU does have a direct admit program that runs a little differently, but otherwise this is how most schools carry out admissions.

I would advise going to the APTA website at www.apta.org . They have helpful information for prospective students.

Raymond Said:

What is the difference between a physical therapist and a sports physical therapist, if there is one?

We Answered:

A PT is a PT. You go to school and learn the all of the specialties. If your interests are in sports you would do an orthopedic therapy clinical (all most do anyway), focus your research project in sports. You may do your undergrad in ATC or in exercise science. You can earn certifications as a certification in certified strength and conditioning coach. After you graduate, you would work in orthopedics and potentially a sports med clinic. Then you may choose to sit for board certification in orthopedics or sports or both. It is rare that you would only treat athletes esp. elite athletes. Most treat weekend warriors. Hope this helps

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.

WHAT ARE THE LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A PT?

After graduation, candidates must pass a state-administered national exam. Other requirements for physical therapy practice vary from state to state according to physical therapy practice acts or state regulations governing physical therapy.

WHAT IS THE EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is expected to grow by 30 percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), with just a 0.2 percent unemployment rate, physical therapists are now experiencing the best employment conditions since enactment of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.

Tyrone Said:

Is a physical therapist the same as a sports therapist?

We Answered:

In the US, a sports therapist is a physical therapist who chooses to work exclusively in the athletic field. However, you must learn "all" the therapy before just concentrating in sports therapy. In other words, you must complete general physical therapist education first...you can't choose to learn just the sports stuff.

Athletic training is also another option...athletes only...but much less pay and much less job availability.