Page-by-Page Notes on Physical Therapy Career

Page 1

• Presenter: Owen Jolley (Physical Therapist).

Page 2

• Nature of Work / Scope of Practice:
  • Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who help people improve mobility and manage pain through physical therapy.
  • They analyze, diagnose, and treat injuries, illnesses, or disabilities to help people move better and manage pain.

Page 3

• Educational Path:
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) typically takes $3\ \text{years}$.
  • Prerequisites include biology, anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, pathology, and behavioral sciences.
  • Licensure: pass the National Physical Therapy Examination and obtain a state license.

Page 4

• Educational Requirements / Training:
  • A DPT from an institution approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is required.
  • Must pass a licensing exam offered by the state (usually the NPTE).
  • Example: Idaho State University offers the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Page 5

• Salary:
  • In Idaho, average $92{,}400$ per year, or $44.42$ per hour.
  • Pay varies by company, location, and experience.
  • Entry-level: about $77{,}190$ per year; experienced professionals can earn up to $102{,}060$ per year.

Page 6

• Employment Outlook:
  • Strong demand with a projected $14\%$ increase in job openings between 2023 and 2033.
  • Settings: hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, and skilled nursing facilities.

Page 7

• Workplace Setting:
  • Common settings: hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, nursing homes, and patients’ homes.
  • Work environment typically includes direct patient care, documentation, and possibly administrative duties.

Page 8

• Equipment and Instruments:
  • Physical therapists use various tools to evaluate, treat, and rehabilitate patients.
  • Tools help assess range of motion, muscle strength, balance, and functional capacity.
  • Common equipment:
  • $\text{exercise balls}$, $\text{resistance bands}$, $\text{dynamometers}$, $\text{goniometers}$, $\text{ultrasound machines}$, and assistive devices like wheelchairs and walkers.

Page 9

• Personal Qualities Necessary:
  • Strong clinical abilities, excellent communication, empathy, flexibility, and a strong work ethic.
  • Physical endurance, problem-solving skills, and the ability to establish trusting connections with patients.

Page 10

• Sources Cited:
  • https://www.usa.edu/blog/physical-therapy-job-description/
  • https://college.mayo.edu/academics/explore-health-care-careers/careers-a-z/physical-therapist/
  • https://www.indeed.com/hire/job-description/physical-therapist