How to Get a Job as a Physical Therapist

A physical therapist (PT) is an individual who deals with patients having impairments, disabilities or physical malfunction and adverse health status resulting from injury, disease or other causes. Most physical therapists work in multi-disciplinary hospitals or in offices of other health practitioners. Physical therapists also work as the physical directors in various educational institutions and professional sports clubs.

Physical therapists deal with a vast spectrum of patients in numerous physiological states. A physical therapist has a large number of responsibilities, some of which are listed here:

• Examining the patient's medical history and measuring the patient's normal physical attributes like balance, strength, range of motion, coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function
• Developing plans related to the patient's treatment and planning a positive outcome
• Conducting cyclic examinations and modifying treatment plan according to the patient's improvement
• Consulting and coordinating with the doctors, dentists, nurses, educators, social workers, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists and audiologists to implement and improve the treatment methods
• Utilizing various methods like ultrasound, electrical stimulation, cold compresses and hot packs to alleviate the pain and decrease swelling
• Training the patients to make use of assistive and adaptive devices such as prostheses wheelchairs, and crutches
• Analyzing and interpreting data, formulating problem lists and establishing plans for the solution of clinical problems
• Developing confidence in the patients in order to help them recover quickly
• Maintaining and promoting a positive attitude toward patients and their course of treatment
• Assisting patients in dressing and grooming themselves
• Instructing and training the patients how to exercise on a regular basis in homes

A Bachelor of Science degree in anatomy, physiology, or biology is a prerequisite to functioning as a Physical Therapist. Certification in specialized courses like biomechanics, microanatomy, human growth and development, manifestation of diseases, examination techniques and therapeutic procedures acts as an advantage for an aspirant. One can also acquire a legal license for practicing physiotherapy by taking a test from a government institution. This provides more value to a young Physical Therapist. A physiotherapist should also work under a professional physician for a minimum of two years.



Some skills most physical therapists should posses are:

• Excellent communication skill and legibility in speech, to convey information accurately to the patients
• Capability of updating knowledge with advancement in physical therapy through reading journals and attending conferences to ensure highest quality of patient care
• Ability to work with the people of all ages and backgrounds
• Friendly and understanding nature with the patients
• Good knowledge of medical and work ethics
• Operative knowledge of the equipment used in the therapy treatment
• Specialization in medicinal treatments and measures
• Willingness to shift residing location or even to stay in the patient's house
• High level of fitness, with no physical disorder, as physical therapists frequently have to lift weights, stoop, kneel, crouch, and stand for long periods

There is no fixed salary for a proficient physiotherapist since he or she can earn as much as possible. However, the average salary of the physical therapist is $50,000 per year. Physiotherapists can work for a number of hospitals by visiting each hospital at its particular timing.

Officially, there were about 25,000 physical therapists in the United States over the last few years. Employment in this field is expected to increase as a growing number of individuals with disabilities or limited function tends to increase the demand for therapy services.