Physical Therapist Essay

Physical Therapist [pic] Ka’Liyah Matthews Workforce Essentials 7th Block Mr. Boyd Advantages One advantage of becoming a physical therapist is that you get to know more people of different age groups, values, cultures, and faiths. The advantages of becoming physical therapist do not end there, qualified and skilled physical therapy professionals receive competitive salaries and excellent benefits as well. Disadvantages Sometimes physical therapist work long hours. They can get overworked, and have a heavy patient load. If working in a hospital they are exposed to all kinds of nasty bugs and viruses. Sometimes they have to hurt people. Job Outlook Although many people are training to become physical therapists, the supply of these workers is expected to fall short of demand. However, employment growth may be restricted by controls on health-care costs. Education Requirements To become a physical therapist, one must have a master’s degree in physical therapy from an accredited institute and a state license. Moreover, he should possess strong interpersonal skills so as to communicate with the patient and his family. The physical therapy job demands scores of patience from the practitioner. Training Requirements Accredited physical therapy programs offer both master’s degrees or doctorates in physical therapy. Applicants need bachelor’s degrees that include prerequisite courses, which are set by each graduate program. To be licensed, graduates of accredited programs must pass state examinations. Many states require continuing education to remain licensed in the field. Salary A physical therapist’s salary may vary slightly according to the type of employer. Most physical therapists are employed by health practitioners and earn about $73,980 annually. Benefits Benefits for salaried physical therapists included paid holidays and vacations, health insurance, and retirement plans. Self-employed therapists had to provide their own benefits. Work Schedule Most physical therapists work forty hours per week. Those who prefer flexible hours can usually find part-time or consulting work. Work Conditions Physical therapists usually work in clean, pleasant, and spacious areas. Some therapists treat patients who are confined to hospital beds or their homes. Because they treat patients who may be depressed by their disabilities, physical therapists should be patient and encouraging. They need to be in good health and should be able to work well with their hands. Opportunities for Advancement Experienced therapists can become supervisors of hospital departments. With additional education, they may teach physical therapy. Employment of physical therapists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014, because the population is growing older and likely to need rehabilitation and long-term care. Advances in therapeutic techniques, especially for trauma victims and newborns with birth defects, should create additional demand for rehabilitative care. Personal Qualities Needed Physical therapists must possess problem-solving skills, resourcefulness, patience, manual dexterity, physical stamina, and the ability to work closely with a variety of people. Physical therapists must work well independently, as well as with a team of care givers. From initial examination and evaluation through the discharge of a patient or client, the physical therapist’s responsibility is to work with the individual to ensure maximal function. A love of lifelong learning, a positive attitude, and an outgoing personality would serve you well in this field.