More people are living longer due to technological advances in the medical field and because more trauma victims and newborns with disabilities are surviving. This therefore means that more people require medical attention for longer, which means that the job prospects for physical therapy assistants are excellent. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, PTA jobs are projected to grow by 35% in the 2008-2018 time-span.

Requirements For Physical Therapy Assistants

Although most states have their own rules and requirements for Physical Therapy Assistants, most of them are basically the same nationally:

Education:

• In order to become a licensed PTA, you will need to obtain an associate degree at an accredited physical therapy assistant school.
• The program is approximately 2 years long.
• Classes consist of both academic classroom work at the PTA school and hands-on clinical experience, which most of the schools for physical therapy assistant courses organise for their students.
• Subjects include pathology, human anatomy, and physiology amongst others.
• Some states require additional training such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, first aid, and blood-borne pathogens training.

Clinical Experience:

• Most physical therapy assistant schools and physical therapy assistant colleges require that students participate in clinical rotations.
• These hand-on clinical stints allow the student to practise what they learn in class in a real-life situation.
• Various tasks such as documenting care, administering treatments, and educating patients will be undertaken during these periods of clinical work.
• Students are also exposed to various modalities such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and geriatrics, which can assist them to decide whether they want to specialise or not.

National Physical Therapy Assistant Exam and Licensure:

• All graduates of PTA schools have to undertake the NPTAE before they can practise as physical therapy assistants.
• This is a core requirement in order to get licensure.
• The exam is four-and-a-half hours long and consists of 200 questions.
• Only subjects which have been covered in the physical therapy assistant training will be covered in the exam, and generally include pathology, physiology, documentation, professional skills and anatomy.

Continuing Education Requirements:

• One of the requirements for license renewal, which needs to be done every 3-5 years, depending on the state, is continuing education.
• The exact kind and amount of educational practises which are required vary from state to state.
• You can either contact your State Physical Therapy Association to find out what their requirements are or the PTA school at which you study should also be able to provide you with the relevant information.

The Physical Therapy Assistant Job

A Physical Therapy Assistant works primarily with those who have suffered trauma or have a medical condition. Physical therapy improves a patient’s fitness, flexibility, strength and mobility, in order to help them to be pain-free and live a fully functioning life.

Physical Therapy Assistant duties:

• They assist patients with rehabilitative exercise routines to lessen the effects of a physical disability or chronic illness.
• These exercises are done to improve mobility, flexibility and strength, as well as to improve their balance and stabilize their walking.
• They monitor a Patient’s response and progress in report their observations to the Physical Therapist.
• The PT and PTA will review the treatments after each session and the PT will determine whether they are giving the patient the correct type of treatment or whether they need to change or adjust it.
• PTAs also monitor and record a patient’s continuing physical challenges and mental and emotional outlook.
• The PTA will help patients to adjust to their circumstances and teach them a new way of performing routine tasks so that they do not re-injure or strain themselves, and improve their healing time.
• The exercises they teach and help their patients with can also rebuild muscle strength or help to restore their full range of movement.
• They coordinate treatments with the Physical Therapist and administer massages, electrical stimulation and ultrasound.
• The equipment used by PTAs use can include elastic bands, balance balls, and other simple equipment which the patient can easily use at home to augment the exercise sessions they do with the PTA.
• They fit patients with support devices like crutches, prosthetics, walking frames etcetera and train the patient how to use them.
• They assist patients to move to and from the treatment areas and also to dress and undress if necessary.
• Physical therapy assistants also perform administrative duties such as telephone duties, manning the reception area, ordering supplies, and scheduling appointments for patients.
• They complete insurance claim documentation for patients and record patient information in databases.
• They also keep the treatment area and the equipment clean, tidy and organised.

