Physical Therapy - Job Description

Essay by gahottie1916University, Bachelor'sA+, March 2003

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Physical Therapy

Job Description

Physical therapists provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health. They also examine patients' medical histories, then test and measure their strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function. Then they determine patients' ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or workplace after injury or illness.

Employment

ØHospitals

ØOffices

ØClinics

ØHome health agencies

ØOut patient rehabilitation centers

ØNursing homes

ØArmed Forces

ØSelf-employed

ØSchools

Benefits

They help people overcome or adjust to physical disabilities caused by injury, illness, or birth defects.

Salary

The average starting salary in Georgia is about 41,249 dollars.

Advancement Opportunities

Physical Therapists can advance in jobs and work in teaching positions, research positions, or administrative positions.

Requirements

All States require physical therapists to pass a licensure exam before they can practice, after graduating from an accredited physical therapist educational program.

Physical therapists should have strong interpersonal skills to successfully educate patients about their physical therapy treatments. They should also be compassionate and possess a desire to help patients. Similar traits also are needed to interact with the patient's family.