Physical Therapists are health care professionals who study and treat people with health problems that are caused from injury or disease. A Physical Therapists assess joint motion, muscle strength and endurance, function of heart and lungs, and performance of activities required in daily living.
Physical Therapists can specialize in a few different areas. There is Rehabilitation, Community Health, Industry, Sports, Research, Education, and Administration. In Rehabilitation, Physical Therapists practice closely with other health care personnel in hospitals or rehabilitation centers to determine patients’ goals. They evaluate and assess patients recovering from injury, surgery, or disease, develop and implement treatment programs. They teach patients to use artificial limbs and other assistive devices. They also provide instruction and home programs to patients and their families to continue the recovery process once the patient is out of the Physical Therapist’s direct care.
In Community Health, Physical Therapists deliver rehabilitative care in the home, teach prenatal and postnatal exercise classes, and screen, evaluate, and treat children in public schools. They also teach back-care classes to prevent back pain and injury.
In Industry, Physical Therapists determine fitness requirements for specific jobs. They screen, evaluate, and assess employees’ conditions with respect to job-related physical needs. They identify potentially dangerous work sites, modify task performance to prevent job-related injuries, and provide treatment to injured workers.
In Sports, Physical Therapists assess athletes’ performance abilities, condition athletes to improve performance, recommend assistive or safety equipment to reduce injuries, and develop fitness programs for all segments of the general public.
In Research, Physical Therapists design, plan, conduct, and report studies in basic and clinical sciences that will lead to new knowledge, new technology, and increasingly more effective physical therapy patient care.
In Education, Physical Therapists Develop skills to prepare students for careers in physical therapy and teach entry-level and graduate-level physical therapy students and other health care personal. They design, plan, conduct, and report on scholarly activities that contribute to new knowledge in the science and art of physical therapy. They also Participate in a variety of service activities in the university and community setting.
In Administration, Physical Therapists manage physical therapy departments and clinics and provide consultative services to colleagues and health care providers.
Many things must be done to become a physical therapist. In High school students should successfully complete courses in social sciences, biology, mathematics, physics, English, and chemistry. Students should learn the admissions requirements for accredited physical therapy programs and plan accordingly. They should volunteer or work in a local hospital or health care setting to strengthen interpersonal skills and develop an understanding of the needs and capabilities of patients and physical therapists. In college students should contact physical therapist education programs to learn what prerequisites are necessary for admission to their programs and for advice on other programs requirements, financial aid, and other support services. They should continue volunteer work in a department of physical therapy; find a physical therapist mentor; become familiar with issues related to the profession. They should also attend American Physical Therapy Association district/chapter meetings and get acquainted with members and leaders in the field. Students should take courses in psychology, biology, physics, statistics, chemistry, English, professional writing, and humanities. It is now required of students to pursue a postbaccalaureate degree in physical therapy which will take two more years in a physical therapy school.
The starting salary in this career is approximately $55,000. There are really no advancement opportunities, but there are many different fields that someone can go into. Throughout the 75-year history of physical therapy in the US, there has been a shortage of qualified physical therapists. According to a report by Vector Research, the shortage for physical therapists was reached in 1998. But, as a consequence of society’s increasing participation in sports and fitness activities, more physical therapists will be needed in the health care system to treat and help prevent knee, leg, back, shoulder, and other musculo-skeletal injuries. The need for physical therapists will continue to increase as new diagnostic and treatment equipment and methods are developed.
I chose physical therapy for many different reasons. I do actually want to specialize in Sports physical therapy. I want to help people, and still be involved in sports one way or another. I was thinking about something in the field of engineering, but I decided I would like to stay in a career that is related to sports in some way. If this doesn’t end up working out I guess I would be able to go back to college and figure out something else to do, but for now this is what I want to do. I have actually mentored with physical therapists and it seems like that is something I would be interested in. I want to help people and I would have fun trying to work with people who want to learn to do something again.
Here is an interview I conducted:
1. What is your name?
Gail Sinclair
2. What are the positive aspects of this career?
Making a difference in people’s lives
3. What about the negative?
Medicare, government, HMO involvement which dictates what we can do for our patients
4. What kinds of things do you experience in this career?
I’ve seen everything from amputees, to neurologically involved, burns to back aches, and babies to 104 year old people. The variety of people and cases is part of what makes it so interesting.
5. How many years have you been in this career?
28
6. Why did you choose this career?
Saw an old movie at age 11 with a therapist teaching polio victims to dance and was intrigued. Started writing the “when I grow up” papers for school and investigating the career and was hooked. Didn’t have the stomach for nursing and liked the idea that most of the folks a therapist takes care of get well and go home.
