A physical therapy consultant is responsible for aiding people regain or improve movement re-establish proper working function of the body. They also help to prevent the disability from becoming permanent. A therapist will ensure the fitness and health is at high levels. People who commonly visit people of this profession include accident sufferers or those who experience broken bones, arthritis, heart conditions, strokes, and head trauma.
A patient's medical history is analyzed along with a person's level of strength, ability to move, balancing capability and posture. Plans are created to benefit the patient that will include a course of action and the end result. The progress of the patient is always documented.
Therapy specialists work with other medical professionals like physicians, nurses, and speech therapists.
There are many requirements in order to qualify for employment in this field. It will require determination and willpower to fulfill all.
An individual pursuing this career should have a Bachelor's degree and continue education to receive a master's degree in physical therapy. Licensing is also required.
Courses taken should include chemistry, physics, and biology. Lab sessions are extremely important for this. Additional courses specific to this field should include human growth and development, how to examine patients, biomechanics, neuroanatomy and more. Clinical study experience is also required.
Courses in sociology, psychology, and math are recommended at the undergraduate level. High school classes to prepare for college should include biology, chemistry, as well as physics.
Certification is required before practicing in this field. An exam must be passed that analyzes the level of education, experience, and the ability to perform in this profession. Education must be completion before being able to take the licensing exam. A physical therapist is not permitted to work in the field without this requirement.
A physical therapist requires good communication skills to convey information to patients and coordinate with other medical professionals. Writing skills are important to prepare strategies to improve the physical operation and function of a patient and also to report the progress of the patient. The ability to work with people and be friendly is important. Showing you care will put a patient at ease and build the trust between a professional and patient.
The training will be received as a part of the education process. Laboratory sessions will give hands on experience. The workforce may also be provided to learn and work to pay educational costs. Additional training and knowledge can be gained by volunteer services at local facilities like hospitals, mental institutions, rehabilitations centers, and local physicians' offices.
In 2006 a study showed that 173,000 people had a job in physical therapy. Many held more than one job. A majority of the therapists worked at hospitals, others were employed in health care provided at home, nursing centers, outpatient departments, and physician's offices. Other places of employment include adult day cares, schools, teaching, and research laboratories.
This industry is expected to grow at a faster than average rate. The highest growth will be in hospitals, rehab centers, and orthopedic facilities. Increase in elderly people who require this service will also bring about this change in figures. With more nursing homes popping up the need and demand will also increase to accommodate patients with physical disabilities.
Future improvements to the therapy industry will also cause an increase in the need for physical therapists. This is required to help children and elderly people with physical difficulties and save their lives. Physical therapists will provide a way to help children who have birth defects.
The profession is expected to grow at a rate of 27%. From 2006 to 2016, the number of people employed in physical therapy will jump from 173,000 to 220,000 people.
The average salary was $66,000 in 2006. 50% of these individuals earned in the range of $55,000 and $78,000. The lowest percentage earned $46,500 and the highest salary was $94,000. The highest paid physical therapy employees earn over $70,000 annually.
Physical therapy is a rewarding and high paying field that allows an individual to provide life saving services. Both the professional and the patient benefit from services of this nature. Since it is a growing field, jobs are available in many medical facilities.
