Physical therapists (PT) work with patients
who have been in an accident, have
a medical condition or have had surgery to
relieve their pain, help them regain their
physical strength and get back their independence
for daily living and work environments.
Physical therapists confer with a
physician prior to beginning treatment and
evaluation and provide regular updates to
the treating physician on patient progress.
Physical therapists evaluate a patient's
physical health through a variety of tests
including range-of-motion, gait and functional analyses, and other diagnostic tests.
 Areas of Specialization
The American Board of Physical Therapy
Specialties currently offers board certification
in seven specialty areas: Cardiovascular
and Pulmonary, Clinical Electrophysiologic,
Geriatric, Neurologic, Orthopedic,
Pediatric, and Sports Physical Therapy.
Work Environment
Physical therapists work in hospitals, clinics,
nursing homes, home health agencies,
and business and industrial organizations.
Length of Training
The American Physical Therapy Association
(APTA) only recognizes physical therapists
who have been trained to the Master's
degree level through an accredited school and
who have successfully completed a supervised
internship. PTs in Texas must also have
passed the state licensing examination to
provide treatment. Additionally, the APTA
does not recommend training as a physical
therapist assistant as a stepping stone to being
a physical therapist since it does not provide
the required prerequisite classes and training.
Licensure/Certification
Physical therapists must have at least a
Master's degree from an accredited education
institute to practice professionally. Additionally,
physical therapists must pass a national
exam and a state licensing exam to practice.
Education Programs
C=Certification, A=Associate's, B=Bachelor's, M=Master's, D=Doctorate
Professional Associations
American Physical Therapy Association
www.apta.org
Texas Physical Therapy Association
www.tpta.org
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