7. Do you think this is a beneficial career?
Of course, not only to the patients, you get self satisfaction, although the career changes have impacted that some in recent years.
8. What would you recommend for someone my age to be prepared for this career?
Take every science course available to you. Visit some clinics or nursing homes and see what they do. With most courses now being geared toward masters degrees before you ever see a patient, I think it is important that you have an idea what you are getting into before you invest the time and money.
9. How many years were you in college?
4
10. What was your starting salary?
My first job was 28 years ago with the Army, and it was about $650/month.
11. What is your salary now?
I don’t get a salary, I get approximately $50.00 an hour.
12. How many hours do you work per week?
Around 40 usually.
This was the interview I conducted. From doing all this research on this job, I am still very much interested in the career. I would like to help people as well as get paid pretty good money for doing it. I am now in my 5th year of a science class and I like it. I think this career is great for me.
Другие работы по теме:
Cover Letter Essay Research Paper To whom
Cover Letter Essay, Research Paper To whom it may concern: I am writing to you because I am interest in a Software Engineer position. I heard about your opening through the career department at George Mason University. This position fits with my major, experience, and career interest.
Eco 2 Essay Research Paper SURVEYOR NEEDEDSurveyor
Eco 2 Essay, Research Paper SURVEYOR NEEDED Surveyor Job Description The Canadian Government is looking for a surveyor. This could be your lucky day. If you are totally identical to what is bellow then we want you. So don’t miss out on this great opportunity. Fill out your Resume today.
The Path To A Carreer Essay Research
Paper The Path to a Career A man named Thomas Carlyle once said, ABlessed is he who has found his work; let him ask no other blessedness.@ I couldn=t agree more. In Kindergarten I thought I knew what I wanted to be for the rest of my life. How wrong I was. Over the years my career interests have changed dramatically, everything from a marine biologist to an interior decorator.
Agoraphobia Essay Research Paper My report is
Agoraphobia Essay, Research Paper My report is on Agoraphobia. Agoraphobia typically results from the fear of having a panic attack in specific situations “from which escape might be difficult (or embarrassing) or in which help may not be available in the event of having an unexpected or situational predisposed Panic Attack or panic-like symptoms.
Physical Punishment Essay Research Paper Physical punishment
Physical Punishment Essay, Research Paper Physical punishment has been a problem in hitting their children so they can have discipline or not hitting them because it is not right, so what can parents do and what can they not do? Should the parents hit them to learn discipline, or should they not hit them and figure out another way to make them learn what discipline is?
Wellness Inventory Essay Research Paper After taking
Wellness Inventory Essay, Research Paper After taking the wellness inventory I have found that I am possibly the most unhealthy person you could find. I am so tough mentally, meaning I am very mentally prepared for what the world will throw at me. When the physical factor comes in that?s where I find myself lacking.
Impotency New Therapy Essay Research Paper
Impotency: New Therapy By Tony Gramazio As many as two-thirds of the men with impotency because of physical conditions, vascular disease, stress, trauma, surgery and diabetes, can probably
The Birthmark 2 Essay Research Paper Response
The Birthmark 2 Essay, Research Paper Response Paper #2: The Birthmark 1. Our society tends to be obsessed with the idea of physical perfection. How does our society manifest that obsession? How is the Birthmark an early version of our modern obsession with physical perfection?
The Smuggler Essay Research Paper Mr MrDAgatas
The Smuggler Essay, Research Paper Mr. Mr.D?Agata?s Class September 20, 1999 Victor Cannig?s ?The smuggler? is a fictional story of two well respected men on Small Island. Tasso and The Great Man are very similar expect for there physical appearance and mood.
My Paper Essay Research Paper 895 Mae
My Paper Essay, Research Paper 895 Mae Lynn Drive Fenton, Missouri 63026 March 4, 2000 Mr. John Smith Director of Central Service St. Mary?s Hospital P.O. Box 656
Goals Essay Essay Research Paper In the
Goals Essay Essay, Research Paper In the following paragraphs I will be discussing my career goals and the steps I have taken to ensure my success in the future. I also will do a character profile of myself, which will include physical, emotional, and spiritual descriptions.
Art Therapy Essay Research Paper Art TherapyHow
Art Therapy Essay, Research Paper Art Therapy How does Art Therapy help in maintaining a person’s health or helping them get well from a sickness? Before finding the answer to this question it is necessary to understand the background, history, and importance of what Art Therapy is. First of all Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy.