Physical Therapy Assistant Schools

With the demand for physical therapy assistants increasing, there are in excess of 260 recognized physical therapy assistant programs and more than 1 000 schools for PTA training throughout the US. There are various physical therapy assistant degrees and certifications offered by PTA schools:

Associate of Science in Physical Therapy Assisting:

• An Associate of Science program, which is offered by most physical therapy assistant schools, offers a well-rounded introductory education in the fundamentals and general academics of physical therapy.
• The program lasts about 2 years and teaches working with patients who suffer from diseases or who are recovering from accidents, mobility, pain management, and working with physical therapy equipment amongst other subjects.

Associate of Applied Science in Allied Health:

• An allied health degree from one of the Physical Therapy Assistant colleges is beneficial for building a solid foundation in general health care systems and practices.
• The programs are between 1 and 2 years long and prepare students for entry-level work in a medical facility.
• They also provide grounding for more focused study for Physical Therapy Assistants.

Graduate Certificate in Geriatric Health:

• Once you have qualified as a physical therapy assistant and have practised as one for a few years you may wish to specialize.
• To get a graduate certificate you will have to go back to a Physical Therapy Assistant school to study further.
• Specializing in something like geriatrics or paediatrics can open many doors.

Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant:

• Occupational therapy is the strain of therapy which deals with patients who have physical and cognitive impairments.
• This course will give you a broader perspective and wider range of skills than a normal physical therapy assistant course and will qualify you to do entry-level Occupational Therapy work.

Physical Therapy Assistant Schools – Courses

Courses in most of the physical therapy assistant schools will include the following subjects:

• Clinical Training
• Geriatrics
• Human Anatomy
• Human Physiology
• Introduction to Physical Therapist Assisting
• Kinesiology
• Laboratory Practice
• Medical Terminology
• Medical Ethics
• Neurological Disorders
• Orthopaedics
• Pathology
• Pathophysiology
• Patient Communication
• Paediatric Physical Therapy
• Pharmacology
• Physical Therapy Fundamentals
• Rehabilitation
• Sports Injuries
• Therapeutic Exercises

Physical Therapy Assistant Schools – Curriculum

Although some of the schools for Physical Therapy Assistant training in various states may have a slightly different curriculum, the core subjects remain basically the same no matter which Physical Therapy Assistant school you attend.

Below is the general curriculum that is followed by many of the physical therapy assistant schools for the associate degree in Physical Therapy Assistance:

MODULE CONTENT:

PTA 101 Introduction to Physical Therapy

• Introduction to physical therapy.
• The role of the PTA in the healthcare team.
• The law as it pertains to Physical Therapy and ethical conduct.
• Patient motivation, interpersonal communication skills, and teamwork.

PTA 102 Physical Therapy Terminology

• Abbreviations & terminology used in PT to describe pathology of the body systems, physiology and anatomy.
• Terminology for patient care, laboratory tests, diagnostics, pharmacology, and surgery.

PTA 103 Applied Anatomy

• Human anatomy; external palpation, identification of structures and relationship to function and the musculoskeletal system.
• Kinesiology, motion, joint range of motion and manual muscle testing.
• The neuromuscular process; respiration.

PTA 104 Survey of Pathophysiology

• Overview of disease process, the physiology of healing and repair and general pathological responses.
• Systemic origins of musculoskeletal pain.
• Specific diseases and conditions and rehabilitation treatment.

PTA 105 Introduction to Neuroscience

• Introduction to basic functions and structure of the nervous system and their relationship to PT treatment of neurological diseases.

PTA 106 Regional Anatomy

• Function and structure of the human body; nervous, endocrine, and respiratory systems.
• Muscles, respiratory and circulatory systems.

PTA 110 PTA Procedures I (Basic PT Procedures)

• Basic care skills – vital signs, wound care, taping, aseptic techniques, and bandaging.
• Preparation of treatment environment and patient.
• Theory and application of cold, superficial heat, and hydrotherapy.

PTA 111 PTA Procedures II (PT Modalities)

• Theory and application of deep-heat modalities.
• Principles and application of basic massage techniques.
• Introduction to fundamentals of electrotherapy and traction.

