3 answers
Lily
Student
Grafton, Ohio
2
Questions
Asked
737 views
What is the typical every day life and duties look like being a physical therapist and is obtaining the doctorate really difficult?
I am Lily, a senior at Midview HS. I am looking into doing exercise science and then getting a doctorate in physical therapy.
Login to comment
3 answers
Donna Calvert, PT, PhD
physical therapist
57
Answers
Mission, Kansas
Updated
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.
Yes, working on the degree is intense at times but you develop strong bonds with your classmates that last well beyond graduation. You are taking difficult course work BUT it is directly applicable to your future work and your future patient's welfare, so keep that in mind at the hard times. It's not about how tough it is for you during school but it's about being prepared to help your future patients.
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.
Yes, working on the degree is intense at times but you develop strong bonds with your classmates that last well beyond graduation. You are taking difficult course work BUT it is directly applicable to your future work and your future patient's welfare, so keep that in mind at the hard times. It's not about how tough it is for you during school but it's about being prepared to help your future patients.
Pat Black
Quality manager
12
Answers
Reno, Nevada
Updated
Pat’s Answer
My daughter is passionately pursuing her Kinesiology degree, setting her sights on becoming a physical therapist. We've made a point of connecting with local physical therapists and engaging with the college admissions team to help shape her educational path and determine the right bachelor degree for her. This journey has opened our eyes to the diverse job opportunities within the field and the varying educational requirements for each. While these can fluctuate slightly from state to state, one thing remains clear: if you're aspiring to be a physical therapist, earning a doctorate is a critical step. Moreover, gaining hands-on experience in the field, such as volunteering at a PT clinic, can significantly boost your chances of getting accepted into a doctorate program. It's a challenging journey, but with determination and passion, it's entirely achievable.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there, Lily!
As a physical therapist, your days are filled with opportunities to help people. You get to assist patients in managing pain, recovering from injuries, and enhancing their overall mobility and physical capabilities. You might find yourself working in a variety of places, such as hospitals, private clinics, nursing homes, or even sports facilities. Your responsibilities could range from assessing a patient's condition to designing a treatment plan, employing methods like exercise, massage, and stretching to help patients regain mobility and control pain. You also get to educate patients on how to prevent or manage their condition.
Alongside your direct work with patients, you'll often team up with other healthcare professionals like doctors, occupational therapists, and nurses. This ensures that your patients receive well-rounded care. Keeping track of patient progress and communicating with other healthcare providers are also key parts of your role.
Becoming a physical therapist takes a good deal of education and training. While you don't always need a doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) to enter the field, it's becoming more and more common. To get a DPT, you'll need to complete an accredited doctoral program in physical therapy, which usually takes about three years after you've earned a bachelor’s degree. These programs combine classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience.
In a DPT program, you'll study subjects like anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, pharmacology, and therapeutic interventions. You'll also gain real-world experience through clinical rotations in different healthcare settings.
Getting a doctorate in physical therapy can be tough, given the demanding coursework and clinical experience requirements. But if you're passionate about helping others improve their physical function and quality of life, you'll likely find the effort is more than worth it.
Here are the top 3 authoritative sources I used to answer your question:
1. American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) - The APTA's official website is a treasure trove of information about the field of physical therapy and the educational requirements for becoming a physical therapist.
2. Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) - This organization accredits physical therapy programs in the U.S. and provides crucial information about educational standards for the profession.
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - The BLS provides detailed information about the job outlook, potential salary, and educational requirements for physical therapists in the U.S.
May you be showered with blessings!
James Constantine Frangos.
As a physical therapist, your days are filled with opportunities to help people. You get to assist patients in managing pain, recovering from injuries, and enhancing their overall mobility and physical capabilities. You might find yourself working in a variety of places, such as hospitals, private clinics, nursing homes, or even sports facilities. Your responsibilities could range from assessing a patient's condition to designing a treatment plan, employing methods like exercise, massage, and stretching to help patients regain mobility and control pain. You also get to educate patients on how to prevent or manage their condition.
Alongside your direct work with patients, you'll often team up with other healthcare professionals like doctors, occupational therapists, and nurses. This ensures that your patients receive well-rounded care. Keeping track of patient progress and communicating with other healthcare providers are also key parts of your role.
Becoming a physical therapist takes a good deal of education and training. While you don't always need a doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) to enter the field, it's becoming more and more common. To get a DPT, you'll need to complete an accredited doctoral program in physical therapy, which usually takes about three years after you've earned a bachelor’s degree. These programs combine classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience.
In a DPT program, you'll study subjects like anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, pharmacology, and therapeutic interventions. You'll also gain real-world experience through clinical rotations in different healthcare settings.
Getting a doctorate in physical therapy can be tough, given the demanding coursework and clinical experience requirements. But if you're passionate about helping others improve their physical function and quality of life, you'll likely find the effort is more than worth it.
Here are the top 3 authoritative sources I used to answer your question:
1. American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) - The APTA's official website is a treasure trove of information about the field of physical therapy and the educational requirements for becoming a physical therapist.
2. Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) - This organization accredits physical therapy programs in the U.S. and provides crucial information about educational standards for the profession.
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - The BLS provides detailed information about the job outlook, potential salary, and educational requirements for physical therapists in the U.S.
May you be showered with blessings!
James Constantine Frangos.