Entering a medical program involves many steps and stages in terms of education and training. This is certainly the case for the physical therapy Seattle, WA sector of the bourgeoning healthcare field. It is a wonderful career, however, involving work with all kinds of patients who have body functions and physical disabilities.
Being part of a rehabilitation program means addressing pain and improving mobility and strength. Patients can variously be accident victims or those afflicted with disorders (some congenital) like cerebral palsy, brain damage, heart disease, arthritis, and more. Many are extremely debilitating. A PT, as the profession is known, works on a team with other providers to ensure correct diagnosis and a prescribed appropriate treatment plan. The result will be better motor function and posture, improved muscle strength and performance, and smother coordination of body movements.
A skilled therapist understands and utilizes various tools and types of equipment, not to mention techniques such as electric stimulation or massage therapy. They are also well-versed in walkers, ultrasounds, prosthetics, leg braces, and wheelchairs among other mobility devices. Each patient's physical being is assessed and diagnosed before treatment is prescribed.
A therapist must understand the role of various techniques and tools will plying his or her trade. Ultrasounds are common, and in the patient assistance area there are walkers, prosthetics, leg braces, and wheelchairs. Electric stimulation is favored by many along with palliative approaches such as deep tissue massage, hot and cold packs, etc. It is usually a long process to recovery requiring patience and dedication.
At the higher level, the student pursues a master's degree and/or doctorate before taking qualifying exams for licensing. It is a matter of what kind of career the student wishes to pursue within the umbrella field, and there are 200 institutions in the US alone from which to choose.
To become a therapist in the field, most states require the NPTE or National Physical Therapy Examination. There may be others, but this is the most common. In additional, each candidate must show English proficiency if foreign. All the required documents are presented before entering the program of choice. Finally there is the matter of licensing in one's state of residency.
To practice as a therapist, the student must take the NPTE or National Physical therapy Examination along with any state requirements as mandated by the state board. Foreign students also have to show an English proficiency certification. When all documents are presented and accepted, qualified candidates will have licensure granted. It is important to note that it is required for any post-professional programs.
Thus, it is not an easy road to follow and it takes many years, but it is a rewarding and lucrative one. The salary for the average therapist is in the $80,000 range. It depends upon one's education and experience and whether one wishes to work in a hospital setting, a rehab or orthopedic center, or on one's own in private practice, which is a less common choice. It is a competitive field, but if you have what it takes you can be part of one of the most expansive fields in healthcare today. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to rise by 30% in the near future. Those who are dedicated and caring will surely find their niche.
Being part of a rehabilitation program means addressing pain and improving mobility and strength. Patients can variously be accident victims or those afflicted with disorders (some congenital) like cerebral palsy, brain damage, heart disease, arthritis, and more. Many are extremely debilitating. A PT, as the profession is known, works on a team with other providers to ensure correct diagnosis and a prescribed appropriate treatment plan. The result will be better motor function and posture, improved muscle strength and performance, and smother coordination of body movements.
A skilled therapist understands and utilizes various tools and types of equipment, not to mention techniques such as electric stimulation or massage therapy. They are also well-versed in walkers, ultrasounds, prosthetics, leg braces, and wheelchairs among other mobility devices. Each patient's physical being is assessed and diagnosed before treatment is prescribed.
A therapist must understand the role of various techniques and tools will plying his or her trade. Ultrasounds are common, and in the patient assistance area there are walkers, prosthetics, leg braces, and wheelchairs. Electric stimulation is favored by many along with palliative approaches such as deep tissue massage, hot and cold packs, etc. It is usually a long process to recovery requiring patience and dedication.
At the higher level, the student pursues a master's degree and/or doctorate before taking qualifying exams for licensing. It is a matter of what kind of career the student wishes to pursue within the umbrella field, and there are 200 institutions in the US alone from which to choose.
To become a therapist in the field, most states require the NPTE or National Physical Therapy Examination. There may be others, but this is the most common. In additional, each candidate must show English proficiency if foreign. All the required documents are presented before entering the program of choice. Finally there is the matter of licensing in one's state of residency.
To practice as a therapist, the student must take the NPTE or National Physical therapy Examination along with any state requirements as mandated by the state board. Foreign students also have to show an English proficiency certification. When all documents are presented and accepted, qualified candidates will have licensure granted. It is important to note that it is required for any post-professional programs.
Thus, it is not an easy road to follow and it takes many years, but it is a rewarding and lucrative one. The salary for the average therapist is in the $80,000 range. It depends upon one's education and experience and whether one wishes to work in a hospital setting, a rehab or orthopedic center, or on one's own in private practice, which is a less common choice. It is a competitive field, but if you have what it takes you can be part of one of the most expansive fields in healthcare today. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to rise by 30% in the near future. Those who are dedicated and caring will surely find their niche.
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