Career As A Physical Therapist example essay topic

Jason Goldstein Prof. NazarioApril 13, 2005 People have created a hectic and busy world, that includes careers and daily activities that require physical activity. While attempting to attain the required physical conditioning, people often take chances with their personal health as they try to stretch their physical limits. Sometimes, people can surpass their current limits and form new boundaries; however, other times people are not so fortunate. These unfortunate times often lead to injury, including workplace accidents, sporting incidents, disease afflictions, as well as others; any or all of which could bring about the need of rehabilitation services.

Many of these require physical therapy, which includes assisting injured or otherwise impaired patients as they recover to their pre-injury status or to recover as much as is physically possible. The field of physical therapy is a choice career for those who enjoy helping people recover from injury, and the following text will provide reason for choosing this profession. Various educational requirements serve as a qualification to a career as a physical therapist. A person must earn a minimum of two degrees from accredited universities, perform volunteer service and comply with certification requirements to complete the educational requirements toward a career in physical therapy.

First, the interested person must complete an undergraduate degree with either a Bachelor of Science, or a Bachelor of Arts with a heavy science background... A common requirement among universities is a minimum grade point average of 2.5 in all basic courses and a minimum 3.0 in all science classes for entrance into a Master's degree program. Important considerations by most, if not all, programs are the person's grades and attitude displayed during a required personal interview with an executive from the university which the interested student plans to attend. The next step involves earning a Master's degree from an accredited university. Once into a Master's program, the student must maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average throughout the two year program.

A basic program, as described by The World Book Encyclopedia, consists of 'courses in anatomy, clinical medicine, physiology, psychology, therapeutic exercise, and the use of various physical and electrical equipment' (Zeleny, 1986). These classes should thoroughly prepare the student for their future career in physical therapy. Although not a current requirement, the student should make future plans for continuing education classes. These classes help keep the person, as a physical therapist, informed of new ideas and changing events such as insurance, Medicare and Medicaid billing procedures. Secondly, the student should also make plans to complete the required volunteer experience. In order to enroll in a Master's degree program, the student must complete a minimum of 120 to 150 hours of volunteer service.

The student should also prepare for at least three, six-week internships which are held in various parts of the United States and its affiliate provinces, such as the Dominican Republic, Philippines, as well as Guam and others. These internships are set up in order to provide the student with a variety of problem solving skills, and may or may not be paid experiences. Finally, the student must be certified by the state in which he / she wishes to practice. 'Upon completion of an accredited education program, you are eligible to apply for a license in the state (s) where you wish to practice. All states require a national li censure examination, but the passing score and other requirements vary from state to state' (Careers in Rehabilitation). Once certified, the student has graduated into his / her career as a physical therapist.

The list of educational requirements is fairly long and extensive, but should prepare the interested person for a fulfilling career in this field. Many opportunities arise once a person enters the field of physical therapy. Financial gains, emotional satisfaction and respect from peers are just a few of the many opportunities to enjoy in the field of physical therapy. Compared to the days as a student, the financial means of a physical therapist are a very welcome transition. The average starting salary for a physical therapist ranges from $35,000 to $50,000 per year. Good Shepherd Medical Center of Longview, Texas, offers starting physical therapists $48,000 per year.

Other areas may pay more or less, depending on demand in the particular region. Another opportunity to look forward to is the emotional satisfaction gained from helping others in their time of need. Human nature provides people with an internal feeling of wholeness when realizing the positive effects of their actions toward others. This career is a perfect opportunity to attain these feelings as the physical therapist helps to rehabilitate a person, whom may have first met in perhaps his poorest physical condition, to a condition that might be the best of the patient's life. There are, however, some patients who cannot be rehabilitated to the full extent. A personal contact with a physical therapist, Tanya Foster, revealed that 'seeing people with impairments that can't be helped' was the most frustrating part of her job.

However, this feeling brought about by the inability to help in some cases is far out weighed by the great feeling of being able to help in most cases, she reported. Another great opportunity is the chance to gain the respect of the peers in the medical field. The physical therapist works continually with both patients and the patient's doctors. The doctor generally refers a patient to physical therapy either to prepare for or to help recover from surgery, after an accident or amputation.

When the doctor witnesses excellent results coming out of the physical therapy center, that doctor gains respect for the work performed by the physical therapist. The patient also gains respect and appreciation for the physical therapist, as they are able to function more normally. This gained respect is needed for prosperity as well as increasing confidence in the work performed as a physical therapist. There are many opportunities that come as a result of the hard work and dedication given to this career that more than outweigh any inconveniences brought about by committing the time necessary for the proper education required to become a physical therapist. As in every career, there are general demands in the career of physical therapy. The nature of the work, working environment and demands of patients and co-workers are just a few of the anticipated demands of this career.

The Dictionary of Rehabilitation Medicine defines physical therapy as, 'treatment by physical agents and physical methods. Examples are: heat, cold, water, electric current, ultraviolet rays, exercise, traction, massage, manipulation, mechanical devices' (Kame netz, 1983). To the physical therapist, this definition means that they must be able to administer any or all of these types of treatments. This career requires an ever-expanding pool of knowledge which is constantly used. The nature of the work involved with physical therapy also requires a fair amount of strength and mobility; some patients require much physical assistance and the therapist must be physically prepared. The working environment combines the mental capabilities of office work, as well as the physical ability of a personal trainer in a fitness gym.

Paperwork is a major portion of this career: keeping records, writing progress reports, preparing written exercise programs, as well as other written work. The physical therapist must also maintain his physical aptitude. A certain amount of strength is required both for patient assistance and daily treatment of the patients. There are also demands from both patients and co-workers that the physical therapist should prepare for. The patients wish to be treated with respect, understanding and care. The World Book Medical Encyclopedia explains, 'The patient-physician relationship is not easy to describe, and its importance is both underrated and exaggerated.

The main requirement of any physician is that he or she is competent and that the patient's problem is skillfully treated' (Zeleny). The therapist should be able to treat the patient as they would wish to be treated if they happened to be a patient. The use of manners and maintaining a professional environment is also very important An important thing to remember is that the patient comes to the physical therapist for help; some patients are more involved in the rehabilitation process than others; however, all patients hope for the same thing, results. The therapist should be able to help the patient attain results, if at all possible.

Co-workers also make demands of the therapist. They wish to receive the same respect given to the patient, to work in a professional environment, but at the same time they wish to get to know you, to know that you can perform your job efficiently and competently. It is up to the physical therapist to maintain the knowledge, competency and professionalism necessary to comfort the co-workers. These are just a few general demands of this career just as in any other field of business, the environment is ever changing and the student should be able to adapt to the changing times and requirements. Educational requirements, opportunities and general demands of the career are only a few of the areas to inquire about in the field of physical therapy. This career is diverse in nature, in that a therapist sees many different ailments ranging from a sprained ankle to rehabilitating someone who has had an amputation.

There is a fair degree of difficulty involved in becoming a physical therapist, and due to the high competition involved in entering the various Master's degree programs as stated earlier, high grades and a positive attitude are very important for success in an interested student's career. Volunteering is a great way to find out if a person would or would not be interested in entering the practice of physical therapy. This is an exciting career with many opportunities for advancement. This career is also a nice choice for those who become bored with the tedious monotony of a daily routine, since each day is a new experience.