Students that want to study physical therapy should prepare themselves to receive a lot of knowledge. I must say that physical therapists learn about human from outside to inside and that gives them a very fine medical background. They use their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology and treatment of dysfunctions that affect the musculoskeletal system to treat patients. Also they use their knowledge of life sciences, social sciences, and humanities to understand patient's condition, and to improve their communication.
From the beginning:
Before students can be considered for admission, schools of Physical Therapy require them to take basic science courses such as biology, chemistry, physics, life sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
Many colleges and universities look for a varying number of volunteer hours; best way for wannebes is to contact the school they are interested in and to find out their requirements. PT school program mostly continues with courses such as: Biomechanics, Neuroanatomy, Human Growth and Development, Manifestations of Disease, Kinesiology, Orthopedics, Cardiopulmonary, Neurology, Prosthetics and Orthotics, and Pediatrics. Specialized courses such as examination and evaluation techniques, therapeutic procedures and modalities, Physical Therapy Management and Research Process come afterwards.
Schools provide students with opportunities to work with a specific age or disability group and to assist in administration, teaching, supervision, or research in a wide variety of environments.
Locations where students will increase their knowledge and practice skills are: Classrooms and laboratory instructions, many different practice settings and clinical units. During that period students are supervised by physical therapists - educators.
Skills and opportunities
All accredited education programs for Physical Therapy have been set at the Master's Degree level as of 2002. This means that prior to practicing, students must first obtain a Bachelor's (BA or BS) and than a Master's Degree (MPT) in Physical Therapy.
There is another opportunity for new grads.
They can apply for graduate program. A PhD degree is required for researchers and educators in physical therapy, and increasingly an MSc, for advanced consultant and management positions. Also they could proceed with doctoral degree.
In many countries it is necessary to pass the licensing - national examination of that country/state, when one has completed the school of physical therapy and received a college degree.
To hold this licensure, in some countries, one should be in process of continuing education.
Continuing Education
Continuing Education is important part in physical therapy career. Physical therapists are expected to continue professional development by participating in continuing education courses and workshops.
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