Careers in the healthcare field are vast and one can choose from many specific options. For example, you can find a satisfying and lucrative position in the physical therapy Seattle, WA sector. There are many requirements, so it is not an easy entry, but once you have accomplished your goals, you will be rewarded indeed.
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.
Many tools of the trade must be learned as well as advanced techniques. Ultrasounds are common and such mobility devices as leg braces, prosthetics, walkers, and wheelchairs. A PT may elect to use adjunct processes such as electric stimulation, deep tissue massage, and cold or hot compresses. Patient improvement comes from many sources, while it takes considerable time.
The career is in high demand in every part of the US, prompting increasing numbers of students to major in preparatory fields for this work. They study anatomy, math, humanities, chemistry, physiology, medical assisting, and health education among other subjects. They must excel to get into an accredited physical therapy program.
Before licensing, a student takes required courses as an undergraduate that includes anatomy, physiology, math, medical assisting, and health education. Then he or she enters a graduate program for a master's degree or doctorate. It is not easy to get into an advanced program and exams are required such as the GRE (Graduate Record Exam). The institution of choice must be accredited and recognized. Right now there are over 200 schools available. No matter the program, the course of study is intensive and lengthy involving study of human development, biomechanics, and therapeutic procedures.
A graduate program follows an undergraduate degree and entails a specific PT program. Entrance exams are often required in this very competitive arena such as the GRE or Graduate Record Exam. It goes without saying that all institutions should be accredited and recognized. All educational documentation must be presented, including English proficiency certification for foreign students.
It is a tough road, but well worth the effort to obtain one's ideal position. Some graduates prefer a hospital setting and others like a rehab or orthopedic center. A plausible opportunity is also to go into private practice. Each option has its own requirements in terms of education and previous experience, but licensing is always mandatory.
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.
Many tools of the trade must be learned as well as advanced techniques. Ultrasounds are common and such mobility devices as leg braces, prosthetics, walkers, and wheelchairs. A PT may elect to use adjunct processes such as electric stimulation, deep tissue massage, and cold or hot compresses. Patient improvement comes from many sources, while it takes considerable time.
The career is in high demand in every part of the US, prompting increasing numbers of students to major in preparatory fields for this work. They study anatomy, math, humanities, chemistry, physiology, medical assisting, and health education among other subjects. They must excel to get into an accredited physical therapy program.
Before licensing, a student takes required courses as an undergraduate that includes anatomy, physiology, math, medical assisting, and health education. Then he or she enters a graduate program for a master's degree or doctorate. It is not easy to get into an advanced program and exams are required such as the GRE (Graduate Record Exam). The institution of choice must be accredited and recognized. Right now there are over 200 schools available. No matter the program, the course of study is intensive and lengthy involving study of human development, biomechanics, and therapeutic procedures.
A graduate program follows an undergraduate degree and entails a specific PT program. Entrance exams are often required in this very competitive arena such as the GRE or Graduate Record Exam. It goes without saying that all institutions should be accredited and recognized. All educational documentation must be presented, including English proficiency certification for foreign students.
It is a tough road, but well worth the effort to obtain one's ideal position. Some graduates prefer a hospital setting and others like a rehab or orthopedic center. A plausible opportunity is also to go into private practice. Each option has its own requirements in terms of education and previous experience, but licensing is always mandatory.
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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