4 answers
Jishnu
Student
2
Questions
Asked
397 views
What are some possible careers after getting a degree in physical therapy ?
I am thinking about going into sports medicine but I am wondering what are some other career choices if I change my mind.
Login to comment
4 answers
Cheri Hall
Physical Therapist
49
Answers
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Updated
Cheri’s Answer
Hello Jishnu,
Being a physical therapist opens up a multitude of avenues beyond just sports medicine. Remember, physical therapy isn't an undergraduate major. To become a physical therapist, you need to complete an undergraduate degree in a science field like biology, kinesiology, or exercise science, followed by a doctoral program in physical therapy.
Here are some areas where physical therapists are needed, apart from sports medicine:
1. Hospitals: Physical therapists play a crucial role in hospitals, assisting patients recovering from injuries or severe illnesses. They help patients regain strength, relearn walking, and prepare for returning home.
2. Home Health: For those who find it hard to leave their homes, physical therapists provide in-home services to help regain independence.
3. Geriatric Physical Therapy: This specialty focuses on working with the elderly.
4. Pediatric Physical Therapy: These therapists work in schools and outpatient offices, assisting children with disabilities.
5. Rehabilitation Centers: Here, you might assist individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, teaching them to walk again or use a wheelchair.
6. Adaptive Sports: As a physical therapist, you could work with adaptive sports leagues like wheelchair basketball or rugby, or train athletes for the special olympics.
As you can see, the field of physical therapy offers a wide range of opportunities beyond sports medicine. I recommend shadowing in various settings to gain a better understanding of how the job varies. Many physical therapists welcome students who are exploring their interests to shadow them.
Being a physical therapist opens up a multitude of avenues beyond just sports medicine. Remember, physical therapy isn't an undergraduate major. To become a physical therapist, you need to complete an undergraduate degree in a science field like biology, kinesiology, or exercise science, followed by a doctoral program in physical therapy.
Here are some areas where physical therapists are needed, apart from sports medicine:
1. Hospitals: Physical therapists play a crucial role in hospitals, assisting patients recovering from injuries or severe illnesses. They help patients regain strength, relearn walking, and prepare for returning home.
2. Home Health: For those who find it hard to leave their homes, physical therapists provide in-home services to help regain independence.
3. Geriatric Physical Therapy: This specialty focuses on working with the elderly.
4. Pediatric Physical Therapy: These therapists work in schools and outpatient offices, assisting children with disabilities.
5. Rehabilitation Centers: Here, you might assist individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, teaching them to walk again or use a wheelchair.
6. Adaptive Sports: As a physical therapist, you could work with adaptive sports leagues like wheelchair basketball or rugby, or train athletes for the special olympics.
As you can see, the field of physical therapy offers a wide range of opportunities beyond sports medicine. I recommend shadowing in various settings to gain a better understanding of how the job varies. Many physical therapists welcome students who are exploring their interests to shadow them.
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
345
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Jishnu:
According to www.indeed.com, here are 11 Types of Physical Therapy Jobs in the Medical Field:
- Exercise Physiologist
- Recreational Therapist
- Physical Therapy Consultant
- Geriatric Physical Therapist
- Orthopedic Physical Therapist
- Pediatric Physical Therapist
- Neurological Physical Therapist
- Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapist
- Travel Physical Therapist
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/types-of-physical-therapy-jobs
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career as a Physical Therapist. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Other classes to take will be anatomy, exercise science and physiology. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Physical Therapist, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway for Physical Therapy.
According to Indeed.com, the educational pathway to become a Physical Therapist will be between 7-8 years. 4 Years will be to earn a Bachelor Degree. A Masters Degree will be 2-3 years. The Doctorate Degree will be another 2-3 years. Then, there are internships, certifications and licensing that have to be earned and achieved along the way.
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-long-to-become-physical-therapist
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Colleges and Universities for a Physical Therapy major:
- University of Delaware
- University of Pittsburgh
- Washington University (St. Louis)
- Northwestern University
- University of Iowa
- University of Southern California
- Duke University
- Emory University
- Creighton University
- MGH Institute of Health Professions
- Ohio State University
- University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill)
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/physical-therapy-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path in Physical Therapy!
