Preparations

Now that we know how great the profession of physical therapy is, we should discover just exactly how to become a physical therapist. Now days, it is of the up most importance to have a doctorate of physical therapy in order to ever get a job. Yes, that means that at the end of graduate school you will have a pretty little “Dr.” preceding your name. Now the question is how to get to graduate school. What kind of classes do we need? What are the requirements? And what schools offer this program? Well my devoted followers, I have been doing lots of research and have quite a few answers for you today. According to a pamphlet I received from Abilene Christian University, there are eight P.T. Schools in the state of Texas. The pamphlet goes on to say that the programs “are full time and part time study is not an option” (Physical Therapy) and that they all “require an overall GPA of 3.0” (Physical Therapy). Obviously they schools are serious about who gets into their programs. So, I decided to check out one of the top schools to see exactly what they need in order to be considered for acceptance to their graduate school. At Hardin Simmons, it is imperative to have “excellent grades, and letters of recommendation” (Hardin Simmons) on top of various other requirements. Some of these other requirements include: knowledge of the profession, various required prerequisite courses and an interview, with a writing sample taken at that time. By knowledge of the profession, they mean “work of observational experience in a variety of clinics” (Hardin Simmons). If you are interested in becoming a physical therapist, there are tons of websites that help guide and instruct you on the process. Those will most likely direct you to the actual schools that have the programs sites so that you can see the specific courses and requirements each school sets. I hope that through this journey you have learned a tad more about a growing and awesome profession. I know I sure have!

Works Cited:

Hardin Simmons: Department of Physical Therapy. Abilene, Texas. Print.

“Physical Therapy.” Abilene Christian University. Print.

Picture Citation:

 “Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy.” MAC Sports and Rehab. (2010): December 13, 2010. Web.

<http://macsportsandrehab.com/sports_medicine__physical_therapy>.

Endless Possibilities

For those out there like me, who are busy planning and worrying about their future, know that you are in safe hands by having a career as a physical therapist. A recent scientific journal, discussed how integrating physical therapists into diagnosing and caring for patients without referral could benefit all parties involved. This integration of PTs into the emergency department would, “positively influence patient satisfaction and pain management and shorten waiting time for referral to outpatient care” (Physical Therapy 421). To the physical therapists this would simply mean more patients and more involvement with the medical system. With the ability to diagnose and treat our own patients, we would practically be leaders in the health care field. A major step up on the competition like that would mean more money in the bank and in our world today, financial stability is desired and needed by everybody. Another interesting opportunity for physical therapists is their ability to serve as physical extender in the military. According to one journal addressing the subject, “PTs have successfully provided direct access care for musculoskeletal conditions in the military for several decades” (Military Medicine 305). The function would be for the PT to adequately rehabilitate the injured soldier faster and better, so that they can return to combat quicker and have a better chance for success. For those interested in practicing medicine and still getting the opportunity to travel the world or serve our country, this is the perfect job. This is yet another example of the growing work environment for PTs and the ample opportunities for success.

Works Cited:

Fleming-McDonnell, Debra, et al. "Physical Therapy in the Emergency Department:

Development of a Novel Practice Venue." Physical Therapy 90.3 (2010): 420-426.

Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 10 Dec. 2010.

Rhon, Daniel I., et al. "Clinician Perception of the Impact of Deployed Physical Therapists as

Physician Extenders in a Combat Environment." Military Medicine 175.5 (2010): 305

312. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 10 Dec. 2010.

Say What???

Many people, myself included, are unsure of all the various functions a physical therapist performs. The world of physical therapy is demanding and fast paced. Physical therapists “are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages” (Bureau). Not only do the physical therapists, a.k.a. PT’s, treat initial physical mishaps, they also come up with a long term treatment plan to build strength back up for their patient’s injuries. The main goal of a PT is to “develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability” (Bureau) and help “prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles” (Bureau). Some of these treatment techniques include but are not limited to: “exercises, they may also manipulate or move a joint, massage a muscle, or apply additional therapies, such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, hot packs, and ice” (Iowa). People may need to see a physical therapist for many reasons, a few of these reasons include, “back and neck pain, problems with the arms, hands, feet, or legs ,arthritis, heart and stroke rehabilitation, balance problems, and fitness and wellness education” (Iowa). While the concept of physical therapy may be relatively new, it is a growing profession, which allows people who have a desire to be in the medicine field and a passion to help people significantly, do both all rolled up in one.

Works Cited:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. “Physical Therapists.”Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-2011 Edition (2010): December 6, 2010. Web. <http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos080.htm>

“What is physical therapy?.” University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics 7.0 (2005): December 6, 2010. Web. <http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/bonesjointsmuscles/ bone3460.html>

Picture Citation:

Connecticut Deparment of Public Health. “Board of Examiners for Physical Therapists.” State of Connecticut (2010):  December 6, 2010. Web. <http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/ view.asp?a=3143&q=388934>