2. Introduction
Physical therapists are licensed health care professionals who
aid patients by helping to reduce pain and improve or restore
mobility through the use of therapy. Physical therapists work
hands on with patients and create individual health and
wellness plans in order to help the individual lead a healthier
and more active lifestyle. These health care professionals work
in a variety of settings which can range from schools to
hospitals. They are also able to work with individuals of all
ages, newborns to the elderly. The American Physical Therapy
Association (APTA) states that the vision statement for the
physical therapy profession is “transforming society by
optimizing movement to improve the human experience.”
3. History of Physical Therapy
The use of exercise, massage, heat, cold, water, and
electricity in order to treat people’s disorders and disabilities
dates back to Greek culture and Hippocrates’ influence in
Western medicine.
In Europe during the 1500s-1700s, progress was made in
the use of exercise to treat muscle and bone disabilities and
disorders and by 1800, exercise and muscle re-education
were a vital part of treating orthopedic diseases and injuries.
In 1916, the polio epidemic in the US caused much need for
the restoration of muscle function. In 1917, soldiers of World
War I needed rehabilitation. 15 reconstruction aide training
programs were developed by the Army Medical
Department’s Division of Special Hospitals and Physical
Reconstruction.
4. History of Physical Therapy
In 1920s, physical therapists partnered with medical
and surgical communities and the profession gained
public recognition and validation.
Congress adopted the Hill Burton Act in 1946
This increased access to heath care facilities by building
hospitals all across the country. This increased hospital
based practice for PTs and increased need for PT
services.
5. History of Physical Therapy
1950-2000: a time of independence, autonomy and professionalism
APTA urged state chapters to seek licensure; state regulations existed in
45 states by 1959
First national examination given in 1954
Neuromuscular practice area expanded with techniques for patients who
suffered a stroke or had a CNS disorder
Cardiovascular/pulmonary practice area developed due to need of
postoperative therapy for open heart surgery patients
Orthopedic practice area took hold with postoperative therapy for joint
replacements
Technology development allowed new testing methodologies and
intervention of a new range of diseases and conditions
Education of All Handicapped Children Act allowed PTs to enter into the
public school system for work
APTA adopted a policy for PTs to practice without a doctor referral,
increasing individualism and professionalism
6. Duties of a Physical Therapist
Review patient’s medical history and referrals/notes from doctors or
surgeons
Diagnose patients’ dysfunctional movement by observation and
concerns (paired with other methods)
Watch them stand or walk
Set up a plan of care for patients
Goals and expected outcomes are outlined
Use exercises, stretching, hands-on therapy and equipment to
facilitate health and wellness and improve quality of life
Evaluate a patients’ progress
Modifying plan of care if needed (plans are individualized)
Educate patients and their families about what should be expected
and how to cope with the sometimes difficult recovery process
7. Work Setting of a Physical
Therapist
Industries that employed the most physical therapists in 2012:
Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and
audiologists (33%)
Hospitals; state, local, and private (28%)
Home health care services (11%)
Nursing and residential care facilities (7%)
Offices of physicians (5%)
Other places of employment:
Schools
Hospices
Fitness centers and sports training facilities
Education or research centers
8. Work Schedule and Possible
Risks
Most physical therapists work full time
This consists of a 40 hour week and may include some
evenings and weekends
This career can be physically demanding
PTs have to kneel, crouch and stand for long periods of
time while working with patients
PTs have to move heavy equipment and patients who
need additional aid in turning, standing or walking
9. Salary
Median annual wage was $79,860 in May 2012
The lowest 10 percent earned less than $55,620
The top 10 percent earned more than $112,020
10. Employment Outlook
There are currently more than 184,000 physical
therapists licensed in the US today
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
employment is expected to grow by 30 percent from
2008 to 2018 which is faster than the average for all
occupations
11. How to Become a Physical
Therapist
Education
Undergraduate (4 years)
Requires a bachelor’s degree and prerequisites of anatomy,
physiology, biology, chemistry and physics
Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (3 years)
Program includes courses in biomechanics, anatomy,
physiology, neuroscience and pharmacology
PT students participate in clinical internships where they have
experience in acute care and orthopedic care
Clinical Residency Program (1 year)
Training and experience in specialty areas of care
If completed, may go on to specialize further by completing a
fellowship in advanced clinical areas
12. How to Become an Physical
Therapist
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
All states require a license
Specific licensing requirements vary by state but all include
passing the National Physical Therapy Examination
Some states require a law exam and a criminal background
check
Continuing education is typical to keep their license
Board-certified specialist (not all PTs)
8 clinical specialty areas: Cardiovascular & Pulmonary, Clinical
Electrophysiology, Women’s Health, Geriatrics, Neurology,
Orthopedics, Pediatrics, and Sports
requires passing an exam and at least 2,000 hours of clinical
work OR completion of an APTA-accredited residency program
in the specialty
13. Important Skills and Qualities
Compassion
PTs work with people who are in pain and must have empathy for
patients
PTs are often drawn to the profession with a desire to help people
Detail oriented
Strong analytic and observational skills are needed to diagnose a
patient’s problem, evaluate treatment, and provide safe and
effective care
Dexterity
Movement of hands is needed to provide manual therapy and
therapeutic exercises
PTs should feel comfortable massaging and physically assisting
patients
14. Important Skills and Qualities
Interpersonal skills
PTs spends a lot of time interacting with patients and
should enjoy working with them
Must be able to explain treatment programs, help to
motivate patients, and listen to patients’ concerns
Physical stamina
Spend much time on feet and moving around while
working with patients.
Resourceful
Must be flexible and be able to adapt plans of care to
meet the needs of each individual patient
15. O*Net Interests
Physical Therapist
Social– “The Helpers”
working with, teaching and
communicating with people
Investigative– “The Thinkers”
working with ideas and
searching for facts and figuring
out problems
Realistic
activities that include practical,
hands-on problems and
solutions
Me
Social (Highest)
scored a 30 out of 30
Investigative (Highest)
sored a 30 out of 30
Realistic (2nd Highest)
scored a 22 out of 30
16. My Personal Work Style
Concern for others
understanding and helpful;
sensitive to others
Integrity
honest and ethical
Dependable
reliable, responsible and
dependable in fulfilling
obligations
Adaptable/flexible
open to change and
variability
Analytical thinking
use logic to address
problems and issues
Cooperation
good-natured attitude and
pleasant with others
Independence
depend on oneself to get
things done
Initiative
willing to take on
responsibilities and
challenges
17. Conclusion
Physical therapy has come a long way since its start with its
most basic practices beginning in Greek culture. Today it has
evolved to be a career in which people get to work hands on
and use their extensive education and clinical expertise to
provide efficient and effective care. Physical therapists aim to
help individuals of all ages to have optimal functioning and
quality of life by using a uniquely individualized approach.
While under the care of a physical therapist, a patient is safe
and plans are tailored based on individual needs. Physical
therapy is more than just a treatment option, its an opportunity
for growth and development which is aided by instruction and a
caring and supportive relationship provided by the physical
therapist.
18. References
American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties- ABPTS. Retrieved January
26, 2015, from http://www.abpts.org/home.aspx
American Physical Therapy Association. Careers & Education. Retrieved
January 26, 2015, from http://www.apta.org/AboutPTs/
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook
Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Physical Therapists. Retrieved January 27, 2015,
from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm
NetworkSynergyGroup. The History of Physical Therapy. Retrieved January
26, 2015 from http://www.network-synergy.com/news/the-history-of-physical-
therapy.aspx
O*NET OnLine. 29-1123.00 – Physical Therapists. (n.d.). retrieved January
27, 2015, from http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1123.00
