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Are there any professions that physical therapist could also do?
I'm a senior at Brennan High school and i am interested in the medical field (Physical therapy) and i would like to know more about the process of becoming a physical therapist. #physical-therapist #physical-therapy #medicine #physical #therapy
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Susie’s Answer
In the USA, you will need to complete a BS first and then go onto complete your DPT, so it is a 7-year process. Some universities will admit students directly from HS, and then you stay there to complete the whole process- but you will need to keep up your grades! In terms of professions that are related to PT that PTs can work in, some PT's work as seating and mobility specialists (wheelchairs, standers, etc.) and some work as Developmental Therapists with infants and toddlers with special needs. I did an MS in Child Development, so that would allow me to work as a "DT" in the field within the Early Intervention program, if I wanted to do that. Some PTs work as insurance reviewers, in quality control/regulatory matters, or in sales of medical devices. I have a colleague who works for a company that sells devices that are implanted into children with cerebral palsy, so he is present during neurosurgery in the surgical suite, advising the surgeons on the specifics of the device!
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Jaime’s Answer
There are many different areas you can utilize a degree in Physical Therapy. There are a variety of settings within the profession such as Outpatient, Home Health, Skilled Nursing Facilities, and Acute Hospitals. You can work with geriatrics (older patients) or pediatrics (children). You can focus on specific topics such as sports medicine, women's health, or hand therapy. Additionally, you can utilize your degree and enough experience to teach at a University, medical sales, healthcare marketing, or consulting. Your degree doesn't limit you to the field of only Physical Therapy. But your experience will shape how broad and far you will be able to transition.