What are some requirements in order to work as a Physical Therapist?
#physical-therapist
2 answers
Deanne’s Answer
Other types of requirements are that you truly enjoy working with people, have patience and excellent communication skills. It is almost mandatory that you be a person who enjoys moving around, and standing for hours, as the job can be quite physically demanding depending on the setting. For instance, physical therapists who work in a skilled nursing facility will be physically facilitating and assisting movement of (typically) geriatric clients who have difficulty going from a seated position to standing, or need some assistance with their walking. On the other hand, therapists working in an outpatient orthopedic setting generally won't be exerting as much, but it depends on the techniques employed.
Sachin’s Answer
Hi Karla,
Thanks for the question!
You would need to get your bachelors and meet requirements for grad school, typically a year of all the basic sciences, math, anatomy and physiology. Then it is a 3 year doctorate program, after which you take a board exam. Board certification is voluntary for physical therapists. However, earning certification in a clinical specialty could open up opportunities for career advancement. The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) offers certification in nine specialty areas, including cardiovascular and pulmonary, clinical electrophysiology, and geriatrics. To be eligible for certification, candidates must be licensed and have completed at least 2,000 clinical practice hours in their specialty area. Eligible candidates who pass an exam are awarded specialty certification. Certified specialists must be re-certified after ten years.
Source: https://study.com/articles/Physical_Therapy_Required_Education_to_Be_a_Physical_Therapist.html
Hope this helps and good luck!