Physical therapy evolved from “two major historical events: the poliomyelitis epidemics within the United States in the 1890s and the effects of World War I upon US citizens, creating a need for rehabilitation (Moffat, M.).” Physical therapists are health care professionals who treat individuals of all ages with medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. Physical therapists go through rigorous training, work in a variety of settings, and follow an important vision. With all the important work physical therapists do for patients it is not surprising that the demand for physical therapists continues climb. Even for the country's younger sect, …show more content…
From the late 1950s to the late 1970s, “physical therapists in the United States moved from hospital-based programs to academic environments.” During the time of this change there was “increasing curricular content in physical therapist education and increased hours of clinical affiliations (Moffat, M.).” Today, to practice as a physical therapist in the US, you must complete six to seven years of schooling. There are three to four years of undergraduate study, and three years of graduate study. Students must earn a DPT degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). In order to apply to physical therapy school prospective physical therapist must complete Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). PTCAS allows applicants to use one application and set of materials to apply to multiple DPT programs. PTCAS is a service of APTA and managed by Liaison International. 80% of DPT programs participate in PTCAS. During the program, students are required to partake in classroom, lab, and clinical education. Once the degree is earned the PT student must pass a state licensure …show more content…
These professionals work in both non profit and for profit organizations. They prevent the onset, symptoms, and progression of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities that may result from diseases, disorders, conditions, or injuries. Examples of conditions treated by physical therapists are arthritis, back pain, balance, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Physical therapists specialize to develop a greater depth of knowledge and skills related to a particular area of practice. Physical therapists may practice as generalists or specialized in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, or neurology. Specialty certification is voluntary, and physical therapists are not required to be certified in order to practice in a specific area. The vision of the profession of physical therapy is to transform society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience. The goal of a physical therapist is to promote the patient’s ability to move, reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability. Achieving the goal of a physical therapist enables the physical therapist to carry out the vision of the profession. Physical therapist optimizes movement by improving quality of life as it relates to movement and
Ever since I was a kid, it has been my life goal to help as many people I can. I have moved around in many different areas of the medical field, but no career had caught my eye as much as physical therapy. As an athlete, I have been in and out of the physical therapist’s office for a majority of my life. Each time I have went I could not help but be beyond grateful for what these people have done for me; they have given me the ability to play the sport I love despite all the hiccups. Physical therapy is a dynamic field within the field of medicine because as a physical therapist one can make a difference in the lives of his or her patients, enjoy job security, and enjoy a rewarding and personally satisfying career.
Physical Therapist has extensive education training. First, in order to become a Physical Therapist, he or she will need to take many years in college studying in areas such as Kinesiology, Anatomy, Biology, and Physical Fitness. Also, the students will need to receive extensive training in patient psychology. (“Become
The Physical Therapy profession has been around for many years. “The American physical therapy profession emerged during and following the First World War as a result of the need for trained providers of therapeutic exercise – who practiced under the supervision of a physician – for the rehabilitation of injured soldiers.” (Wrynn, 2014) The profession over the past few years has had a huge expansion in need. “Physical therapists (PTs) provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients with injuries or disease. (Physical Therapist, 2012) Physical Therapist work with the patient to make sure
To become a physical therapist assistant, I would need to complete school to gain my associate’s
Physical therapists work in various ways depending on the type of patient you're dealing with. A patient that is working to recover mobility lost after a stroke needs different care from a patient who is recovering from a sports injury. There are many types of fields
Physical therapy has come a long way in the last couple of decades, literally transforming the way pain, functional limitations and recovery from surgery is treated. But just as with any other healthcare provider, it’s the people behind the front door - and their treatment philosophy - which makes the critical difference in the patient experience.
My higher education will consist of six to seven years of college, including a two or three year DPT program. The first four years of my schooling will take place at the University of Illinois Springfield where I will major in pre-medical biology. After earning my bachelor's degree, I will transfer to a physical therapy school to complete my DPT. Additionally, I will need to complete 30 weeks of clinical work. Upon graduation, it is very likely that I will apply for and complete a one-year residency and a possible fellowship to specialize further. To attain my license as a physical therapist, I will have to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the Federation of States Board of Physical Therapy and fulfill any stipulations that the state requires. After taking all these steps, I will finally reach my dream of becoming a physical therapist. The job outlook for my profession is looking very promising; employment is projected to grow 34 percent from 2014 to 2024, which is well above the average rate of other occupations. The median annual wage of PTs in May 2015 was $84,020. Needless to say, I think that I will be able to live a happy, fulfilling, comfortable life after becoming a physical therapist -- after I pay off my student debt, that
highly educated experts on the human body , their goal is to promote the patient’s to reduce pain , ability to move etc. The employment of a Physical Therapist is projected to grow 34% from 2014. Physical Therapist will come in part from a large number of aging. Older people’s experiences
Physical therapists also can consult and practice with other professionals, such as physicians, dentists, nurses, educators, social workers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists to help them with their treatment to a patient. Conducting research or teaching is another job option for physical therapists.
I believe that my personal and professional growth and behavior as a physical therapist is of utmost importance. I base this firstly on my strong connection to those in society who are disadvantaged when it comes to physical therapy, and also on the movement system, movement being “the key to optimal living and quality of life for all people that extends beyond health to every person’s ability to participate in and contribute to society” (American Physical Therapy Association, 2013). This perspective, I believe, is aligned perfectly with the vision statement for the physical therapy profession – to transform society through optimization of movement to improve the human experience (APTA, 2013). After reviewing the vision statement, I strongly believe it will act as my guide by strengthening compassion, reinforcing advocacy, improving quality of service, and strengthening cohesion.
Physical Therapists provide rehabilitation for injuries and help maintain stability. “Some history of Physical Therapist formed their first professional association in 1921 called the American Women’s physical therapeutic association. In the late 1940s, the association had changed its name to the American Physical Therapy Association. Physical Therapy was developed when the association’s membership swelled to 8,000 and the number of physical therapy education programs across the US increased from 16 to 39”(“APTA History”). Although many people may think being a physical therapist is hard because of the qualifications needed, the daily work, salary, and needs of the service have drawn my attention to the field.
In today 's ever changing medical scene, the educational requirements necessary to graduate from college and receive a job are constantly changing. As science advances and more people seek out healthcare, the prerequisites needed to provide this healthcare are becoming more and more rigorous. This is especially evident in the field of physical therapy. Over the last 135 years, the entry-level education requirements have slowly changed from a simple masters degree to a new doctorate degree, the Doctor of Physical Therapy (Threlked and Paschal). While most people agree with this new requirement, others argue that the time and effort required to receive this degree result in minimal benefits. Contrary to these claims, physical therapists should be required to graduate from a Doctor of Physical Therapy program prior to becoming a licensed physical therapist because this level of education teaches them the skills necessary to be a successful physical therapist.
A physical therapist is a professional who helps injured or sick people improve their movement and manage their pain. According to author Olga Dreeben from the University of North Texas “The creation of physical therapist is centered on two major events in U.S history: The Poliomyelitis epidemics and the negative effects of World War 1 and World War 2”.
To earn a Physical Therapy Degree, one must go through a rigorous education program. One University with a tough program is Grand Valley State. The program at GVSU requires 120 credits over a three year
Along with that, the majority of medical professions require schooling beyond four years of college, which will require more money to be spent on education. To become a physical therapist I must pursue a seven year college education. Unfortunately, my family cannot afford to pay for my entire education, so with the help of the Cedar Manor scholarship it will allow me in achieving my goals.