Promote Healthy Living as a Physical Therapist

by Debbie Wilson
Debbie.Wilson@MedicalHealthCareCareerSchools.com
Medical Healthcare Career Schools Columnist

Ask just about any physical therapist and they'll tell you that their career is one of rewards and challenges day in and day out. Why? Because restoring function, limiting pain, and getting people back to living a healthy lifestyle is so much more than simply a job, it's a passion.

Physical Therapist Job Duties

Physical therapists have many job duties, mostly depending upon where they seek employment. But if you're interested in becoming a physical therapist, typical services include restoring function, improving mobility, relieving pain, and preventing or limiting permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. In addition to these duties, physical therapists restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health. Typical patients include athletes, accident victims, and individuals with disabling conditions such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, and head injuries.

Physical Therapy Licensure

Currently, all states require physical therapists to pass a licensure exam before they can practice. They must also graduate from an accredited physical therapy program, offered at most colleges and universities nationwide. While in training, your coursework will start with basic science classes, then include specialized courses in biomechanics, anatomy, examination techniques, therapeutic procedures, and finally supervised clinical experience.

Physical Therapy Job Outlook

With such widespread interest in living a healthy and pain-free existence, today is the perfect time to embark upon a career as a physical therapist. Job opportunities are virtually everywhere you look, including physical therapy clinics, health clubs, hospitals, medical institutions, and much more. Your biggest challenge will be deciding which physical therapy opportunity interests you most. Before you know it, you too can help get people back to living a healthy, functional, and pain-free lifestyle, one they've only dreamed of having in the past.

Source
Bureau of Labor Statistics

About the Author
Debbie Wilson owns and operates a lakeside resort, managing all aspects of operations, including marketing and promotion. Her previous experience includes management and profitability consulting for a national healthcare company.

Posted on: July 14, 2006