How to Be Physical Therapist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Physical therapy has a direct effect on overall health and wellbeing. By participating in physical therapy, individuals can improve their posture, strength, flexibility, and balance, as well as reduce their risk of injury. This can lead to improved quality of life, increased physical activity, and more independence.

Physical therapists use a variety of techniques, such as massage, exercises, stretching, and heat or ice treatments, to help their patients achieve their goals. These treatments can help alleviate pain and improve range of motion, making activities of daily living easier and more enjoyable. With the right physical therapist and treatment plan, individuals can improve their physical health and achieve their desired results.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree. To become a physical therapist, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. While there are no specific undergraduate majors that are required to become a physical therapist, many students choose to pursue a degree in pre-physical therapy, kinesiology, exercise science, or a related field.
2. Complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree, the next step is to enroll in and complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. This program typically takes three years to complete and includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, and other related topics.
3. Obtain Licensure. Physical therapists must obtain licensure to practice in their state. Each state has its own licensing requirements, but most require that applicants have completed an accredited DPT program, passed the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), and completed any other required paperwork.
4. Consider Specialization. Physical therapists can choose to specialize in a particular area of practice, such as geriatrics, pediatrics, orthopedics, or sports medicine. Specialization requires additional education, such as completing a post-professional residency or fellowship program and passing a specialty certification exam.
5. Maintain Licensure. Physical therapists must renew their licenses every few years and may be required to complete continuing education requirements. Additionally, physical therapists must abide by their state’s practice standards and ethical guidelines to maintain their licensure.

Physical therapy is invaluable when it comes to treating and managing a variety of injuries, diseases, and disorders. A reliable and capable physical therapist can provide the necessary care and guidance needed to improve a patient’s overall mobility and quality of life. With the help of physical therapy, patients can benefit from increased flexibility, strength, endurance, balance, and coordination.

This can help them to become more independent in their daily activities and reduce the risk of further injury. Furthermore, physical therapists can provide education and advice on how to prevent further injury, as well as how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. All of these factors contribute to making physical therapy an effective and reliable treatment option.

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Job Description

1. Design and implement physical therapy treatment plans for patients.
2. Evaluate patient’s physical condition and diagnose physical therapy needs.
3. Monitor and document patient progress during physical therapy sessions.
4. Select appropriate treatment techniques to address each patient’s individual needs.
5. Educate patients on proper exercise techniques and safety precautions.
6. Consult with other healthcare professionals and provide referrals as necessary.
7. Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and standards.
8. Develop and present educational programs to patients and families.
9. Maintain accurate records of patient progress and care plans.
10. Participate in continuing education activities to update knowledge and skills.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
2. Knowledge of physical therapy assessment and treatment techniques
3. Ability to assess, diagnose and treat physical impairments
4. Ability to develop and implement treatment plans
5. Knowledge of current health and safety regulations
6. Ability to communicate effectively with clients, family members and other professionals
7. Knowledge of relevant therapeutic exercise and modalities
8. Knowledge of evidence based practice
9. Ability to use equipment safely and accurately
10. Ability to provide education and home exercise programs to clients
11. Ability to maintain accurate patient records and documentation
12. Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Physical therapists play an important role in helping people to recover from injuries and illnesses. Having good physical fitness and a strong knowledge of anatomy and physiology are essential skills needed to be an effective physical therapist. In addition, therapists must possess strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with their patients and other healthcare professionals.

They must be able to assess the patient’s condition, develop a plan of care, and provide manual therapy and exercise interventions. With the ability to think critically and problem solve, physical therapists can use evidence-based practice to develop the best treatment plan for their patients. By having a thorough understanding of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, physical therapists can provide the appropriate interventions to help their patients reach their goals.

Furthermore, physical therapists must have strong organizational skills in order to manage their time efficiently and prioritize patient care. With the combination of these skills, physical therapists are able to help their patients return to optimal health and mobility.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What have you done to ensure that you are up-to-date with the latest developments in physical therapy?
• Describe your experience working with patients who have varying abilities and needs.
• How do you handle difficult conversations with patients and their families?
• What strategies do you use to motivate patients to stay compliant with their prescribed physical therapy program?
• What techniques do you use to assess a patient’s progress in physical therapy?
• How do you keep up with your continuing education requirements for physical therapy licensure?
• Describe a time when you had to modify a patient’s physical therapy plan due to unforeseen circumstances.
• What are your thoughts on the use of technology in physical therapy?
• How do you handle requests for accommodations from patients with physical limitations?
• Explain how you would prioritize multiple competing demands in a busy clinical setting.

Common Tools in Industry

1. Thera-Band Exercise Kit. A kit of elastic exercise bands used to strengthen and rehabilitate muscles. (eg: using resistance bands to strengthen the shoulder muscles)
2. Kinesio Tape. Elastic tape used to provide stability and support to muscles. (eg: applying Kinesio tape to support the ankle joint)
3. Foam Roller. A foam cylinder used to massage and loosen tight muscles. (eg: using a foam roller to loosen tight calf muscles)
4. Cold/Heat Therapy. The use of cold and heat applied to areas of the body to reduce inflammation and pain. (eg: applying an ice pack to reduce swelling after an injury)
5. Ultrasound Therapy. The use of sound waves to stimulate tissue and increase blood flow. (eg: using ultrasound therapy to reduce pain in a sore shoulder)
6. Electrical Stimulation. The use of electric current to stimulate muscles. (eg: using electrical stimulation to increase range of motion in a stiff knee)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
2. World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT)
3. American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT)
4. American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS)
5. Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (OPTA)
6. International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT)
7. National Association of Physical Therapists and Assistants (NAPTA)
8. International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM)
9. American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)
10. International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP)

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Common Important Terms

1. Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). A healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a physical therapist to provide physical therapy treatments.
2. Exercise Physiology. The study of how the body responds to physical activity, including the physiological effects of exercise on the body.
3. Orthopedics. The branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system.
4. Musculoskeletal System. The system of muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues that support movement and posture.
5. Rehabilitation. A process of restoring a person’s functional ability and improving their quality of life following illness or injury.
6. Manual Therapy. A type of physical therapy involving hands-on techniques to improve joint range of motion, flexibility, and strength.
7. Pain Management. The use of a variety of methods to reduce or eliminate pain, including medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
8. Biomechanics. The study of the structure and function of the body in relation to movement, including how forces act upon the body.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of physical therapists are female?

Approximately 70% of physical therapists in the United States are female.

What is the average salary for a physical therapist?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for physical therapists in 2019 was $89,440 per year.

What qualifications are required to become a physical therapist?

To become a physical therapist, one must complete a graduate-level program and pass a licensing exam. Additionally, some states require continuing education to maintain licensure.

How long does it typically take to become a physical therapist?

On average, it takes approximately seven years to become a physical therapist. This includes four years of undergraduate study, three years of graduate study, and passing the licensing examination.

What is the primary role of a physical therapist?

The primary role of a physical therapist is to help improve mobility and reduce pain in patients through various treatments such as exercise, manual therapy, and electrotherapy.

What are jobs related with Physical Therapist?

• Physical Education Teacher Substitute
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• Physical Security Officer
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• Physical Security Specialist
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Web Resources

• How To Become A Physical Therapist - Physical Therapist EDU www.physicaltherapistedu.org
• UW Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree - Seattle www.physicaltherapy.uw.edu
• Physical Therapy Job Description: Duties www.usa.edu