Amongst all the healthcare jobs, physiotherapy employment has one of the most excellent job prospects and job outlooks. Many reasons are cited for this very good development in the profession including changes in the restrictions of the reimbursement by third parties, an aging population of Baby Boomers requiring physical therapy for debilitating disorders, and the demand for physiotherapy amongst students, thanks to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
With that being said, it is time to look into physiotherapy as a viable career path. Here then are the basics that one must know in order to become a physical therapist. By the way, these two terms - physical therapist and physiotherapist - are used interchangeably.
Duties and Responsibilities
Physical therapists perform a wide variety of duties, functions and responsibilities in their workday, which includes but are not limited to the following:
* Diagnose and treat patients with medical conditions that partially or totally limit their ability to move in a normal physical manner
* Develop preventive treatment plans for individuals facing possible loss of mobility
* Provide care and supervision for patients with functional problems brought by disorders like back and neck injuries, fractures and sprains, and spina bifida, to name a few.
The interventions include therapeutic exercise, manual therapy techniques, functional training, assistive and adaptive devices, as well as electrotherapeutic modalities and physical agents. It must be emphasized that physiotherapy jobs are closely connected with the work of physicians, dentists, nurses, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, educators, social workers, and audiologists.
Possible Places of Employment
Physiotherapy employment can be found in many healthcare facilities. These include public and private hospitals, offices of other healthcare professionals, home healthcare, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, adult day care centers, outpatient care centers, and schools. Many physical therapists also become educators and researchers in academic institutions. It is also possible for physiotherapists to have their own private practice.
The working hours of physical therapists are usually regular in the sense that 40-hour workweeks are conducted. However, working hours can extend with part-time work especially during the evenings and weekends. It must also be emphasized that physiotherapists perform demanding jobs that involve stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting patients and equipment, and standing for long periods.
Education and Training
At present, there are entry-level academic programs for individuals desiring to become a physical therapist. Said programs include comprehensive instructions on foundational science courses such as anatomy, physiology and biomechanics as well as clinical courses like medical screening, therapeutic interventions and practice management. Like all other medical jobs, clinical experience is very important and compulsory for physiotherapists.
A state-issued license is also necessary before physiotherapy employment is opened up for the professional. Ask the sate board for licensing requirements as these will vary from one state to the next. Continuing education is also necessary in many states to renew the license, said education of which will often consist of courses and workshops.
As previously implied, physiotherapy jobs are very demanding on the body. The individual must be of good physical health to perform all the abovementioned activities related to patient and equipment. Also important are the mental abilities like strong people skills, excellent communication skills and deep compassion for patients and their families. Keep in mind that it is not just the physical body that must be healed but the mind requires motivation to achieve success especially during the oft-painful process of physical rehabilitation.
Pay and Rewards
Physical therapists are among the highest paid professionals in the healthcare industry by virtue of the heavy work being performed in both the physical and mental aspects. As of 2008, the median annual wage was $72,790 of which the highest earners raked in $104,350 and the lowest earners took home $50,350. Of course, the salaries will vary according to geographical location, specialty and place of employment.
The work of physical therapists is of utmost importance in the general welfare of the human race. Generally speaking, physical movement is very essential in achieving dreams, goals and objectives in life, which physical therapists can help individuals to improve on despite the presence of debilitating and paralyzing illnesses.
