Physical Therapist Training
Physical therapists or simply PTs are a part of the medical team and they require physical therapist training before employment. They are seen working hand in hand with doctors, surgeons and medical experts in the rehabilitation of a patient. A physical therapist’s job is to help a person who is suffering from an illness or sickness to improve his condition and ultimately increase his mobility.
What is Physical Therapist Training?
Anyone who would like to pursue a career as a physical therapist must undergo professional physical therapist training. This is a 4 to 5 year post- baccalaureate degree from an accredited medical institution or physical therapy program.
In the United States, the American Physical Therapy Association has an official accrediting body for physical therapy training called the Commission on Accreditation of Physical therapy Education or CAPTE. This accrediting body regulates all entry level programs in physical therapy training and helps develop the PT program as well. It is required for all aspiring physical therapist to undergo this training course and also to pass a national state examination for physical therapists before practice.
What do you learn in Physical Therapist Training?
There are a lot in store for a physical therapy student in physical therapist training. The entire program starts with the basic PT education which consists of introduction to the human anatomy with a special emphasis on the bones, muscles and the nervous system. It is also essential to study the relationship of these systems to the various organs of the body plus have a keen knowledge of the many physiologic conditions that affect a person’s range of motion. Along with learning the basics, there are also medical subjects that a PT must pass like biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, neurosciences and psychology.
Towards the end of the physical therapist training course, students are introduced to the clinical setting and on the job training is the key to gain experience. Students are exposed to patients with specific physical conditions that require a physical therapist’s assessment, diagnosis and treatment. As a student interacts with patients, his technical knowledge, skills and patient interaction skills are enhanced all the more. Treatment of the many types of disabilities that require a physical therapist’s assistance is also learned and mastered at this level.
What happens after Physical Therapist Training?
After passing physical therapist training, you will receive your diploma for the course. However you need to pass a state board examination for Physical Therapists to practice your profession. This licensure exam is different from state to state and the requirements may differ as well.
After passing the state licensure exam, you can now apply in different medical institutions and specialty clinics as a part of the rehabilitation department. You can also apply for jobs internationally since there is a high demand for physical therapists and other medical professionals abroad.
Do I need to undergo further training after Physical Therapy Training?
Some states require physical therapists to undergo continuing education as a part of maintaining their licenses. It is best to check this out through your local regulating board to be aware of the requirements needed. They can also provide great information on the best physical therapy training program to attend for your continuing education.