Physical therapy is a rewarding and in-demand career that involves helping people recover from injuries or illnesses that hinder their ability to move and perform daily activities, from professional athletes to elderly patients in Retirement Homes or Long-Term Care, and normal civilians. As a Physical Therapist, you will always play a significant role in restoring and improving the mobility, strength, and function of your patients, assisting them to enhance their quality of life and achieve their goals through their body movements.
How to Become a Physical Therapist
To become a Physical Therapist, you must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which typically takes three years to complete. After finishing your education, you will need to pass a state licensing exam to practice as a Physical Therapist. You may also want to pursue specialized certification in areas such as sports physical therapy, neurologic physical therapy, or pediatric physical therapy.
The Fulfilling Job of a Physical Therapist
One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a Physical Therapist is realizing patients make progress and achieve their goals because their movements are normal or close to normal after an injury. For example, you may work with an athlete who has suffered a sports injury and help them get back the strength and flexibility they need to return to their sport the soonest time possible. You can also help an elderly patient who has had a stroke and help them regain the ability to walk normally and perform everyday tasks independently.
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Settings like hospitals, clinics, private practices, Retirement Homes, Long-Term Care, schools, and sports facilities are some of the settings where a Physical Therapist can work. Your daily tasks may include evaluating patients, creating treatment plans, administering exercises and stretches, and monitoring progress. At the same time, this wonderful profession lets you work with patients of all ages and backgrounds. You may work with children with developmental disabilities, elderly patients with mobility issues, or professional athletes recovering from injuries, depending on the area of specialty that you pursue. This diversity of patients keeps the job interesting and challenging.
Your Must-Have Skills
One of the key skills that Physical Therapists need to have is excellent communication skills because you must be able to explain complex medical concepts in a way that patients can understand and motivate them to stick with their treatment plans. Being a good listener is also a great skill to have, being able to understand patients’ concerns and adjust treatment plans appropriately.
Another important skill for Physical Therapists is problem-solving as different kinds of patients come to you with a broad range of injuries and specifications, and each case requires an exclusive approach. Being able to think creatively and adapt your treatment plans to fulfill each patient’s individual needs is definitely a must for you as a Physical Therapist.
Additionally, physical therapy is a field that is in high demand, with a projected job growth rate of 17% from 2021 to 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that there will be plenty of job opportunities for Physical Therapists in the coming years.
This profession is a rewarding and fulfilling career that allows you to help people improve their quality of life and achieve their goals by helping them move their bodies normally. Having different skills like strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for helping others, you can make a real transformation as a Physical Therapist. If you’re considering a career in Healthcare, such as in Long-Term Care or Retirement Homes, Physical Therapy is definitely worth exploring.
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Resources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Physical Therapists. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/physical-therapists.htm
