Entering a medical program involves many steps and stages in terms of education and training. This is certainly the case for the physical therapy Seattle, WA sector of the bourgeoning healthcare field. It is a wonderful career, however, involving work with all kinds of patients who have body functions and physical disabilities.
Being part of a rehabilitation program means addressing pain and improving mobility and strength. Patients can variously be accident victims or those afflicted with disorders (some congenital) like cerebral palsy, brain damage, heart disease, arthritis, and more. Many are extremely debilitating. A PT, as the profession is known, works on a team with other providers to ensure correct diagnosis and a prescribed appropriate treatment plan. The result will be better motor function and posture, improved muscle strength and performance, and smother coordination of body movements.
A skilled therapist understands and utilizes various tools and types of equipment, not to mention techniques such as electric stimulation or massage therapy. They are also well-versed in walkers, ultrasounds, prosthetics, leg braces, and wheelchairs among other mobility devices. Each patient's physical being is assessed and diagnosed before treatment is prescribed.
A therapist must understand the role of various techniques and tools will plying his or her trade. Ultrasounds are common, and in the patient assistance area there are walkers, prosthetics, leg braces, and wheelchairs. Electric stimulation is favored by many along with palliative approaches such as deep tissue massage, hot and cold packs, etc. It is usually a long process to recovery requiring patience and dedication.
Before licensing, a student takes required courses as an undergraduate that includes anatomy, physiology, math, medical assisting, and health education. Then he or she enters a graduate program for a master's degree or doctorate. It is not easy to get into an advanced program and exams are required such as the GRE (Graduate Record Exam). The institution of choice must be accredited and recognized. Right now there are over 200 schools available. No matter the program, the course of study is intensive and lengthy involving study of human development, biomechanics, and therapeutic procedures.
To become a therapist in the field, most states require the NPTE or National Physical Therapy Examination. There may be others, but this is the most common. In additional, each candidate must show English proficiency if foreign. All the required documents are presented before entering the program of choice. Finally there is the matter of licensing in one's state of residency.
After complying with all regulations and requirement, a therapist goes on to work in a hospital setting or rehab facility such as an orthopedic center. Many open private practices. The typical salary is in the $80,000 range but it varies in different parts of the country and the degree of the candidate's education and experience. The bureau of Labor Statistics states that the therapy sector is expected to grow by 30% in a couple of years. This is promising indeed for the many students of the field already in progress.
Thus, it is not an easy road to follow and it takes many years, but it is a rewarding and lucrative one. The salary for the average therapist is in the $80,000 range. It depends upon one's education and experience and whether one wishes to work in a hospital setting, a rehab or orthopedic center, or on one's own in private practice, which is a less common choice. It is a competitive field, but if you have what it takes you can be part of one of the most expansive fields in healthcare today. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to rise by 30% in the near future. Those who are dedicated and caring will surely find their niche.
Being part of a rehabilitation program means addressing pain and improving mobility and strength. Patients can variously be accident victims or those afflicted with disorders (some congenital) like cerebral palsy, brain damage, heart disease, arthritis, and more. Many are extremely debilitating. A PT, as the profession is known, works on a team with other providers to ensure correct diagnosis and a prescribed appropriate treatment plan. The result will be better motor function and posture, improved muscle strength and performance, and smother coordination of body movements.
A skilled therapist understands and utilizes various tools and types of equipment, not to mention techniques such as electric stimulation or massage therapy. They are also well-versed in walkers, ultrasounds, prosthetics, leg braces, and wheelchairs among other mobility devices. Each patient's physical being is assessed and diagnosed before treatment is prescribed.
A therapist must understand the role of various techniques and tools will plying his or her trade. Ultrasounds are common, and in the patient assistance area there are walkers, prosthetics, leg braces, and wheelchairs. Electric stimulation is favored by many along with palliative approaches such as deep tissue massage, hot and cold packs, etc. It is usually a long process to recovery requiring patience and dedication.
Before licensing, a student takes required courses as an undergraduate that includes anatomy, physiology, math, medical assisting, and health education. Then he or she enters a graduate program for a master's degree or doctorate. It is not easy to get into an advanced program and exams are required such as the GRE (Graduate Record Exam). The institution of choice must be accredited and recognized. Right now there are over 200 schools available. No matter the program, the course of study is intensive and lengthy involving study of human development, biomechanics, and therapeutic procedures.
To become a therapist in the field, most states require the NPTE or National Physical Therapy Examination. There may be others, but this is the most common. In additional, each candidate must show English proficiency if foreign. All the required documents are presented before entering the program of choice. Finally there is the matter of licensing in one's state of residency.
After complying with all regulations and requirement, a therapist goes on to work in a hospital setting or rehab facility such as an orthopedic center. Many open private practices. The typical salary is in the $80,000 range but it varies in different parts of the country and the degree of the candidate's education and experience. The bureau of Labor Statistics states that the therapy sector is expected to grow by 30% in a couple of years. This is promising indeed for the many students of the field already in progress.
Thus, it is not an easy road to follow and it takes many years, but it is a rewarding and lucrative one. The salary for the average therapist is in the $80,000 range. It depends upon one's education and experience and whether one wishes to work in a hospital setting, a rehab or orthopedic center, or on one's own in private practice, which is a less common choice. It is a competitive field, but if you have what it takes you can be part of one of the most expansive fields in healthcare today. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to rise by 30% in the near future. Those who are dedicated and caring will surely find their niche.
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