How to Become Physical Therapist

So you’re planning to become a physical therapist but you don’t know where to start. Well, in this article, you will learn the “how to’s” in becoming a physical therapist.

If you’re the type of person who likes to serve others, this is a rewarding profession and you’ll be well compensated too.

The Work of Physical Therapist

As a physical therapist, you will be working with patients with certain disabilities. The disabilities may be the result of a disease or accident. The appropriate rehabilitation therapy is determined by the PT together with medical professionals and doctors. The therapy can last for several weeks or months; while the severe cases can last for years. The therapy usually consists of ultrasound treatments, deep tissue massage, and exercise.

The Requirements for Becoming a Physical Therapist

Before you can exercise the profession, you will need to finish Physical Therapy. This is a four-year course or you can even take up your masters if you want. The degree will cover various sciences like physics, biology, and chemistry. It is advised that you polish your skills in dealing with various kinds of people because you will usually deal with frustrated patients and their families over an extended time. If you want to gather more info about the profession, you can always check out APTA or American Physical Therapy Association. Enroll only at accredited schools and try to inquire about the requirements for admission. Don’t forget to monitor the hiring forecasts in private therapy, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals. The licensure examination is mandatory so you need to pass it. The licensing requirements vary from state to state. There is a need to check with the local organization concerned so that you can comply right after graduation.

There are great opportunities for physical therapists. You can also specialize in a certain area like sports medicine, pediatrics, and neurology. In the case of specialization, you will undergo additional training. After you graduate in college, you can now choose to specialize. You have a chance to earn a yearly salary ranging from $35,000 to $116,000 depending on your field of specialization.

You will need to invest in your education before you can become a professional. Of course, you will need to pay for your tuition fees during college and other miscellaneous fees. After graduation, you will take the licensure examination and you will also pay for the exam fee. Despite the costs involved, a lot of people still choose this profession because every year, more and more patients require medical care. There is a continuous need for medical professionals these days and the salaries are also quite attractive. So what are you waiting for? Become a physical therapist now and have a chance to experience the good life by serving others. You will surely feel fulfilled after a day’s work.

1 Comment

  • S PURNA CHANDRA SHEKHAR said on July 2, 2015
    I want start a inpatient Physiotherapy clinic and rehabilitation center in the area of boduppal Hyderabad I am completed my bachelor's of physiotherapy from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences Bangalore Karnataka 8 years experience I have

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