2 answers
Colten
Student
Antwerp, Ohio
3
Questions
Asked
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If you are a physical therapist or were one, what was it like Where did you work, and how long did you work for?
I am also interested in what education you got to receive the job.
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2 answers
Cheri Hall
Physical Therapist
46
Answers
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Updated
Cheri’s Answer
Dear Colten,
With three decades of experience as a physical therapist, I've come to appreciate the diverse opportunities this profession offers. One of the most rewarding aspects is the variety of environments in which we can work. For instance, we can assist athletes on their road to recovery after an injury, or help individuals who have suffered severe injuries like spinal cord damage, guiding them through the process of relearning basic movements like walking.
Our work extends to children with developmental delays, where we help them overcome their challenges, and to older adults who need support in strengthening their bodies. The possibilities are truly limitless. Some therapists even opt for a more nomadic lifestyle, becoming traveling therapists. They spend a few months in one location before moving on to the next, with their housing and travel expenses often covered by the company.
Being a physical therapist ensures that no two days are identical. Our days are filled with activity, treating between seven to ten patients daily. But patient interaction is just one aspect of the job. We also handle administrative tasks like documenting patient treatments, returning calls from doctors, securing insurance authorizations, and participating in meetings. It's a career that offers immense satisfaction, especially for those who enjoy engaging with people and leading an active lifestyle.
Contact a local physical therapy clinic in your area and ask if you can observe the therapists for a day or 2.
With three decades of experience as a physical therapist, I've come to appreciate the diverse opportunities this profession offers. One of the most rewarding aspects is the variety of environments in which we can work. For instance, we can assist athletes on their road to recovery after an injury, or help individuals who have suffered severe injuries like spinal cord damage, guiding them through the process of relearning basic movements like walking.
Our work extends to children with developmental delays, where we help them overcome their challenges, and to older adults who need support in strengthening their bodies. The possibilities are truly limitless. Some therapists even opt for a more nomadic lifestyle, becoming traveling therapists. They spend a few months in one location before moving on to the next, with their housing and travel expenses often covered by the company.
Being a physical therapist ensures that no two days are identical. Our days are filled with activity, treating between seven to ten patients daily. But patient interaction is just one aspect of the job. We also handle administrative tasks like documenting patient treatments, returning calls from doctors, securing insurance authorizations, and participating in meetings. It's a career that offers immense satisfaction, especially for those who enjoy engaging with people and leading an active lifestyle.
Cheri recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for the advice.
Colten
Donna Calvert, PT, PhD
physical therapist
57
Answers
Mission, Kansas
Updated
Donna’s Answer
To become a PT, you will need to complete an undergrad degree, usually taking 4 years. Then you can apply to PT schools that will then be an additional 2.5-3 years finishing with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. A DPT is the "entry-level" degree needed to practice physical therapy meaning that you can't practice without that level of degree. Some schools that have DPT programs have "bridge" programs for those who get undergrad degrees at the same school that may decrease the time by a semester or two but often a student has to pre-qualify for those programs and adhere to GPA requirements to keep that pre-qualification.
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.
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.
Thank you!
Colten