Astrid Avalos
CEP121
July 7, 2008
Career Research Project
Physical Therapist
Through one of my friends I got to know about the physical therapy field and its
applications, such as, provide medical care, and special treatments. This career
sounded very interesting to me that is why I chose it to conduct this essay.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics “employment for physical therapists is
expected to grow much faster than average.” In other words the jobs opportunities
would be good, and the demand for physical therapist should continue to increase in the
following years. For instance, in the Career One Stop’s website it is mentioned that the
growth would be 27 percent from 2006 to 2016 with about 6,760 job openings per year.
Also, the typical salary range for physical therapists is from $46,500. to $94,800. The
media annual earnings in 2006 were $66,200.
Becoming a physical therapist requires extensive education because only
masters and doctoral degrees are accredited. Nowadays most graduated schools offer
only doctoral degrees which last three years. In my case, after getting my Associate in
Science Degree in Liberal Arts: Mathematics and Science, I would transfer to a senior
college to get a bachelor degree in Biology. Then I want to pursue a doctorate degree in
Physical Therapy.
The typical responsibilities of a physical therapist are provide services that help
restore function improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical
disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain, and
promote overall fitness and health. Their patients include accident victims and
individuals with disabling conditions such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease,
fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy. Therapists also examine patients’ medical
histories and then test and measure the patients’ strength, range of motion, balance and
coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function. Next,
physical therapists develop plans describing a treatment strategy and its anticipated
outcome. Treatment often includes exercise, especially for patients who have been
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Astrid Avalos
CEP121
July 7, 2008
Career Research Project
immobilized or who lack flexibility, strength, or endurance. Therapists also teach
patients to use assistive and adaptive devices, such as crutches, prostheses, and
wheelchairs. They also may show patients how to do exercises at home to expedite
their recovery.
Physical therapists practice in hospitals, clinics, and private offices with specially
equipped facilities. They also work in hospital rooms, homes or schools. These jobs can
be physically demanding because therapists often have to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift and
stand for long periods. Also, they move heavy equipment and lift patients or help them
turn, stand or walk.
The physical therapists should have strong interpersonal skills so they can
educate patients about their physical treatments and communicate with patients’
families. Physical therapist should be compassionate and posses a desire to help
patients.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the following years the demand for
physical therapists should continue to rise because of the increasing numbers of
individuals with disabilities or limited function. The increasing elderly population will
drive growth in the demand for physical therapy services. The elderly population is
particularly vulnerable to chronic and debilitating conditions that require therapeutic
services. Also, the baby-boom generation is entering the prime age for heart attacks
and strokes, increasing the demand for cardiac and physical rehabilitation. And
increasing numbers of children will need physical therapy as technological advances
save the lives of a larger proportion of newborns with severe birth defects. Future
medical developments also should permit a higher percentage of trauma victims to
survive, creating additional demand for rehabilitative care. In addition, growth may result
from advances in medical technology that could permit the treatment of an increasing
number of disabling conditions that were untreatable in the past. Another factor is the
widespread interest in health promotion also should increase demand for physical
therapy services. A growing number of employers are using physical therapists to
evaluate worksites, develop exercise programs, and teach safe work habits to
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Astrid Avalos
CEP121
July 7, 2008
Career Research Project
employees. Physical therapists with specialized knowledge of particular types of
treatment also will have excellent job prospects.
To sum up, after researching about the physical therapy field I got to know that the
job opportunities would be good for licensed physical therapists in all settings, but
specially in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and orthopedic settings, where the elderly
are most often treated. This research project make me reassure my interest in the
physical therapy field, basically because I would be able to work with people and help
them to recover their health. I think that I would be successful in this career because I
have strong interpersonal skills, I am good instructing people, and because I am
interested in work helping people.
Works Cited
United States. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. World Wide
Web, 7 July 2008. <stats.bls.gov>
Career
One
Stop.
Occupations.
World
<www.careeronestop.org>
3
Wide
Web,
7
July
2008.