30/04/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 30/04/2024 21:04
Physical therapy is a specialized form of care available to patients recovering from an illness, injury or who have been diagnosed with a mobility-limited condition. Through physical therapy, patients receive hands-on care from qualified professionals who know how to utilize specific exercises to restore mobility, improve function and reduce pain.
If you are interested in a hands-on profession that allows you to have a direct impact on the livelihood of your patients, then you may be interested in exploring career options with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
The field of physical therapy combines the power of medicine with the science of exercise and movement, providing you with an opportunity to enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, to become a physical therapist you must earn your Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and become licensed in the state you intend to practice.
There are many career options with a Doctor of Physical Therapy, thanks in large part to the skills-based nature of this degree program. Within your DPT degree program, you will enjoy a problem-based curriculum that prioritizes clinical reasoning and individualized treatment for all patients. This gives you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.
To apply to a DPT degree program, you will need to earn a bachelor's degree in a related field. Many of the top DPT programs require candidates to have completed prerequisite courses in chemistry, biology, physics, psychology and statistics, so a bachelor's degree with a strong science and math background is preferred.
Within the world of physical therapy, there are many opportunities to specialize. These are some common career options with a Doctor of Physical Therapy to consider:
A physical therapist is a medical professional who works with individuals injured or suffering from serious health conditions. They provide personalized treatment plans designed to improve function and mobility.
A geriatric physical therapist provides physical therapy treatment services to elderly patients. Geriatric physical therapists often focus on areas such as bone health, joint pain, arthritis and health conditions associated with aging, such as Alzheimer's.
Pediatric physical therapists work primarily with children under the age of 18, often helping them improve mobility after a sports injury or recover from a surgical procedure. They may also work with children who have genetic health conditions or chronic health conditions.
Sports physiotherapists are specialized physical therapists who work with athletes to prevent sports injury or to help them recover from a serious injury. They strive to not only improve functionality but also improve athletic performance.
Clinical researchers in the field of physical therapy work to develop advanced treatment options and protocols for physical therapy patients. Clinical researchers in physical therapy may focus on topics such as muscle strength, range of motion and pediatric developmental patterns.
In addition to the standard Doctor of Therapy careers, you also may consider some of these unconventional options:
Clinical electrophysiology is a specialty area within the field of physical therapy. Professionals who specialize in this area use advanced techniques that rely on electricity to monitor, measure or produce physiologic responses.
Oncology patients learning how to live with cancer or working toward full mobility during their recovery can benefit from the help of oncology physiotherapists. Oncology physiotherapists provide specialized care that complements other acute care treatment options, such as chemotherapy or radiation.
The first step on the path toward becoming a physical therapist is to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. From there, you can choose to specialize your career.
Per reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), all states require physical therapists to be licensed and certified. This helps to standardize the care that patients receive and ensure that all patients receive high-quality, effective treatment.
Physical therapists who want to specialize in particular areas, such as oncology, geriatrics or pediatrics, may have to complete a residency or fellowship to do so. During residency and fellowships, you will have the opportunity to work with physical therapists daily and develop the specialized skill set needed for your chosen niche.
BLS notes there is an increased demand for qualified physical therapists around the country. The field is expected to grow by about 15 percent between 2022 and 2032, which is much faster than average when compared to all other occupations.
Physical therapists spend most of their time working directly with patients, making compassion one of the most important qualities of a successful physical therapist. You also should have the dexterity and physical stamina necessary to help patients complete their treatment plans each day.
The field of physical therapy is growing, providing qualified physical therapists with opportunities to specialize in the field and take their career to new heights. Advancing technology and innovative treatment options allow you to consider growing your career and pursuing new paths.
Working as a physical therapist allows you to provide patients with the critical care that they need to live a full and productive life. If you are a compassionate individual who enjoys connecting with people working hard to overcome an illness or injury, then you may find a career in physical therapy to be particularly rewarding. This field allows you to apply your strong background in science and math with the actionable skills acquired throughout your Doctor of Physical Therapy program, giving you a chance to blend your academic strengths with your professional passions. With a wide range of specialty areas to choose from, you are sure to be able to carve a path forward that feels meaningful and rewarding.
At Marymount University, we offer a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program anchored by a skills-based curriculum and offers a learning-in-context environment, giving you the chance to become a forward-thinking leader in the field of physical therapy.
Request more information about how you can begin your DPT career at Marymount University today.
Sources
https://marymount.edu/academics/health-sciences/doctor-of-physical-therapy/
https://www.bestcolleges.com/careers/healthcare/physical-therapy/
https://www.apta.org/your-career/careers-in-physical-therapy/becoming-a-pt
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https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/what-is-physical-therapy
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm#tab-6
https://therapycareers.org/geriatric-physical-therapist/
https://www.physio-pedia.com/The_Role_of_the_Sports_Physiotherapist
https://clinicalcenter.nih.gov/rmd/pt/ptclinresearch.html
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