Working as a physical therapist can be fun and rewarding. A person will get to help people recover from accidents and improve their range of motion. To work as a physical therapist they will need to be highly trained and qualified. They will need to pass exams too. Npte practice questions can help the student prepare for the exam once they have completed their training to work as a physical therapist.
What Does a Physical Therapist DO?
A physical therapist will help a person by providing therapy and exercises to help a person with a chronic condition or injury ease the pain and promote healing. They will help build up a range of motion, help develop strength in the body, and pain management through various exercises and moves.
Outlook and Salary
Based on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics the average salary for a physical therapist is around $83,000. It is expected that by 2022 the need for a physical therapist is expected to increase by 36 percent. As the baby booming population ages, they are more likely to suffer from debilitating injuries and need physical therapy.
Education Needed
A person will need to get a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in areas such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, or physiology. A person will then need to continue their education. They will need a Master’s degree in a related field. A person will then need to enter an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy program. The program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. This program often lasts for three years. There is also a clinical internship that must be completed before graduation.
Licensing
To work as a physical therapist a person must be licensed in their state. They will need to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions. Before sitting for this exam a student can take npte practice questions online to help them study. A person can take this exam three times a year. If they do not pass during this time they will need to wait and take it again. Even if a person passes the exam they will often need to pass a criminal background check. A person should check with their state for specific requirements to become licensed. They may also need some knowledge of the law as a licensing requirement.
Educational Skills Needed
There are some skills that a person needs to study as a physical therapist. They need to be prepared to learn and study. They will learn about the physical and emotional effects that a person has when they are injured and how they are going to have an impact on treatment. The student will need to learn theories based on research and evidence and how they apply to the field. They may need to complete a clinical experience where they will work with patients under the direction of a licensed physical therapist and get a feel for the demands of the job. They will also gain experience before they work on their own with patients.
A physical therapist can allow a person to make a difference in the lives of those in need. The therapist can help those that are in pain and those that are recovering from an illness or accident. While a person will need to spend a long time in school to work in this field many physical therapists say it was well worth it.
