The job of a physical therapist is one that requires patience, compassion, and an overall love for the science. Physical therapy is defined as "the treatment of disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise rather than by drugs or surgery." Physical therapy is one of the most popular medical-based fields of study at many colleges and universities, and many graduates eventually go on to open their own practices later in life. If you're thinking about becoming a physical therapist, here are a few things you should know regarding the education it takes to become one.
What Physical Therapists Do
Physical therapists provide care to people of all ages who are suffering from functional problems due to various physical injuries. These injuries can include sprains, strains, fractures, arthritis, neck injuries, and many other injuries. A few of a physical therapist's key job functions include:
-
Review patients' medical history and diagnose patients based on their functions and movements
Advertisement -
Create unique physical therapy plans for patients
-
Assess patients' progress using said physical therapy
Education to Become a Physical Therapist
Most physical therapy programs require students to have at least a bachelor's degree to continue their education. To practice as a licensed physical therapist, you will need to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. A typical physical therapy program lasts for three years, and most physical therapy students will also be required to complete at least 30 weeks of clinical work, as well as a one-year residency after graduation. Once a physical therapist earns their license, they must continue education throughout their career to keep their license and continue practicing.
There are several specialty areas surrounding the field of physical therapy, including sports, orthopedics, and geriatrics. In order to become board certified, physical therapists are required to pass an exam and complete at least 2,000 hours of clinical work in their specific area of focus within the last ten years.
Qualities of a Physical Therapist
Most physical therapists go into the field out of a genuine desire to care for and help other people. To give the best physical therapy to patients, a physical therapist must be compassionate, patient, and resourceful. A good physical therapist should also enjoy talking to people and getting to know their patients one-on-one, as a big part of the job involves speaking with patients about their needs. A physical therapist should possess the ability to inspire their patients and make them feel hopeful about whatever they are going through. If you are thinking about becoming a physical therapist, be sure to consider all of these things to ensure physical therapy is the right career path for you!
