Physical Therapy
Clinical Practice:
- Acute care
- Neuro-rehab
- Out-patient
Management
Education
Research
Consultation
Specialties Include:
- Pediatrics
- Geriatrics
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Neurology
- Cardiopulminary
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- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Home healthcare agencies
- Nursing homes
- Sports medicine facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Physician offices, particularly orthopedic
- Schools Group or private practices
- Universities and colleges
- Federal and state government:
- Armed Forces
- Public Health Service
- Veterans Administration
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- Earn a master's degree (MPT, MSPT, MS) or doctorate (DPT) in physical therapy from a program accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association. Programs include supervised clinical experiences. The field is moving toward the DPT as the standard degree by 2020.
- Obtain a doctoral degree for teaching and research positions.
- All states require licensure which includes passing an examination.
- One third of physical therapists work in hospitals and one quarter are employed in physical therapy offices.
- Attain superior grades in pre-physical therapy course work due to intense competition for admittance to physical therapy programs.
- Obtain knowledge of several basic sciences including anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and physics.
- Volunteer for a physical therapist in a hospital or clinic to gain experience and improve chances of acceptance into a program. Many programs require volunteer experiences and a good understanding of the field for admission.
- Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills. Must possess patience and a desire to help individuals of all ages with disabilities. A positive attitude is important when working with patients.
- Manual dexterity and physical stamina are important in succeeding in physical therapy work.
- Some physical therapists specialize in an area after gaining several years of general experience.
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Occupational Therapy
Screening
Evaluation
Treatment:
- Physical
- Psychosocial
- Social
- Vocational
Follow-up
Administration
Teaching
Research
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- Hospitals (including psychiatric and rehabilitative)
- Schools
- Group or private practice
- Nursing homes
- Community mental health centers
- Adult daycare programs
- Job training centers
- Residential care providers
- Out-patient rehabilitation facilities
- Home healthcare agencies
- Federal and state government:
- Armed Forces
- Public Health Service
- Veterans Administration
- Universities and colleges
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- Earn a master's (MOT, MA, MS) or doctoral (OTD, less common) degree in occupational therapy to gain entry in the field.
- All states regulate O.T. licensure. Requirements include passing a certification exam given by the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board and a supervised clinical internship.
- Those who have passed the exam become Occupational Therapists Registered (OTR).
- Doctoral degree is often preferred for university teaching and administrative positions.
- Occupational therapists may choose to specialize in a particular age group or type of disability.
- Build a solid foundation in physical, biological, and behavioral sciences.
- Develop excellent communication skills which are important when interacting with patients and their families.
- Volunteer in an occupational therapy or related healthcare setting to experience the field firsthand and improve chances of program admittance.
- Individuals working in occupational therapy should possess patience and a true interest in helping people with disabilities reach their full potential.
- Learn to work well within a team. O.T.'s work with many other professionals, including physicians, physical therapists, and social workers in the rehabilitation of patients.
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