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

Apr 11, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Physical therapy is a form of health care that focuses on restoring and improving movement, managing pain, and improving physical function. It is an effective treatment for a wide range of conditions, from sports injuries to chronic illnesses. When physical therapy is practiced by a qualified practitioner, it can have a significant effect on a person's overall health.

The practitioner assesses the patient's condition and develops a personalized treatment plan that includes exercises, stretches, and other techniques to help the patient regain movement, reduce pain, and improve functionality. physical therapy practitioners may use other modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, massage, and heat therapy to support the patient's recovery. Through physical therapy, patients can gain improved mobility, greater independence, and improved quality of life.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelor's degree. Physical therapy practitioners must have at least a bachelor's degree in physical therapy or a related field such as kinesiology, exercise science or sports medicine.
Complete an accredited physical therapy program. Most states require physical therapy practitioners to have completed an accredited physical therapy program. This can be done through a university or college.
Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). The NPTE is a nationwide exam administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. It is required for licensure in all states.
Obtain licensure in the state where you plan to practice. Each state has its own licensure requirements and application process. Requirements vary from state to state but generally include proof of passing the NPTE, a criminal background check and a certain number of hours of supervised practice.
Pursue specialty certifications. Specialty certifications are available in multiple areas of physical therapy and can increase your pay and job prospects. Many organizations, such as the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, offer specific certifications that require additional education, experience and exams.

Physical therapy is an essential component of health care and can be beneficial for individuals with a variety of conditions. To become an ideal and qualified physical therapy practitioner, one needs to possess certain characteristics, such as strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, as well as a thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology. it is important to have a compassionate attitude and the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.

Furthermore, successful practitioners will typically have an understanding of the latest physical therapy techniques and modalities, and be able to comfortably use physical therapy equipment. To be properly qualified, a physical therapist must complete a graduate program in physical therapy from an accredited institution and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination. Achieving these standards will ensure that the physical therapist is able to provide the highest quality care to their patients.

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Job Description

Evaluate patients condition and develop a plan of care to restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent disability.
Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
Instruct patients and family members in appropriate exercise programs and self-care strategies.
Perform special tests and physical maneuvers in order to diagnose and treat certain conditions.
Provide physical therapy treatments such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, hot and cold therapies, massage, and mobilization of joints and muscles.
Consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide patient education, coordinate care, and develop treatment plans.
Document patients progress and update treatment plans as needed.
Educate patients and their families on how to prevent further injury and maintain health.
Maintain equipment and provide proper safety measures to ensure a safe treatment environment.
Research new techniques, treatments, and technologies in order to stay current with physical therapy practices.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Comprehensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology
Understanding of physical therapy treatments and modalities
Ability to assess patient needs and develop treatment plans
Knowledge of corrective exercises and physical activity programs
Ability to work with patients of all ages and backgrounds
Ability to use clinical reasoning to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions
Familiarity with medical imaging technologies, such as X-rays and MRIs
Skilled in manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilization, soft tissue massage, and stretching
Proficiency in using a variety of therapeutic equipment
Excellent communication skills with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals
Excellent documentation skills
Commitment to patient safety and promoting evidence-based practice

Physical therapy practitioners are highly skilled professionals who play an important role in helping people recover from injury and illness. One of the most important skills they must possess is the ability to assess a patient's condition and create treatment plans that focus on restoring optimal physical function. To do this, they must have an extensive understanding of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and kinesiology.

They must also be able to identify risk factors for injury and be able to educate their patients about how to prevent further injury. In addition, physical therapists must be able to accurately measure and evaluate a patient's progress throughout their treatment plan. This requires strong communication, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the patient's medical history.

By possessing these skills, physical therapists can effectively help their patients recover from injury and illness, allowing them to return to their everyday activities.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with patients in physical therapy?
How would you describe your approach to physical therapy?
What techniques do you use to ensure patient cooperation and progress?
How do you maintain patient motivation throughout physical therapy sessions?
What is your experience with developing treatment plans for physical therapy?
How do you adapt your treatment plans for each patients individual needs?
How do you handle difficult patient cases or ones that dont respond to treatment?
What have been your most successful results from physical therapy treatments?
What safety procedures do you have in place for physical therapy sessions?
What have been some of the biggest challenges you have faced as a physical therapy practitioner?

Common Tools in Industry

Physical Therapy Evaluation Tools. These tools are used to assess and diagnose a patient's physical condition and the best course of treatment for them. Examples include the FCE (Functional Capacity Evaluation) and the SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment).
Exercise Equipment. Exercise equipment such as weights, treadmills, exercise balls, and other pieces of equipment are used to improve strength, balance, and coordination.
Therapeutic Modalities. These tools are used to reduce pain, swelling and muscle spasms. Examples include electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and hot and cold packs.
Manual Therapy. Manual therapy is a hands-on approach to treating injuries and conditions by using massage, stretching, and joint mobilization techniques.
Rehabilitation Programs. Rehabilitation programs are designed to help a patient progress in their recovery from injury or surgery. Examples include strength training, gait training, and balance exercises.

Professional Organizations to Know

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS)
World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT)
National Board for Certification in Physical Therapy (NBCPT)
International Association of Physical Therapists in Sports (IAPT)
Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (OPTA)
American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT)
American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy (AASPT)
Womens Health Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (WHAPTA)
Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Institute (ATRI)

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Common Important Terms

Physical Therapist. A healthcare professional who specializes in physical rehabilitation and therapy, focusing on improving movement, strength, and flexibility.
Rehabilitation. The process of restoring a patient's health and abilities by providing medical care, physical therapy, education, and other forms of therapy.
Orthopedic Physical Therapy. A branch of physical therapy that focuses on the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.
Manual Therapy. A type of physical therapy that uses the hands to manipulate soft tissue, joints, and muscles to relieve pain and improve function.
Sports Physical Therapy. A form of physical therapy that uses specialized rehabilitation techniques to help athletes return to their sport after injury or surgery.
Occupational Therapy. A type of therapy that helps individuals to live independently and participate in everyday activities.
Neurological Physical Therapy. A branch of physical therapy that focuses on treating disorders or disabilities of the nervous system.
Aquatic Therapy. The use of water-based exercises and activities to promote healing, improved strength, and mobility.
Exercise Physiology. The study of how exercise affects the body's physiological and biochemical processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of degree is required to become a physical therapist?

A physical therapist must have a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which typically takes three years to complete.

What type of license or certification is required to practice physical therapy?

Physical therapists must obtain a license from their state's physical therapy regulatory board to practice. To be eligible for licensure, physical therapists must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam.

How much does a physical therapist make annually?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for physical therapists was $89,440 in May 2019.

What type of work environment does a physical therapist work in?

Physical therapists may work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, home health care services, private offices, schools, and other healthcare settings.

What types of duties does a physical therapist perform?

Physical therapists assess a patient's condition, develop a plan of care, provide treatments and interventions to improve mobility and reduce pain, and follow up with patients to monitor progress. They may also educate patients on how to prevent or manage their condition.