PTA 112 PTA Procedures III (Functional Restoration)

• Principles of normal and abnormal movement.
• Functional restoration techniques.
• Ambulation, patient transfers, postural analysis, and bed mobility.
• Use of selected functional rehabilitation activities and assistive devices.

PTA 151 Clinical Experience 1

• Supervised clinical observation.
• Interpersonal communication and patient interaction.
• Written and oral patient progress reporting.
• Effective problem-solving skills.

PTA 201 Issues in Physical Therapy and Health Care

• Survey: psychological, medical and legal issues and the delivery of healthcare by a PTA.
• The achievement of goals of physical therapy and the physical therapy assistant’s influence.

PTA 202 Introduction to Orthopaedics

• Introduction to mechanics and biomechanics of orthopaedic injuries and diseases.
• Fundamentals of orthopaedic terminology.
• Survey: surgical repair; rehabilitation.

PTA 210 PTA Procedures IV (Therapeutic Exercise)

• Introduction to kinesiological principles related to exercise.
• Instruction in therapeutic exercises.
• Specific exercise protocols and their application.
• Selected physical therapy testing procedures.
• Working as a member of a healthcare team.
• Patient motivation.

PTA 211 PTA Procedures V (Rehab Applications)

• Neurologic disabilities: stroke, head injuries, MS, spinal cord injuries, and other neurologic diseases.
• Development of treatment programs for orthopaedic patients; upper and lower extremity dysfunctions, lower extremity amputations and injuries to the spine.
• Developing of specific home programs, and instruction in family training.
• Selection of appropriate selective devices and equipment for geriatric, orthopaedic and neurologic patients.

PTA 212 PTA Procedures VI (Pediatric Rehab)

• Laboratory sessions – facilitation of developmental sequence.
• Human development, pediatric assessment tools, pediatric treatment philosophies

PTA 251 Clinical Experience 2

• Supervised clinical experience in various PT sites.
• Hands-on development of previously learned skills.
• Functional activities, documentation, etcetera previously evaluated in a lab.

PTA 252 Clinical Experience 3

• Supervised rotation in a clinic.
• Skills development in functional activities, patient care and documentation.
• Practical experience of coursework previously covered.

PTA 253 Clinical Affiliation (12 credits)

• Full-time Internship – appropriate application of PT techniques and procedures.
• Hands-on; understanding of clinical responsibilities and supervisory relationships and the application of PT procedures.

PTA 254 Clinical Seminar 2

• Discussion seminar and clinical lecture – cultural competence.
• Verbal and written communication.

PTA 255 Clinical Seminar 3

• Survey: Issues regarding teamwork and patient care.
• Adjustment to disability and grief, patient interaction, and ethics.
• Role and responsibilities of the PT and the PTA.

Physical Therapy Assistant Schools – List

Some of the best physical therapy assistant schools which offer Associate Degrees are:

• Brown Mackie College – Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina
• Carrington College – Arizona, New Mexico
• Florida Career College – Florida
• Hesser College – New Hampshire
• Herzing University – Florida
• Kaplan Career Institute – Pennsylvania
• Keiser University – Florida
• Medical Careers Institute – Virginia
• MedTech College – Indiana
• New England Institute of Technology – Rhode Island
• Pima Medical Institute – Arizona, Colorado, Washington
• Remington College – Ohio
• Sanford Brown College – Missouri, Virginia
• South College – Tennessee
• South University Campus – Alabama, Georgia, Florida

Online Physical Therapy Assistant colleges

• Bryan College
• Dawn Career Institute
• Fortis College
• Globe University
• Keller Graduate School of Management
• Liberty University
• Ottawa University
• University of Phoenix
• Virginia College

Whichever physical therapy assistant school you choose to attend, make sure that the program is accredited. Not all Physical Therapy Assistant schools are accredited, and if they are not you are wasting your time because you will not be eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination, in which case you will not be allowed to practise legally.

