What Does a Physical Therapy Career Entail?
A physical therapist, also known as a PT, is a person who assists medical patients during an illness or injury to help manage pain and improve mobility. These healthcare professionals are an active part of the medical process, including prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Physical therapy is dedicated to patients who suffer from injury, illness, and chronic conditions. Before one can begin to practice as a physical therapist in the US, they must complete a doctoral degree and significant supervised training.
As a practicing physical therapist, you will be required to handle each patient with great care as prevention and recovery can be a highly painful, challenging, and frustrating process. It helps when you relate to the patient’s circumstance. You will also be required to customize all treatment to each person. While some cases will have similarities, all will have a unique set of issues that require a unique solution.
You will even face cases where you may not have the best answer. As a physical therapist, you must always be learning to treat your patients with the best care. You may also have to improvise with the limited tools and resources you have available. The best physical therapists will empower their patients to become a part of the solution and teach them about their unique condition. Additionally, physical therapists must always be themselves to gain the trust and respect of their patients.
Components of A Successful Physical Therapy Career
The best way to have a successful physical therapist assistant or PT career is to follow a specific formula. This formula is a general guideline rather than an outright requirement. You must first begin with a reputable education and training from colleges and universities with accreditation in physical therapy. This will affect the type of employment for which you qualify upon receiving your final degree and work experience. You must also understand that your education does not end with the receipt of your PT license. To be successful, you must always be learning.
Whether you begin your own practice or work for an employer, you should surround yourself with the best team possible. This will create an optimal environment for patients to want to improve and work harder. If patients do not like their physical therapists or physical therapist assistants, it can be an uphill battle for them to complete their treatment. You should also work hard to be a positive person who is tough, fair, supportive, respectful, and encouraging. Being a physical therapist assistant or full PT is constantly walking a fine line between pushing too hard and not pushing hard enough. You have to be able to read and listen to your patients to know when they have reached their breaking point and when they can go just a bit further.
Physical Therapy Degree and Certification Overview
In order to become physical therapist assistants, students must complete a bachelor’s degree from a physical therapist assistant's (PTA) program. This is followed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and a state license to practice as a fully licensed physical therapist. A DPT degree typically takes three years to complete. Many program participants will also choose a residency or fellowship. It was not long ago that a professional master’s degree was sufficient; however, that requirement has since changed. In addition to the DPT degree requirement, it must be completed from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-accredited program. It is important to note that some programs have a 3+3 format that entails 3 years of pre-professional undergraduate courses allowing students to become physical therapist assistants, followed by the 3-year DPT program.
Upon completion of the DPT degree and residency, all physical therapists must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam, and some states require a background check and an additional law exam. It's also possible to become board certified in one of nine specialty areas and continued education is a requirement to maintain a state license.
What Do They Do?
The days in the life of a physical therapist assistant or full physical therapist will rarely be the same from one day to the next; however, the functions and motions will be similar. When it comes to the patients, you will establish an adaptable routine. You will review the medical history of the patient along with the notes from all other healthcare professionals. You will then diagnose the functionality and movement capabilities of the patient through observation and listening. You’ll customize patient care plans with exercises, hands-on therapeutic techniques, stretches, equipment recommendations, and the establishment of goals. Then you’ll also be required to evaluate and record progress and adapt the plan based on the progress or lack thereof with each patient. A PT works to minimize the dependency of patients to require medication and to avoid surgery.
What is the Difference Between Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Schools?
The biggest difference between a PT school and an occupational therapist (OT) school is the focus of care. A physical therapist works to restore mobility and minimize physical restrictions so that a patient can return to their previously expected level of functionality. An OT works to help patients with both physical limitations and those patients with cognitive or developmental disabilities. An OT school only requires a master’s degree for graduates to begin working without supervision; whereas, a PT school requires a doctoral degree.
Typical Trade School Requirements
You will be required to complete an online bachelor’s degree or a pre-physical therapy program before you can apply for your DPT degree. The application process has become somewhat streamlined. All applicants can use the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service to complete one application online with the required materials and it will be distributed to all the admissions departments at all the PT schools to which you wish to apply. Before you are able to apply, be sure you meet the requirements for each CAPTE-approved program.
You should complete an online bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as kinesiology, exercise science, or biology. Look for part-time work or volunteer in a physical therapy environment during your undergraduate degree. Most physical therapy programs require hands-on experience before you will be approved into PT programs. And it will also help you network for the references that are required for admission.
You will also be required to complete the GRE. Your score will greatly influence your schools of choice. The same is true for your undergraduate GPA. The average GPA in 2012 was 3.52 for entrance into DPT programs. You might also have to complete paid or volunteer experience in a physical therapy environment under the supervision of a licensed PT. Each program will have a different requirement regarding the experience required. Do not forget your references and be sure to prepare for the fact you may have to visit the campus before acceptance to participate in an entrance interview. Keep in mind that some PT programs will approve in-state applicants over out-of-state applicants and you may be subject to a criminal background check prior to acceptance.
Typical Certifications Needed
A specialized certification is not a requirement in physical therapy; however, it is an easy way to advance one’s career and to increase pay. After you complete the necessary unsupervised work experience as a licensed physical therapist, you will be able to complete a board certification in one of nine clinical specializations, such as cardiovascular and pulmonary, clinical electrophysiology, geriatrics, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, sports physical therapy, and women’s health. You must complete an exam and a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical work within your preferred area of specialization within 10 years of completing your residency in the specialized area.
Academic Standards Required
You will have to achieve a C average to attend average or less-than-average DPT schools. The average GPA of accepted applicants into doctoral programs was 3.52. Essentially, the better your GPA the more options you have to attend a reputable DPT program.
Exam or Experience Needed for Certification
You will require the completion of the GRE to apply to accredited DPT programs. Much like your undergraduate GPA, the better your GRE score the better the schools to which you can apply. You will also require either paid or volunteer experience in a physical therapy environment under the supervision of a licensed PT. You may need to verify these hours. The earlier you start to look for a work experience opportunity the better your chances for entry into your preferred DPT programs.
Professional Organizations
APTA
The American Physical Therapy Association
The American Physical Therapy Association is one of the industry-leading organizations with over 100,000 PT members, PT assistant members and students pursuing a DPT degree.
ACAPT
The American Council of Academic Physical Therapy
The American Council of Academic Physical Therapy provides various activities, PT education, post-professional education, and clinical education to all its members.
WCPT
The World Confederation for Physical Therapy
The World Confederation for Physical Therapy is possibly the largest PT organization in the world with over 450,000 members with over 100 affiliate member organizations. The overall goal is to improve both the PT profession and the overall global health.