Physical therapy is a demanding profession, but once you start working with patients in a clinical setting, it can be extremely rewarding. You’ll work with patients to help them regain mobility after accidents, strokes, and other traumas, as well as reduce pain and teach them how to avoid injury in the future. Expect to complete a Bachelor’s degree in physical therapy and pass a licensing exam at the very least, though a Master’s degree will enhance your abilities as a physical therapist and increase your employability.
Some physical therapists work as personal trainers or massage therapists in addition to being physical therapists. With their extensive knowledge of human anatomy, a personal trainer/physical therapist can help patients get back in shape after an injury, as well as take on new, healthy clients and keep them that way with carefully monitored exercise. Massage therapy combined with physical therapy will help your patients relax, improve their flexibility, and overall feel better.
If you want to work in physical therapy as a high school student, start by taking a lot of science and psychology classes, as well as volunteering or working in a clinical setting. Interacting with patients in a hospital or physical therapy office can help you decide if this is the right career for you, while science classes can help you prepare for college. Get physically active as well: you’ll need to be in good shape to work in this field, and it’ll help you understand body mechanics and sports injuries better.
Aim for a Bachelor of Science degree in anatomy, physiology, and biology in college. Additionally, be prepared to take advanced math courses as well as psychology and social science classes. You will deal with patients in a variety of psychological states as a physical therapist, and you will be better able to help them if you understand human psychology and use it to develop strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to take continuing education courses to hone your skills if you pursue a Bachelor’s in Physical Therapy.
Most people who want to be physical therapists enroll in a Master’s program to learn more about biomechanics, anatomy, techniques for helping bodies recover from trauma, pathology, and ethics. A Master’s degree in physical therapy also allows you to specialize in areas such as sports medicine or stroke recovery. Physical therapists are frequently part of a cooperative medical team working together to make a patient feel better, so they can learn how to work with medical professionals from a variety of fields.
To become a physical therapist, you must pass a national licensing exam after graduation. After passing this exam, you are eligible to join an existing practice or open your own. Many therapists prefer to start out in an established practice because they can benefit from existing facilities and a strong patient base. Plan on staying in excellent shape while practicing, as you will be using your muscles on a daily basis. Maintain your knowledge of physical therapy advances by reading trade journals and attending conferences so that you can provide high-quality patient care.