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A Physical Therapist (PT) is a health care professional who diagnoses and treats individuals of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to move. Activities that we perform in our daily lives, such as eating, sitting and standing, are common challenges for the PT patient. Physical therapy can be an alternative or complement to surgery and medication.
PTs are often part of a health care team and usually consult with other health professionals such as physicians, nurses and social workers in order to give the best care to their patients. People recovering from accidents, strokes, operations, or heart disease and those dealing with arthritis, osteoporosis and overuse injuries might be referred to PTs for help.
I was introduced to the field of physical therapy as a high school soccer player. I had torn my quad and thought I was not going to be able to play in the State Finals. I met a physical therapist who helped people of all ages achieve their goals, as well as return to their desired sport or activity. It was upon my first introduction I knew physical therapy was my chosen career. As I gained experience in the field, I learned there was a very large, diverse population of people who had physical therapy needs. I can't imagine working in any other field.
I have the opportunity to work with people of all ages, of all backgrounds with a large variety of injuries and disabilities. I help them to overcome limitations and to achieve their goals.
......................
Mike Hmura, MSPT
Delegate- OR
PT Northwest, LLC
Owner/Director
Physical therapists personally examine each of their patients and develop a treatment plan to promote the ability to move, reduce pain and restore function. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness exercise programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.
There's a broad base of knowledge and skills that a PT brings to the job. Your PT school will teach you about diagnosis and treatment of injuries, diseases and deformities, and the importance of preventive health care. You will learn effective use of equipment and how to motivate and teach a patient about an exercise program that you design. You might be evaluating and fitting prosthetic and orthotic devices. You will be analyzing results and problem solving while you help your patient achieve goals and manage his or her health!
Video Description of Physical Therapists
Source: CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)
Source: American Physical Therapy Association
Where Physical Therapists Work
Physical therapists provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, physician offices, clinics, facilities for the elderly, schools and sports facilities. Work experience, job shadowing, volunteering and informational interviews will help you decide if you prefer a particular setting or if variety suits you best.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor degree earned by the start of a PT program
- Graduate degree in an accredited PT program
The minimum education required to become a Physical Therapist is a graduate (post-baccalaureate) degree. While some PT programs offer a master's degree, a growing majority of programs offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Those with a doctorate degree have a competitive edge in this labor market.
Pacific University is the only educational institute in Oregon that offers a degree in physical therapy.
Licensure Requirements
After receiving a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapist program, physical therapist candidates must pass a state-administered national exam. Other requirements for physical therapy practice vary from state to state. See:
Physical Therapist Earnings
The Oregon Employment Department (OED) reports that in 2009 in Oregon, the average hourly wage for PTs was $34.06 and the average annual salary was $70,849.
Employment Outlook for Physical Therapists
The OED estimates that between 2008 and 2018, there will be 785 job openings for PTs in Oregon.
Occupations with Skills Similar to Physical Therapists
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Recreational Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Respiratory Therapists
- Occupational Therapist Assistants
- Audiologists
- Registered Nurses
- Orthotists and Prosthetists
Explore the following sources for this page for more information:
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