A physical therapist is a health care professional. They work with people suffering from injuries or diseases, and help promote or prevent physical disabilities and restore function. A physical therapist works with many different kind of patients, such as accident victims, people afflicted with cerebral palsy, brain damage, heart diseases, arthritis, and all those who are suffering from disabling medical conditions. They work in close coordination with other health care professionals to asses, plan and prepare treatment strategies to improve the patients posture, motor function, muscle strength and performance, respiration and coordination of bodily movements. A physical therapist uses a combination of many tools, equipment and techniques to treat patients. Some of the tools and equipment are ultrasounds, walkers, leg braces, prosthetics, wheelchairs, etc. And some of the techniques include electric stimulation, massage therapy (deep tissue massage), cold compresses, hot packs, etc. Besides being involved in the actual development of their patients, they also have to complete all required documents regarding patient treatment, therapies and progress. While this is more or less the duties of a physical therapist, let’s move on to the educational, and legal requirements to become a physical therapist.

How to Become a Physical Therapist

Educational Requirement to Become a Physical Therapist
As physical therapy jobs are in much demand, and are extremely well paying, it is a popular career choice for many. To become a qualified physical therapist, one needs to have an excellent educational track record in undergraduate programs. Undergraduate programs must include anatomy, medical assisting, trigonometry, computer skills, humanities, geometry, chemistry, physiology, and/or health education in order to seek admission in a physical therapy graduate program. Admissions in physical therapy programs are highly competitive, and some states have entrance exams as well. Read the rest of this entry »