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what's it like being a therapist?
#therapy #physical-therapist
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Samantha’s Answer
I am a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) and I can tell you from my point of view only. I adore being a PTA and working with my patients. I have worked in skilled nursing facilites/long-tern care and in home health. I love being able to see my patients everyday or multiple times a week and helping to recover and regain their life. Seeing someone who has a had a stroke take their first steps again, see them light up when they can sit themself up in bed or even use the toilet again is an amazing feeling. Showing your patients and their families that they can do something the previous couldn't, or didn't think they would be able to do again is a fantastic feeling. There are struggles in the everyday: productivity, documentation, general obstacles to work around, however the outcome is more than rewarding. It has open multiple doors for me, including volunteering for 17 years with the Special Olympics and working with Special Needs population. So like any job, there will be difficulties and frustrations. However if you are in it for the right reasons and want to truly help the patients, its extremely satisfying .
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Donna’s Answer
As a physical therapist for 35+ years in several different settings, I found each setting had its own rewards and challenges. PT's can work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities,home health, school systems, etc. In each setting, it was extremely rewarding to work with patients to achieve their highest level of independence, improve their function or decrease their pain. A typical day had regularly scheduled patients for the PT to see, either for an initial evaluation or ongoing treatment. Some settings have PT Assistants or aids to help with aspects of treatments; others the PT does the entire treatment themselves. As patients improve, you change their treatment goals and set up a new program for them to work on, so the work is ever-changing and can be very challenging when a patient isn't improving or cooperating. Most patient interactions are very enjoyable.
There is always the paperwork/computer charting aspect of the job and that can be exasperating some days, but it is necessary to do that well so someone else can step in to work with your patient if you can't. Also, there are opportunities to work both full and part time in PT, as your own life events change.
PT is an excellent field and the demand will continue into the future as higher numbers of the population age.
There is always the paperwork/computer charting aspect of the job and that can be exasperating some days, but it is necessary to do that well so someone else can step in to work with your patient if you can't. Also, there are opportunities to work both full and part time in PT, as your own life events change.
PT is an excellent field and the demand will continue into the future as higher numbers of the population age.
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
As an occupational therapist, I find it is extremely satisfying to collaborate with patients and their caregivers to accomplish a goal (example drinking from a cup, opening a jar). The path isn't always easy; sometimes it's a little frustrating. Some plans for treatment don't work out very well or the patient may have another concern to address during my treatment session. But these experiences can be very benefical for both the therapist and patient. It's also very nice to get to know a person and hear their life story. If you are thinking of becoming a therapist (occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech language pathologist) to help someone, this is the right job for you!