At first I wanted to be a massage therapist or a chiropractor but changed to Physical therapy. i want to help people, not work in a nursing home, probably children or teenagers maybe adults but not elderly. I want to help people be able to do the things they cant any more. Please help me come up with a good career. Im already in college in my second year so please help!!!
#1 by Mary on February 13, 2010 - 12:36 pm
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http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Sect…
Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.
The average salary depends on your speciality, what part of the country you work in and your pratice area. Pediatrics usually are paid less than hospital, nursing home, and private practice. It also depends on reimbursement. The average salery is betweein 40-60 for a new grad. Many facilities currently have sign on bonus and tuition reimbursement because of the shortage.
A PT is a either a entry level masters or clinical doctorate (DPT). All programs have to become DPT by 2020. There are less than 20 master programs left. The other 185 (approx) are doctorate levels.
They are either 3 + 3 programs or a BS plus 3 programs. So you will need to complete 6-7 years of school.
PT is a field that you treat all ages from neonate to the eldery and everything in between.
PT treat a wide variety of diseases and body systems. Cardiac, pulmonary, integument, neuro, ortho, women’s health,
YOu can also work in a hospital (adult or child), nursing home, group home, rehab, home care (adult or child) private practice (all ages), public schools, private schools, preschools, industry and factories, medical equipment sales, wellness center, sports teams
after graduation, you can become board certified in
Cardiopulmonary
Clinical Electrophysiologic
Geriatric
Neurologic
Orthopaedic
Pediatric
Sports
Womens health
Other members of the health care team include:
OT, speech pathology, registered dietician, nursing,
Do not go into any field for the money? Go into the field because you want to be that profession.
Best wishes, Email me if you have any more questions.
#2 by Debbie on October 5, 2010 - 5:47 pm
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How much do DPT make in OKlahoma?