Physical Therapy

BY: Mark TorresTech and Assessment

MW 8-9:15

For any High School/College students

interested in choosing this field.

What is PT?

Physical Therapy is a medical practice in which a license health care professional help patients reduce pain and improve/restore mobility after an injury or surgery.

Quick Facts….. Median Salary is $80,000. NJ is the

third highest paid state for PT earning $82,800

Work either in: outpatient clinic, inpatient rehab center, home, office, fitness center etc..

Takes about 3-4 yrs to get a degree in PT.

Specializations: Cardiovascular & PulmonaryClinical ElectrophysiologyGeriatricsNeurologyOrthopaedicsPediatricsSports Physical TherapyWomen's Health

PT wants to improve someone’sSpeed Mobility Balance Strength Flexibility Movement Coordination Respiratory endurance Cardiovascular endurance

There are three different fields in PT:

Inpatient/Outpatient Physical Therapy

Research Base

Sports Medicine

Before PT school

Some good undergraduate degrees

› Biology (Pre-Med)› Athletic Training› Health Promotion & Fitness Management› Physical Therapy Assistant

Try to Major in Health Science

Pre-requisite Courses Every PT school as somewhat the same

pre-requisite.

Pre-requisite are prior courses needed to take more advance courses.

Usually pre-requisite courses:› Anatomy and/or Physiology I and II› Biology› Chemistry I and II› Physics› Social and Behavioral Science› Statistics

Some PT do a joint undergrad/PT degree

Ex: Stockton College of New Jersey› Pre- Physical Therapy (7 year program)

4 yrs undergraduate, 3 yrs PT

Admission Process…..

Like any school there is a process and requirements that have to be met.

Every school is different.

IMPORTANT to do your research

CHECKLIST

Research PT program and schools

› Sample of what to look for in order of importance

PT Program

Staff

School’s Accreditation

Location

Receive a Bachelor Degree Complete Pre-Requisite Courses

Obtain Physical Therapy Experience Complete the recommended amount Have Hours verified by a PT

Pass any exam like MCAT Look at what the program request

Hold a 3.0+ GPA

Obtain Official Transcript

3 appropriate references 1 from a license Physical Therapist Other 2 from professor or a professional in

the health field

Submit a completed application early

It also doesn’t hurt to do a little extra› Join/Create a Club› Do Volunteer work› Get different certifications

You need to show the Board of Admission that YOU are UNIQUE

Perks….. Employment in PT is growing fast then

expected.

Demand for therapist has sky rocketed

Expected to grow by 40% by 2020

Benefits of a PT Career

Making a DifferenceBe a Movement Expert

Enjoy Job SecurityLove You Job

Choose Your LocationBe and Entrepreneur

Reference: http://www.apta.org/PTCareers/Benefits/

US News & World Report issued a list of “best jobs” in 2012

Physical Therapy

Ranked 4th best job in health care

Ranked 8th overall best job

4

8

Maybe I’ll look into Physical Therapy?!?!?

Going After Your Goals

Be your you pick a career you love› Don’t just go after the money

Network with other interested or that are already in the field.

Never Give Up on Your DREAM

For more information…..

Contact a local license physical therapist ORTalk to your professor, advisor, or Health

Profession Advisor

You can visit: www.apta.org for more information on PT