Thursday, September 17, 2015

You Can Work In The Physical Therapy Seattle Sector

By Daphne Bowen


Entering a medical program involves many steps and stages in terms of education and training. This is certainly the case for the physical therapy Seattle, WA sector of the bourgeoning healthcare field. It is a wonderful career, however, involving work with all kinds of patients who have body functions and physical disabilities.

PTs work with patients of all kinds including accident victims and those born with conditions like cerebral palsy and brain damage. There may be occasion to work with those with heart disease, arthritis, or other medical afflictions. Considerable skill is thus involved covering a wide range of specialties.

Whatever the patient load, the PT works with other healthcare professions to provide a uniform total care plan that includes diagnosis and assessment as well as treatment. Most plans will address motor function, muscle strength, posture, breathing, and body movement coordination.

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.

To become a therapist in the field, most states require the NPTE or National Physical Therapy Examination. There may be others, but this is the most common. In additional, each candidate must show English proficiency if foreign. All the required documents are presented before entering the program of choice. Finally there is the matter of licensing in one's state of residency.

To practice as a therapist, the student must take the NPTE or National Physical therapy Examination along with any state requirements as mandated by the state board. Foreign students also have to show an English proficiency certification. When all documents are presented and accepted, qualified candidates will have licensure granted. It is important to note that it is required for any post-professional programs.

In spite of the ample preparation to be a PT, the salary can run in the $80,000 range and more. It is a factor of location and level of the position. Wherever one starts, it is believed that the field is expanding enough to allow opportunity and advancement according to the American Physical Therapy Association. The Bureau of Labor Statistics corroborates this and offers the promising view that in a few years, the field will have grown by 30%. It is a career earmarked for success for those who have compassion and caring.




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