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How To Become A Physical Therapist In Oklahoma

In order to become a physical therapist in Oklahoma you need to first earn an undergraduate degree. This is a basic requirement for entry into a postgraduate degree program that will allow you to practice as a physical therapist. Topics that you should cover in this undergraduate degree program to be fully prepared include:

• Anatomy courses
• Physiology courses
• Biology courses
• Mathematics courses
• Physics courses
• Chemistry courses
• Social science courses

You will then need to enter a doctor of physical therapy program. This is one of the minimum requirements involved in preparing for licensure in the state of Oklahoma. If we look at the qualification offered by the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center we can see that there are a number of prerequisite courses you will have to complete before you can enter this degree program:

• Statistics
• Anatomy
• Physics
• Physiology
• Developmental psychology
• Chemistry

Students in the advanced program at University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center study:

• Exercise science
• Orthopedic management
• Human movement

Oklahoma requires physical therapists pass the National Physical Therapy Examination to qualify for a license to practice in the state. This exam includes sections on:

• The musculoskeletal system
• The cardiac and pulmonary system
• The nervous and neuromuscular system
• The metabolic and endocrine system
• The gastrointestinal system
• Physical therapy devices and equipment
• Physical therapy techniques

In total you will need to answer 250 questions on the test. Once you have passed the test and become licensed you will need to renew your license once every two years in order to continue working as a physical therapist in Oklahoma. This involves 40 contact hours of continuing education.

List Of Physical Therapy Programs In Oklahoma

There are only two schools offering physical therapy programs in Oklahoma:

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Degree: Masters
Website: http://www.ah.ouhsc.edu/rehab/
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: 1200 North Stonewall Avenue, Room 3092, Oklahoma City, OK 73126
Phone: 405-271-2131
Fax: 405-271-2432
Email: alliedhealth-info@ouhsc.edu

Langston University
Location: Langston, OK
Qualifications: Doctor of Physical Therapy, Transition DPT
Website: http://www.langston.edu/academics/physical_therapy.aspx
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: PO Box 1500, Langston, OK 73050
Phone: 405-466-3697
Fax: N/A
Email: LUpt@langston.edu

Although there are only two physical therapy programs in Oklahoma to choose from, you can be certain that these programs are of a high quality. Both are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. When looking for a physical therapy program it is essential to ensure that it is properly accredited. If it is not accredited your qualification will not be much use to you and you will struggle to find employment. It is recommended that you apply to both of these programs when you begin your education as this will save you time in the long run. If both programs accept you, you will then need to analyze the tuition offered and decide which program is better. This could depend on which school is closer to you. It could also depend on what each school charges for tuition. If possible you should base your decision on which school you think is best equipped to prepare you for a career as a physical therapist rather than on which school is more convenient to get to or cheaper.

Salary

According to www.physicaltherapycareer.net there are 1820 physical therapists employed in Oklahoma who earn an average of $33.48 an hour and $69,630 a year. According to the following salaries can be earned in each of Oklahoma’s cities:

• In Enid you can expect to earn about $70, 026 a year as a physical therapist
• In Norman you can expect to earn about $65, 922 a year as a physical therapist
• In Lawton you can expect to earn about $88, 034 a year as a physical therapist
• In Oklahoma City you can expect to earn about $65, 922 a year as a physical therapist
• In Muskogee you can expect to earn about $77, 620 a year as a physical therapist
• In Tulsa you can expect to earn about $59, 351 a year as a physical therapist

According to www.alliedhealthworld.com the following salaries can be expected in the different parts of Oklahoma:

• In Oklahoma City you can expect to earn about $73,000 a year
• In Tulsa you can expect to earn about $65,000 a year
• In Norman you can expect to earn about $73,000 a year
• In Lawton you can expect to earn about $70,000 a year
• In Broken Arrow you can expect to earn about $66,000 a year
• In Edmond you can expect to earn about $74,000 a year
• In Midwest City you can expect to earn about $73,000 a year

