Fit for Physical Therapy

By Joe Pringle
Joe.pringle@medicalhealthcarecareerschools.com
Medical Healthcare Career Schools Columnist

Helping the injured, disabled, and infirm recover their mobility and movement, physical therapists get a unique opportunity to work with all sorts of people, from athletes to the elderly, and to help heal the human body.

What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is the medical practice of helping people with mobility and other physical difficulties regain or improve their ability to use affected parts of their bodies. Patients are helped by physical therapists, who mastermind their recovery.

When a physical therapist works with a patient, they analyze and assess the patient's abilities and needs, and then the therapist draws up a plan to help the patient. Physical therapists use a variety of methods to help patients, including exercise, electrical stimulation, and even massages.

What Does It Take to Become a Physical Therapist?

To become a physical therapist, you must past a state licensure exam, and you can only take that exam once you have graduated from an accredited physical therapy training program. To become accredited, a school must offer a Master's degree or higher in physical therapy.

Because the field of physical therapy is always gaining new insight and methods from medical research, physical therapists are expected to continue their education throughout their professional careers, and in some states they're even required to continue their education in order to keep their licenses.

Why Become a Physical Therapist?

Physical therapy is a great career for those who want to help people with physical disabilities recover. Since physical therapy can take a long time, from several weeks to years, oftentimes you will get the chance to really get to know your patients.

It is also a great occupation for someone who wants to start their own practice and take care of their own patients or contract with schools and hospitals. Physical therapy could be the right career for you if you truly want to help those suffering from physical pain.

Source:

US Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook

About the Author:

Joe Pringle is a freelance writer living in Reno, NV.

Posted on : November 10, 2005