What It Takes to Become a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists help guide people on the path to recovery from injury or some other physical barrier. They help patients to restore functionality of their limbs, move about more freely and without pain, ward off pain and limit the effects of physical disabilities that may have come about due to illness or injury. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment for physical therapists is expected to increase much more quickly than for other occupations. While it does take some education to break into this field, the rewards of such training are virtually boundless, and the hurdles are well worth it as the median salary for a physical therapist is around $70,000, according to Salary.com.
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Finding an Accredited Program
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The first step in training for a career as a physical therapist is to find an accredited educational program. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there are more than 200 properly accredited physical therapist training programs in the United States. Proper accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education means that the program offers a master's degree or doctoral degree program, as that is the lowest level of education accepted for the occupation. One must complete the educational program at one of these levels to qualify for the state license needed to practice in any state.
Passing the National and State Licensing Examinations
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Upon graduation from an accredited program, budding physical therapists need to obtain licensure to legally practice physical therapy. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy is the agency charged with creating and administering the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for physical therapist hopefuls and physical therapy assistant hopefuls. They assess the applicant's knowledge of all of the areas needed to qualify for licensure in any of the 50 states plus the Virgin Islands, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
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Obtain a Physical Therapy License
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Upon successful completion of an accredited degree program and passing of the NPTE exam prospective physical therapists are allowed to apply for a license. Different states may have slightly different specific requirements for licensure.
Hone Your Skills
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After receiving a license in physical therapy it is possible to hone your skills as a physical therapist. Some professionals choose to dive into their own practice whereas others choose to hone their skills working in the practice of a fellow physical therapist.
Successful professionals in this field have strong communication skills and find it easy to relate to others. Part of the job description is building a relationship with patients, guiding them in the proper way to care for their bodies and aid in their rehabilitation.
Having Your Own Practice
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A private physical therapy practice is a dream that many PT hopefuls share. Whether you have your own practice, work with others or work all over the place for various clients it is important to keep in mind that the education is not over. Not only do many states require continuing education in order to maintain licensure but continuing classes in your field helps you to stay knowledgeable and abreast in the field as things change all the time.
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