The physical therapist is to provide rehabilitation for patient with disabling conditions. He may handle patients with arthritis, lower back pain, heart disease, physical injuries, and cerebral palsy. He is to develop a program specific to the need of a patient. The physical therapist may use therapeutic equipment or physical exercises in the program to help the patient restore mobility, relieve pain, and promote health and fitness.
He is to train and supervise his assistants or aides in implementing the physical therapy program. Record keeping and writing reports are also a physical therapist’s job. Such records will help one track down the progress of his patients. A physical therapist must have excellent skills in communication, management, administration, and human relations.
How to become a Physical Therapist
To become a physical therapist, one must earn a bachelor’s degree in biology or any physical science field. One must pursue graduate studies and earn a master’s or doctorate degree in physical therapy. Take and pass the licensure exam required of a physical therapist. A physical therapist must also have strong interpersonal skills as well as the ability to educate their patients.
Physical Therapist Courses, training, programs
A physical therapy degree provides the necessary background required for this type of career. The program covers areas such as basic pathology, research, neurobiology, fundamentals of physical therapy, psychosocial aspects, physiology, anatomy, therapeutic exercise, neurological disorders, physical evaluation procedures, kinesiology, pathokinesiology, physical therapy in orthopedics, fundamentals of imaging, pharmacology, cardiopulmonary disorders, geriatrics, health and wellness, prosthetics and orthotics, women’s health, administration in physical therapy, integumentary disorders, pediatrics, and epidemiology. Through the program one is able to learn through hand-on activities as well.
TOP 5 colleges/Universities
University of Southern California, California
University of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri
University of Delaware, Delaware
University of Iowa, Iowa
Physical Therapist Jobs, opportunities, salaries/pay
The physical therapist has an opportunity to earn from $51,135 to $89,626 per year depending on the work location, employer, experience, and benefits. Employment may be found in various industries such as physical therapy, healthcare, rehabilitation, hospital, and home health care.