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A Career In Physical Therapy

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Physical Therapist
There are many types of therapy in this world. Physical therapy however is the rehabilitation process after surgery and/or major injuries. Physical therapy has been around professionally since 1921. When it was first established it was for women only and was led by Mary McMillan. One year later the American Physiotherapy Association opened its doors to men. Physical therapy became very popular during World War II and has continued to escalate ever since then. “APTA represents more than 90,000 members throughout the United States”(“American Physical Therapy Association”). In order to take the position as a physical therapist, you must take several different college courses. You have to have certain capabilities and required …show more content…
One thing about physical therapy is that there is no stopping point. You can take your education as far as you want as long as you are willing to work for it. “PTA programs usually include courses in algebra, English, anatomy, physiology, and psychology.” (“Bureau of Labor Statistics”).The education expenses all depend on what school you choose and how long you attend. You can receive your degree in Physical Therapy at any school that provides medical training, such as University of Oklahoma. In order to be a physical therapist there is special skills, talents, and personality traits that are necessary for a successful business. You must be a people person and enjoy interacting with patients. You have to be compassionate and caring towards others. You must also be flexible, you have to be able to work with patients and adjust to their needs. Every patient is there for their own reasons, so you must treat every patent to his/her …show more content…
With patients coming and going the daily work hours can range anywhere between 8-12 hours. For every patient seen you must chart everything said or done for the patient. The career of a Physical therapist couldn't be possible without the help of their assistants. “Assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist.”(“Bureau of Labor Statistics”). When physical therapist, Shawn Wallace, was asked what is the best part of your day, his response was “ treating patients and interacting with them.” When Shawn was asked about the most challenging part of his day his answer was “ charting patients progress and doing paper work or dealing with insurance companies”.
Future Needs for the Career The business of physical therapy is growing fast. The future of physical therapy is always in need of patents. Starting this year physical therapy has become open script. Meaning patients don't have to get a referral from their doctor. Any time people have a physical problem, they go straight to the physical therapist instead of going to the orthopedic. Patents that do this have thirty visits to overcome their problems. If the patent does not see improvement within this time period then the physical therapist is required by insurance companies

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