Different sources give different estimates about how much physical therapists, who have completed physical therapy programs in Oklahoma, can expect to earn. This is because there are a number of important factors to take into account that play a big part in terms of your salary. As you can see from the numbers above, several sources agree that you will earn different salaries in different parts of the state, even if they cannot agree on the exact amounts that you will earn. If you choose to work in a city that has fewer physical therapists than most other cities, your skills will be in high demand and you will probably be able to ask for a higher salary. On the other hand if you work in a city where there are too many physical therapists you will earn less because the demand is lower. The actual employer that you work for will also play a role in how much you earn. For example there are a number of different industries you could work in as a physical therapist. Across the entire country the following salary averages have been observed in different industries:

• In Physical Therapy you can expect to earn $49,633 – $80,700 a year
• In Healthcare you can expect to earn $50,464 – $83,586 a year
• In Rehabilitation you can expect to earn $50,746 – $82,432 a year
• In Hospital you can expect to earn $51,937 – $85,976 a year
• In Home Health Care you can expect to earn $48,750 – $84,799 a year

Specific companies also pay different rates:

• At Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine you can expect to earn $40,268 – $79,463 a year
• At Gentiva Health Services, Inc. you can expect to earn $56,270 – $80,854 a year
• At Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital you can expect to earn $57,891 – $66,955 a year
• At Select Physical Therapy you can expect to earn $58,600 – $82,850 a year
• At Novacare Rehabilitation you can expect to earn $55,955 – $70,318 a year

Your gender may affect your salary. As a woman you can earn $57,701 – $71,562 as a physical therapist, and as a man you can earn $58,981 – $73,019 – these numbers are averages for the whole country. Your level of education is also crucial. With a Doctorate (PhD) you can earn $50,804 – $76,477 a year, with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) you can earn $51,327 – $76,787 a year, with a Bachelor’s Degree you can earn $49,566 – $91,077 a year, with a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) you can earn $58,373 – $88,282, and with a Bachelor of Science (BS / BSc), Physical Therapy you can earn $55,685 – $98,006 a year.

Career Outlook

It is interesting to note that, overall, the field of physical therapy in the United States is growing stronger. The unemployment rate is currently at 0.2%, which is lower than once was. It is also important to note that this unemployment rate is an expected to drop even lower during the next six years. In 2006, 172,900 physical therapists were employed in varying industries and that number is expected to increase by 27% by 2016, bringing the number of therapists in the field to just fewer than 220,000. This means that now is a good time to enter the field of physical therapy because the projected future for the profession looks extremely promising. According to www.alliedhealthworld.com, “Oklahoma had 2,160 physical therapists in 2006 and that number is estimated to rise by 17% to 2,530 during the same ten-year time-frame  Moreover, since September 2009, Oklahoma’s unemployment rate was less than half of the national average, with only nine states having a lower rate”.

Although there are limited opportunities in terms of education for prospective physical therapists in Oklahoma, it is still an excellent state to be a physical therapist in due to the fantastic career outlook and impressive salaries available.

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What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy (sometimes called physiotherapy, or abbreviated to PT) is a healthcare profession which is carried out by physical therapists and their physical therapist assistants. They help people who have certain medical problems, disabilities, or conditions which limit their mobility and therefore struggle to function regularly in the physical activities that they encounter on a daily basis. In order to reach a diagnosis, PTs will look at their patients’ medical history and the details of their physical examination (such as a regular check-up), and they will then establish and implement a management plan in order to improve the patients’ quality of life.

There are a number of PT specialty areas, these include:

• Cardiovascular & pulmonary
• Clinical electrophysiology
• Geriatric
• Integumentary
• Neurological
• Orthopedic
• Pediatric
• Sports
• Women’s health

What You Need To Know About Clinical Electrophysiology Physical Therapy

Clinical Electrophysiology Physical Therapy is ideal for those of you who are interested in the uses of electrotherapy and other therapeutic technologies in aiding patients. The use of electromyography (EMG) is also promoted in this field.

