Search This Blog

Working In The Physical Therapy Seattle Sector

By Daphne Bowen


There are many promising careers in healthcare for which you can train. Many are in the sector of physical therapy Seattle, WA and entail such rehab programs as mobility and strength improvement and pain relief. Being a PT, as it is known in the field, can be very rewarding as you help care for and ameliorate the lives of those suffering from injury and disease. It is all about restoring basic body functioning and preventing any further disabilities.

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.

After complying with all regulations and requirement, a therapist goes on to work in a hospital setting or rehab facility such as an orthopedic center. Many open private practices. The typical salary is in the $80,000 range but it varies in different parts of the country and the degree of the candidate's education and experience. The bureau of Labor Statistics states that the therapy sector is expected to grow by 30% in a couple of years. This is promising indeed for the many students of the field already in progress.

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.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment

Powered by Blogger.

Blogger Templates

 

all about weight loss Copyright © 2011 -- Template created by O Pregador -- Powered by Blogger