Finding an accredited and approved physical therapy school is essential when looking to get a physical therapy certification for a job or physical therapy assistant position. You will find that the physical therapy job is a rewarding job where you help people with physical injuries or abnormalities. You need to know what you are doing when you work as a physical therapist as there are many responsibilities, positions, various kinds of equipment, and therapy methods that you need to learn. That’s why we first get certified in a physical therapy school.
You will find that there is a wide range of potential clients/patiens in this field. You will treat various pains or conditions such as back pain, arthritis, cerebral palsy, head injuries, sprains, and broken bones.
When going to physical therapy school to find out what you really want to do there are two main paths you can follow: The physical therapy assistant path or the the physical therapist job description.
The physical therapy assistant side of things will assist the physical therapist with tasks around him. What kind of tasks this is depends on what kind of facility you are working in. A common practice on the job is to HELP the patients perform their movements or exercises when instructed by the therapist. Other duties that are the responsibility of the physical therapy assistant are clerical duties. Some of which might include, taking phone calls, stocking up on supplies, and scheduling appointments at the right times. As the assistant doesn’t have a full license he or she is not allowed to perform clinical procedures like a certified physcal therapist can.
The job of the physical therapist will be to assess the situation and make sure that the patient gets the best possible treatment by looking at their pain level and physical capabilites. The physical therapist will then prescribe and recommend a certain plan and instruct in various activities and will help the patient perform these tasks correctly. The physical therapist also administers clinical therapeutic procedures, including mechanical traction and electrical stimulation. The main job for the physical therapist is to decrease the pain and increase the mobility of the patient.
In order to get the title of a physical therapy assistant you must get a license or certificication at an accredited physical therapy assistant school or university. A typical program will last for around 2 years and cost $10,000 for in-state studens and $30,000 for out of state students. The good thing though, is that schools exist in many of the states around the country. When you are finished with the education program you will finish with an associate’s degree in physical therapy assistance.
You can not begin practice immediately after physical therapy schools graduation, instead you must also pass the state examination. Taking this exam is usually about a $350 fee. You will also many times begin working as a free physical therapy assistant for a while in order to get “field experience” and learn the in’s and outs of physical therapy work.
Additional requirements in some states include First Aid and CPR training. If you decide to go the physical therapy assistant program you should know that it is not a prerequisite to becoming a certified physical therapist and it is not the full education to become one either. The coursework for physical therapy assistant is usually only the basic medical education classes and doesn’t enable you to practice full physical therapy.
To become a fully licensed physical therapist you must study at an accredited physical therapy school or university/college.
A usual education for becoming a physical therapist is also two years in length and costs around $13,00 for in-state students and $35,000 for out of state students. You can choose to go longer and study for the doctoral or masters degree, which will require around 4 years of study. A majority of physical therapy shcools offer a simpler 2-2.5 year program that is enough, but not 100% complete for masters degree. The costs is usually about $12,500 to $32,000. The same exam nees to be taken for physical therapists as well as physical therapy assistants and the fee is $350. In the physical therapist education plan you’ll get basic medial knowledge and chemical classes too. This expands your knowledge and ability to get a higher salary.
Physical Therapy assistants and physical therapists work in a wide variety of locations, including hospitals, nursing homes, home health care, outpatient clinics, schools, sports facilities, and private practices.
The median expected salary for a physical therapist is $73,444 in the United States.
Job Description for Physical Therapist
Responsible for evaluating/assessing needs of referred patients and formulating treatment plans. Provides therapy services defined in treatment plans. Work cooperatively with physicians, case managers, and adjustors. May supervise physical therapy assistants, aides, and athletic trainers. Requires a master’s degree and is certified as a physical therapist. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a manager.
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