Electromyography is a diagnostic procedure which is used as an evaluation and treatment tool in detecting the electrical potential generated by muscle cells when they are activated electrically or neurologically. The results are then analyzed by a clinical electrophysiology PT and can indicate muscle weakness. It can also help in differentiating between muscle weakness which is the result of a nerve attached to a muscle, or the result of a neurological disorder.

Within this profession, you will also be involved in:

• Electrophysiology: the study of the electrical properties of biological cells and tissues.

• Wound management: how to effectively treat and manage wounds.

• Electrotherapy or physical agents: Electrotherapy is the use of electrical energy as a medical treatment, or the use of electric currents in order to speed up the process of wound healing. Physical agents are sources of energy that may cause injury or disease, such as noise, altitude, vibration, radiation, extremes in temperature and pressure, and exercise.

The use of electrotherapy may have been somewhat controversial in the past, however these days it has been widely researched and is used in, although not limited to, the example below:

• Pain management
• Improving the range of joint mobility
• Tissue repair
• Increase of blood circulation
• Relaxation of muscle spasms

What Steps To Take In Order To Specialize In Clinical Electrophysiology

This is not something you can simply dive into; in order to be a professional within this specialization you will first have to complete a postgraduate Doctor of Physical Therapy or a Masters of Physical Therapy degree; the latter is less common.

1. Complete Your Undergraduate Degree

The details of this will vary depending on which school or university you will be attending for your postgraduate degree, but you will have had to have passed some form of undergraduate degree. There are a handful of schools which will allow you to enroll in the postgraduate program without an undergraduate degree, provided that you have completed at least three years of prerequisite studies. A completed Bachelor of Science, Applied Science, or Exercise Science is usually enough to fulfill the requirements for your postgraduate degree. A science-based undergraduate degree which will take four years to complete.

Not all schools will have the same prerequisite studies, so it is important to do the necessary research in order to ensure that you complete the required subjects in your bachelor degree. It is best to contact the administrative department directly so that there is no room for error.

The most common prerequisite subjects are:

• Anatomy and Physiology: 99% of programs require you to complete at least one course in either of these fields, however many will also accept a combined course.
• Biology: over 80% of the programs will require this.
• Chemistry: 99% of programs will require this.
• Physics: Again, this will be required for 99% of the programs.
• Social and Behavioral Science: 95% will require one or more courses.
• Statistics: Over 95% of programs will require this.
• Math: Only 26% of the programs require math.

2. Complete Your Postgraduate Degree

The majority of postgraduate professional doctoral degree programs will take three years to complete and include eight to nine semesters, but there are also a few universities which offer a shorter program of two and a half years which will consist of only seven semesters. You also have the option of completing this degree part-time; this could take four to five years and will typically include 12 semesters.

It is most likely that you will complete 30 to 45 weeks of clinical education along with your regular coursework. This will, of course, vary depending on which university you choose.

Your coursework will most likely be comprised of the following curriculum:

• Evidence for physical therapy based practice
• Physiology
• Musculoskeletal anatomy
• Gait analysis
• Clinical biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology
• Neuroscience/neuropathology/neuro-anatomy
• Pharmacology
• Cardio-pulmonary pathology and management
• Electro-physiology
• Clinical imaging
• Patient management

After successfully passing your final National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE), you will then have your title of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DTP) and can then become a licensed physical therapist. Having this degree means that you have been highly trained and educated to assess, diagnose, prevent, and manage a wide variety of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities related to movement, function, and health.

3. Complete A Physical Therapy Residency Program

You must be a registered physical therapist in your state in order to embark on a physical residency program. This program will typically be completed in one year, however the requirements are that it must be completed within a minimum of 1,500 hours; within a minimum of nine months, and a maximum of three years. You will then be eligible to sit the specialist certification exam. After passing this exam, you will finally be recognized as a physical therapy specialist; in this case, a clinical electrophysiology physical therapist.