Physical Therapy Essay Research Paper The physical
Physical Therapy Essay, Research Paper The physical therapists of today do much more than restore function to traumatized limbs. They work with children to overcome crippling birth defects and with stroke victims to restore movement and independent living. For post-operative patients, they are the link in the health care team that speeds successful recovery
Dolphin Essay Research Paper The Dolphin Circle
Dolphin Essay, Research Paper The Dolphin Circle exists to increase your awareness of dolphins and the world of marine mammals. Our special focus is on interspecies communication and the influence the dolphins may have on emotional and physical healing.
MindBody Distinction Essay Research Paper MindBody distinction
Mind-Body Distinction Essay, Research Paper Mind-Body distinction We usually view the mind as the brain and body as something physical. The mind may be better known and understood when one is thinking. When thinking, the mind is made up purely of thoughts and the body is an extension. The mind is telling the body what to do.
Clinical Psychology Essay Research Paper Career In
Clinical Psychology Essay, Research Paper Career In Clinical Psychology A clinical psychologist is a psychologist with a more extensive background in psychology and puts more emphasis on experimental psychological research. A clinical psychologist is more likely to work in health care setting with patients with more severe disorders.
Career Development Model Essay Research Paper Career
Career Development Model Essay, Research Paper Career Development The Career Development Model is a step-by-step plan that helps you effectively plan your career and allows you to make decisions based on a large database of information you have collected concerning your future career. In this model there are three stages that one should follow to achieve an accurate picture of where you want to go with your future.
Choosing A Career Or Profession Essay Research
Paper English Essay # 5 I believe that a career or profession should be chosen with great care and that it should not be taken lightly. A career or profession should be something that you enjoy doing because you will be doing it for many years to come. So I took time and care when deciding what I wanted to do for the rest of my working career.
Chemist Essay Research Paper Becoming a chemist
Chemist Essay, Research Paper Becoming a chemist takes a lot of hard work and discipline. One very importan aspect of being a chemist is English, Comunication is of the utter most importance
Hydrotherapy Essay Research Paper There are many
Hydrotherapy Essay, Research Paper There are many alternative methods of health care available today. People that are disappointed with medical or surgical health care are turning to alternative methods to help themselves. Some alternative methods are positive through, acupuncture, therapeutic touch and hydrotherapy.
Gene Therapy Essay Research Paper Genetic TherapyGene
Gene Therapy Essay, Research Paper Genetic Therapy Gene therapy is the use of genes and the techniques of genetic engineering in the treatment of a genetic disorder or chronic disease. Most of the techniques are still being experimented and are awaiting government approval (Concise Columbia Electronics Encyclopedia).
Physical Therapist Essay Research Paper A Physical
Physical Therapist Essay, Research Paper A Physical Therapist has to be as concerned with the wellness of patients and the prevention of further injuries as they are in helping people get better. This paper will tell what a physical therapist is and the things they deal with day to day.
Physical Therapist Essay Research Paper Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist Essay, Research Paper Physical Therapist A physical therapists job is to improve mobility , relieve the pain, and prevent or limit the permanent physical disabilities of patients with injuries or diseases. They also evaluate patients medical history and test and measure their strength, range of motion, and ability to function.
Cognitive Behaviorial Therapy Essay Research Paper Cognitive
Cognitive Behaviorial Therapy Essay, Research Paper Cognitive Behaviourial Therapy Cognitive behaviourial therapy is used to treat and prevent depressive disorders. The title of this article is basically self explanatory, Cognitive Therapy with an Adolescent to Prevent Relapse of Psychotic Disorder.
Genetherapy Essay Research Paper Gene TherapyGene therapy
Genetherapy Essay, Research Paper Gene Therapy Gene therapy is the use of genes and the techniques of genetic engineering in the treatment of a genetic disorder or chronic disease. There are many techniques of gene therapy. The two basic methods are called in vivo and ex vivo gene therapy. The in vivo method inserts genetically altered genes directly into the patient; the ex vivo method removes tissue from the patient, extracts the cells in question, and genetically alters them before returning them to the patient.
Arnold Lazarus Essay Research Paper Arnold Lazarus
Arnold Lazarus Essay, Research Paper Arnold Lazarus was born in 1932. He was born and educated in Johannesburg, South Africa. “Although Dr. Lazarus grew up in South Africa, he strongly identified with the United States.” (Corey, 2001, chap. 10)
Child Abuse Essay Research Paper Child AbuseIn
Child Abuse Essay, Research Paper Child Abuse In this country the problem of child abuse is very serious. Child abuse can happen to almost any child. The abuser and the child may seem
Gene Therapy Essay Research Paper What is
Gene Therapy Essay, Research Paper What is Gene Therapy? What types of gene therapies cure genetic diseases? Many diseases seen today are the result of a defective gene in the DNA of thepatient and cannot be cured using the traditional methods such as antibiotics and antiviral medication. The victims are now looking to gene therapy as a potential cure for their problems.