In the Spotlight: Physical Therapists
Physical therapists provide care on a different level to patients. Physical therapists (PT) work with the mobility and the regeneration of the damaged muscles of the patient. They mainly provide services that help the patient "return to normal" and develop plans for patients to maintain their workout. Physical therapists promote health and fitness as well. Patients include those with lower back problems, heart disease, spinal injuries and general patients who have lost mobility due to an accident or injury.
Physical therapists do more than establish a routine of exercises. They must determine when and if a patient will be able to return to normal activities such as playing sports or even just walking. An initial treatment plan is developed and then after a specified number of sessions, a lower intensity plan is developed so that the patient may continue to strengthen after the initial restructuring.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there were 199 accredited physical therapist programs in 2001. Of the accredited programs, 165 offered master's degrees and 33 offered doctoral degrees. By 2002, all physical therapist programs seeking accreditation are required to offer degrees at the master's degree level and above. Currently all states require physical therapists to pass a licensure examination.
Physical therapists held 132,000 jobs and of that number, two out of three were employed at a hospital. Physical therapy positions are unique in that they interact with a number of other professionals. Physical therapists would need to discuss the patient history with the lead physician as well as the nurses associated with tending to the care of the patient. They interact with laboratory technicians as well as X-ray technicians to determine the cause of the problems that the patient is experiencing.
Career Advancement Opportunities are Available
Inova Health System offers a variety of opportunities for physical
therapists. For more information or to apply online, click here.
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