PHYSICAL THERAPY
WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR HELP?
For career and job-related information:
Elizabeth Mimms
Career Services Counselor
emimms@careers.utah.edu
801-581-5624
Student Services Building 350
(Make an appointment to talk about pursuing jobs, fine-tuning your resume, perfecting your interviewing skills, and negotiating the best possible salary.)
WHAT IS PHYSICAL THERAPY?
Physical therapy involves treatment through physical means for people disabled by illness, accident, or congenital handicap. Physical therapy seeks to improve mobility, relieve pain, or minimize permanent physical disabilities.
WHAT DO PHYSICAL THERAPISTS DO?
- Clinical Practice
- Acute care
- Neuro-rehab
- Out-patient
- Management
- Education
- Research
- Consultation
WHO HIRES PHYSICAL THERAPISTS?
- What Can I Do With This Major?
- Who Hires Our Grads?
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Home healthcare agencies
- Nursing homes
- Sports medicine facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Schools
- Group or private practices
- Universities and colleges
WHAT KIND OF STRATEGIES OR INFORMATION WOULD YOU SUGGEST TO IMPROVE MY CHANCES OF BECOMING A PHYSICAL THERAPIST?
- Earn a master's degree in physical therapy from a program accredited by the American Physical
- Therapy Association. Programs include supervised clinical experiences. Some programs are moving toward a doctoral degree.
- Obtain a doctoral degree for teaching and research positions
- All states require licensure which includes passing an examination
- One third of physical therapists work in hospitals and one quarter are employed in physical therapy offices.
- Attain superior grades in pre-physical therapy course work due to intense competition for admittance to physical therapy programs
- Obtain knowledge of several basic sciences including anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and physics.
- Volunteer for a physical therapist in a hospital or clinic to gain experience and improve chances of acceptance into a program. Many programs require volunteer experiences and a good knowledge of the field for admission
- Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills. Must possess patience and a desire to help individuals of all ages with disabilities. A positive attitude is important when working with patients
- Manual dexterity and physical stamina are important in succeeding in physical therapy work.
- Some physical therapists specialize in pediatrics, geriatrics, sports, orthopedics, etc. after gaining several years of general experience.
LINKS:
- Search for Utah hospitals, clinics and offices (search by keyword)
- American Physical Therapy Association
- U of U Department of Physical Therapy
- Jobs in Therapy
- Advance for Physical Therapists and PT Assistants
- Rehabtime.com
- Rehabcareer.com
- Rehabworld.com
- Magellan Health Services
- PT Central
- Advance for Healthcare Careers
- Search for Utah hospitals, clinics and offices (click on "industry")
- National Institute of Health
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