Career in Physical Therapy

Marshaye Stack 01/17/2016 Health 4190

Research on Career

Career Overview/History

Graduate Program

Growth Potential

Salary Range

Best Candidate

Skills/Qualities

Academic Relevance

Physical Therapy is an occupation that assesses,

plan, organize and participate in rehabilitative

programs that improves mobility, increase strength,

and relieves pain.

http://www.jblearning.com/samples/0763740691/40691_CH01_FINAL.pdf

PT uses treatments that focus primarily on

movement and prevent disability. Treatments such

as surgery, medicine, or radiation are not used to

help patients.









PT was first recognized in the United States during World War II between 1914-1917 in response to the injuries endured by soldiers as a result of the war.

The first PT graduated from Reed College. Physical Therapist were known as “reconstruction

aides” to target poliomyelitis that caused paralysis until a professional organization, once known as American Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association, but is now American Physical Therapy Association, influenced the title change.



United States Air Forces

- Working with injured soldiers part-time

Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

- Tuition for this program is $35,000 per year with a $2,000 technology fee and laptop and tablet preinstalled with their software

- It is a three year program as a full-time student

http://dpt.duhs.duke.edu/Admissions/Tuition-Expenses/




Prerequisites for Doctoral Program at Duke - Biological Science (6 hours) - Human Anatomy (3 hours) - Human Physiology (3 hours) - Chemistry (6 hours) - Physics (6 hours) - Statistics (3 hours) - Psychology (6 hours) - Social Science (9 hours) - (All prerequisites will be completed by the end of

Fall 2016)

http://dpt.duhs.duke.edu/Admissions/Prerequisites/



Possibility of joining a specialized field of PT

- Ex. Orthopedic, Wound Care, Pediatric, Cardiopulmonary, Vestibular, Geriatric, Decongestive, and Neurological

Other potential growths are becoming skilled enough to become self-employed or serving as the head PT at a care facility.

http://www.biomotionpt.com/the-types-of-physical-therapy/











Physical Therapist can make anywhere between $57, 053 and $92,926 per year

On average, in the United States, Physical Therapist make about $66, 960 per year. This amount varies depending on the area in which a person works along with the addition of bonuses, profit sharing and commission.

Pay also varies depending on the specific field of PT a person works in.

http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Physical_Therapist_(PT)/Salary



I will have prior experience working along side a physical therapist by the application date.

I’m very passionate about what I want to do and will make sure to work hard to complete my task properly.

I’m very determined to do what it takes to become successful in this field.

Even though I did not score the highest I could have in my undergraduates courses, I do work hard to make sure I have what I need to go to the next level.

Social(33)- I look for ways in which I can best serve those that need my help. I use critical thinking to determine the best way to assist others while also taking into consideration what the person may need or ask for. I listen and research things first before drawing a conclusion about situations. I love to work with people and really care for their well-being.

http://www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/29-1123.00





Enterprising(17)- Overall I aspire to travel and work with an athletic team. I plan to work in a stationary institution for a few years to better my skills, but become self-employed by the time I start to travel with a team. I set goals for the future and map out ways to accomplish those goals. I already know some basic ways to help those that have had foot/ankle injuries.

Investigative(15)- I look to challenge thoughts and ideas people have. I try to think outside the norm and focus on things that haven’t been tried before that could possibly be helpful. I’m very much a hands on person and like to do things myself to have that experience and draw my own conclusions. I have many hours of clinical experience and will continue to gain that experience until the start of graduate school.






I have already met majority of the prerequisites to become admitted into the program.

By the December of 2016 I will have successfully completed all of the necessary requirements.

The 5 credit hour internship course I will be taking in the Fall of 2016 will give me more of the hands on experience I need to better understand how to proper fulfill my possible career duties.

Physical Therapy has many different areas that can be covered to help with specific recovery areas on the human body.

It is a very competitive field to get into and requires years of practice and preparation to become skilled in this occupational.

Despite the career’s challenges to get an opportunity to join that area of work, there will always be a need for PT services.

Career in Physical Therapy

Healthcare