PTJobs.com: So you want to be a Physical Therapist?
Tags: physical therapist education, physical therapist qualifications, physical therapy career information, physical therapy career requirements, physical therapy degree, ptjobs.com
Maybe you’ve thought about becoming a physical therapist, and have decided that a career in physical therapy would be both rewarding and a welcome shift away from other monotonous or dull professions. Or maybe you have a science or medical background, and you’ve considered acquiring the proper training to enter the exciting field of physical therapy, but are still uncertain about taking a positive step in this direction for your career.
There are many reasons why one might be interested in learning more about becoming a physical therapist, and PTJobs.com would like to guide you through the necessary steps toward a career in physical therapy.
A physical therapy job is far from an ordinary 9 to 5 job in the sense that, at the end of the day, you will feel the satisfaction and fulfillment that comes from using the skills you have acquired to help your patients make progress toward improved functionality in their lives. It is truly about the people that you have the privilege of helping. The relationship you will forge with your patients is far more rewarding than any desk job and is sure to reinforce your decision to enter the physical therapy field. Not to mention, physical therapy is one of the most rapidly growing professions in the country.
Following are the necessary components required to become a successful physical therapist:
- Degree in physical therapy. All physical therapy jobs begin with the proper training. You will need to meet the education requirements and qualifications for becoming a practitioner, which include a doctorate degree in physical therapy. In the past, students had the option of getting either a master’s or a doctorate degree upon completion of their bachelor’s degree. However, currently all physical therapy programs in the United States are in the process of becoming strictly doctorate level, which means they require a minimum of 3 years of graduate-level study. The coursework in a physical therapy degree program typically includes human anatomy, neurobiology, histology, and interpersonal skills training. This wide-ranging curriculum will aid in the development of a comprehensive rehabilitation program for your future patients.
- Stellar interpersonal skills. A large and principal role you will play as a physical therapist will be to develop and maintain long-term relationships with your patients. Work on polishing and improving your interpersonal skills. It is a daily requirement of physical therapists to interact with their patients on a personal level and give advice to patients and their family members who are likely to be concerned or anxious about their condition and progress.
- Post-degree tests and specialization. After obtaining your degree in physical therapy, you will be required to take tests specific to your state to obtain the proper license for work in this field. This is mandatory for all physical therapists, so you may want to check your state’s licensing requirements prior to graduation. Also, specialization in certain fields such as neurology or pediatrics may require additional training. A specialty does not have to be decided upon before receiving your degree, and if your interests change, you can work toward obtaining a certification in a specialty area of physical therapy even after you graduate.
All physical therapists have a degree – it is the basic requirement for entry into this profession. However, the most successful physical therapists go beyond these basic requirements and understand the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient. They strive to ensure the health and well-being of their clients. A successful physical therapist career requires not only education, but also the ability to merge theory and practice in order to coordinate the best care plan for your patient’s specific needs. Training to become a physical therapist requires great work ethic and focus, but job opportunities abound for those genuinely passionate about this field.
PTJobs.com is a job search engine that specializes in physical therapist and physical therapist assistant jobs. PTJobs.com is physical therapist owned and operated and has been in business since 2003. Our owners have had success in finding work in this field, and therefore have the expertise necessary to place you into a suitable physical therapist job. All of our services are free for job seekers – There are no hidden charges or fees.
By choosing PTJobs.com over another general job search engine, you can minimize the stress and the unnecessary time wasted sorting through irrelevant information and job listings.
For complete access to jobs specific to your field, as well as all the tools and services necessary to feel fully confident in your application process, visit PTJobs.com today and make sure you’re placed in the position that best suits you.
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