Physical Therapy

The history, mission and role of a physical therapist.

1. Physical Therapy Lindsay Burton Health 4190

2. Introduction Physical therapists must diagnose and provide treatment for individuals of all walks of life with any injuries or other medical concerns. Important roles include: Rehabilitation Injury Prevention Health maintenance Health promotion/education Often work as a team with other physical therapists and physical therapy assistants in order to provide the best possible care and treatment.

3. History In 1921 the American Women's Physical Therapeutic Association was formed. First professional association for physical therapy In 1922, the organizations name changed to the American Physiotherapy Association. In the 1930s the Code of Ethics were added and men were permitted to join. I n the 1940’s and 1950’s the field grew dramatically due to WWII and the polio epidemic.

4. Growth Potential The career of physical therapy is expected to grow 36% from the timespan of 2012 to 2022. This is higher than average compared to other occupations. Why the large growth? There is a high percentage of elders in our population due to the large “baby-boom” that occurred in the 1950’s after WWII Increased chronic diseases due to today’s unhealthy lifestyle Increases in technology are saving lives that previously would have been lost Healthcare reform is giving people more access The highest growth potential is in rural areas and in geriatrics. (elderly population)

5. Salary M edian annual wage: $ 79,860 in May 2012 The bottom 10% earned less than $55,620, and the top 10% earned more than $ 112,020

6. Education Required Bachelor degree: Includes core classes such as biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology Doctor of Physical Therapy required: Typically takes 3 years Includes core classes such as biomechanics , anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, and pharmacology Residency program: Approximately 1 year Includes additional hands-on, often specialized training

7. Furthered Education/Programs Clinical Residencies: Designed to give further training, education, and practice Clinical Fellowships: Similar to clinical residency, however, fellowships are more specialized Requires at least one of the following: Specialist certification Completion of a residency in a specialty area Demonstrates clinical skills within a particular specialty area

8. Specialization Physical therapists can specialize in the following areas: Cardiovascular & Pulmonary, clinical electrophysiology, geriatrics, neurology, orthopaedics , pediatrics, sports, women health Requirements: C urrent licensure to practice physical therapy A minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice in the specialty area 25 % of these must have been within the last 3 years. My goal is to specialize in sports physical therapy. Has additional emergency care and CPR requirements Direct Patient care requirement

9. South Carolina PT Programs Medical University of South Carolina Department of Rehabilitation Sciences Located in Charleston, SC Up to 64 students accepted per year GRE scores in the 60 th percentile range are competitive University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health Located in Columbia, SC Approximately 18 students accepted per year GRE scores above 300

10. Work Environment & Schedule Physical therapists most commonly work in private offices and clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes. Physical therapists should be prepared to spend most of the day on their feet. Actively setting up exercises and aiding patients to complete their routines may be strenuous at times 75% of physical therapists work full time Business hours are typical although some work evenings and weekends

11. O’Net Profiler Physical Therapy Top 3 interests: Social The “Helpers” Investigative The “Thinkers” Realistic “Hands-on” Workers My top 3 interests Social The “Helpers” Artistic The “Creators” Investigative The “Thinkers”

12. O’NET Profiler My top 3 interests according to the O’NET profiler are social, artistic, and investigative. The social and investigative interests coincide with two of the three main interests of physical therapy. I thoroughly enjoy helping people and working in a setting where you must create solutions to the challenges presented. I am especially interested in helping athletes because I have been in their place multiple times throughout my high school athletic experience. I will be able to empathize with the athletes who are wanting to get back to their sport. Although my scores were not high for the realistic interest, I have always worked and learned better with hands-on activities. Additionally, the investigative interest fits me because I am always curious to know more and understand the why’s and how’s behind concepts.

13. Conclusion Although it may be a tough role to become a physical therapist with many years of training and education, the benefits are well worth it. A few of the benefits include: Chance to help others and improve their lives Above average salary Plentiful job openings and stability Continued education opportunities Variety of options for work environments and locations

14. Resources "Minimum Eligibility Requirements for Specialist Certification." Minimum Eligibility Requirements for Specialist Certification . APTA, 17 Feb. 2011. Web. 01 Sept. 2015. " More Details at O*NET OnLine for Physical Therapists at My Next Move." More Details at O*NET OnLine for Physical Therapists at My Next Move . N.p ., n.d. Web. 01 Sept. 2015. http :// www.apta.org "Physical Therapy." Physical Therapy . N.p ., 2014. Web. 01 Sept. 2015. "Summary." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 8 Jan. 2014. Web. 01 Sept. 2015. "Welcome to DPT." USC Physical Therapy Program . N.p ., n.d. Web. 01 Sept. 2015 .