Bachelor in Physical and Occupational Therapy
Physical and occupational therapy involves applying exercise and rehabilitation techniques to treat injuries that hamper people's physical activity. Physical therapists aim to improve patients' mobility and also provide treatments to reduce pain. In addition, they operate medical equipment, teach patients therapeutic exercises and keep an eye on their performance.
CNN's Money Magazine has ranked being a physical therapist at no. 10 in its list of the Top 50 Jobs in America. It is also one the fastest growing professions in the nation today (BLS). The employment of physical therapists is expected to grow by 39% from 2010 to 2020, making it a promising line of work. So you want to pursue a rewarding career with big growth prospects, consider becoming a physical and occupational therapist.
Bachelor in Physical and Occupational Therapy
Physical and occupational therapy programs are offered at the associate and doctorate levels and those in between. The associate degree takes 2 years to complete while the bachelor's degree can be earned in 4 years. The bachelor's program prepares students for this field by providing them with a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of physical therapy. The program focuses on rehabilitation methods and covers a variety of courses in physiology, healthcare law, therapeutic exercises, medical terminology and human development. In addition to classroom learning, students are also required to complete practical trainings in clinical settings. To pursue a bachelor's degree in physical therapy, students need to have a high school diploma or GED.
Doctoral Degree Programs
To become a physical therapist, students also need to have a postgraduate professional degree. They can enroll in master or doctoral programs in this field. The PhD programs can typically be completed in 3 years while master programs can be completed in 2-3 years and a bachelor's degree is required for admission. In addition, students may also have to complete courses in chemistry anatomy, physiology and biology.
Physical therapists can also be required to complete residency sessions after graduation that may last from 9 months to 36 months. Residencies provide these professionals additional training and experience in the field.
Physical therapists need to obtain a license as well. The requirements for license vary by state. So students should get in touch with their state's board to find out the exact requirements. They can also become certified by passing the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists exam.
Online Programs
Some schools also offer distance learning programs in physical and occupational therapy. These programs are self-paced and allow learners to study from any location. Using a variety of learning technologies, the online degrees help students obtain a degree maintaining the balance of their personal and professional lives.
Employment Opportunities
Physical therapists can work in a variety of settings such as clinics, hospitals, fitness centers, nursing homes, and patients' homes. Some of these professionals are self-employed. Physical therapists salary ranges between $53,000 and $107,000 a year.
Many physical therapists work full-time while others choose to work part-time. They spend lot of time working on their feet, which requires physical stamina. These professionals should also have strong interpersonal skills so that they can deal with patients in an effective manner.