According to www.indeed.com, here are 11 Types of Physical Therapy Jobs in the Medical Field:
- Exercise Physiologist
- Recreational Therapist
- Physical Therapy Consultant
- Geriatric Physical Therapist
- Orthopedic Physical Therapist
- Pediatric Physical Therapist
- Neurological Physical Therapist
- Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapist
- Travel Physical Therapist
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/types-of-physical-therapy-jobs
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career as a Physical Therapist. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Other classes to take will be anatomy, exercise science and physiology. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Physical Therapist, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway for Physical Therapy.
According to Indeed.com, the educational pathway to become a Physical Therapist will be between 7-8 years. 4 Years will be to earn a Bachelor Degree. A Masters Degree will be 2-3 years. The Doctorate Degree will be another 2-3 years. Then, there are internships, certifications and licensing that have to be earned and achieved along the way.
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-long-to-become-physical-therapist
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Colleges and Universities for a Physical Therapy major:
- University of Delaware
- University of Pittsburgh
- Washington University (St. Louis)
- Northwestern University
- University of Iowa
- University of Southern California
- Duke University
- Emory University
- Creighton University
- MGH Institute of Health Professions
- Ohio State University
- University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill)
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/physical-therapy-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path in Physical Therapy!
It's important to note that Occupational Therapists, Exercise Physiologist, and Recreational Therapists are not physical therapists and require completely different education, licensure, and training from each other.
Cheri Hall
Thanks Cheri for your insights ... It may be best to contact www.Indeed.com to let them know. Thanks!
Michael Torio
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
216
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
With a degree in physical therapy, you have several career options beyond sports medicine. You could work as a clinical physical therapist in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private practices, treating a range of conditions from injuries to chronic illnesses. Other options include becoming a pediatric or geriatric physical therapist, specializing in children or elderly patients. You could also pursue roles in research, teaching, or administration. Additionally, you might explore positions in corporate wellness programs, or work with athletes in different settings, such as professional teams, or in ergonomic consultation and injury prevention.
Hakim Ali Chandio
Project Planning and Management
1
Answer
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Updated
Hakim Ali’s Answer
A physical therapy degree opens the door to a plethora of exciting career opportunities, not just limited to sports medicine. You can take on conventional roles such as aiding patients in their recovery from injuries in settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, or rehabilitation centers.
Should you find joy in working with particular demographics, you have the option to specialize. This could be in pediatrics, where you'll work with children, geriatrics, where you'll assist older adults, or neurology, where you'll treat conditions related to the brain and nerves.
Alternatively, if you're seeking a unique path, consider diving into research to pioneer new therapy techniques, or take on an educational role to shape the therapists of tomorrow at universities. You could even step into a managerial position at a clinic or hospital department.
There are also non-clinical roles to explore, such as venturing into medical sales, wellness consulting, or even starting your own business. The demand for physical therapists is worldwide, presenting opportunities for travel, work in areas lacking in healthcare services, or involvement with non-profit organizations. The versatility of a physical therapy degree paves the way for numerous fulfilling and rewarding career paths.
Should you find joy in working with particular demographics, you have the option to specialize. This could be in pediatrics, where you'll work with children, geriatrics, where you'll assist older adults, or neurology, where you'll treat conditions related to the brain and nerves.
Alternatively, if you're seeking a unique path, consider diving into research to pioneer new therapy techniques, or take on an educational role to shape the therapists of tomorrow at universities. You could even step into a managerial position at a clinic or hospital department.
There are also non-clinical roles to explore, such as venturing into medical sales, wellness consulting, or even starting your own business. The demand for physical therapists is worldwide, presenting opportunities for travel, work in areas lacking in healthcare services, or involvement with non-profit organizations. The versatility of a physical therapy degree paves the way for numerous fulfilling and rewarding career paths.