This will be valid for ten years, after which you will be required to sit another competency exam in order to ensure that your skills have been kept up to date during your ten years of practice.

The American Board Of Physical Therapy Specialties

Contact information:
Specialist Certification Program
APTA
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA
22314
Tel: 1-800-999-2782, ext. 8520
Website: www.abpts.org
E-mail: spec-cert@apta.org

The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) is the governing body for certification (and recertification) of clinical PT specialists. This board is comprised of the following nine individuals:

• Five board-certified physical therapists, each from different specialty areas
• One physical therapist member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Board of Directors
• One physical therapist who represents the APTA Council of Section Presidents
• One individual with expertise in test development, evaluation, and education
• One non-physical therapist who represents the public

In order to apply for any residency program at ABPTS, you must hold the following minimum eligibility requirements:

1. Licensure: You must hold a current license that allows you to practice physical therapy in the United States.

2. Fee schedule: You must pay the non-refundable application review and examination fees, after which you will be provided with a copy of of the Description of Specialty Practice (DSP) and the appropriate Self-Assessment Tool for Physical Therapists.

An APTA member will be charged a total of $1,300 ($500 for the application review fee, and $800 for the examination fee), whereas a non-APTA member will be charged $2,370 ($845 for the application review fee, and $1,525 for the examination fee).

In order to apply for a clinical electrophysiology residency program at ABPTS, you must hold the minimum eligibility requirements listed above, as well as the following:

1. Direct Patient Care/ Electrophysiologic Testing

•  Submission of evidence of 2,000 hours of direct patient care in clinical electrophysiology PT within the last ten years.

•  25% of this must have occurred within the last three years.

•  A minimum of 500electroneuromygraphy examinations must have been completed during those hours; include evidence of this.

•  The remaining patient hours may include observation of examinations and supervised examinations.

•  Direct patient care must include activities in each of the elements of patient/client management applicable to the specialty area and included in the Description of Specialty

• Practice: Clinical Electrophysiologic Physical Therapy (DSP). These five elements are examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention.

2. Clinical Education

• Submission of evidence of clinical education experience in electrophysiologic testing, preferably under the direct supervision of a clinical electrophysiologist who meets the requirements for specialist certification.

3. Patient Reports and Testing Logs

• Submission of actual patient records which have been completed within the past three years.

• These cases must indicate abnormal findings and include one report of a patient with a proximal level compromise representing a radiculopathic process, one report of a patient demonstrating a peripheral nerve entrapment, and one report of a patient demonstrating a polyneuropathic process.

• Copies of testing logs performed for these cases for a three month period must also be submitted.

Salary Expectation

The decision to become a specialist in clinical electrophysical physical therapy will open many doors for you. Your job opportunities will be greater than if you were simply to remain a physical therapist, and if that is not enough to motivate you to get through all the years of studying and training, the difference in salaries might.

Salaries will vary of course, but here are some examples of average salaries of electrophysical physical therapists as opposed to physical therapists who chose not to specialize (as of July 26, 2012):

• Virginia: $164,000 per year (PT $94,000 per year)
• California: $178,000 (PT $101,000 per year)
• New York: $190,000 (PT $109,000 per year)
• Chicago: $173, 00 (PT $98,000 per year)

The average salary throughout the entire United States of America is $162,000 per year. The PT equivalent is $92,000 per year. So as you can see, there is a noticeable difference, however this should definitely not be your main motivation for choosing this career path.

Other Universities To Consider

Below is some information on some of the best physical therapy universities which you can study at. Before applying for any universities always make sure that it is correctly accredited and make sure that you fully understand the requirements.

Alabama State University offers a Clinical Doctorate degree in physical therapy.
Address:
Physical Therapy Program Alabama State University
915 South Jackson Street
Montgomery, AL 36101-0271
Phone: (334) 229-4707
Fax: (334) 229-4945
Web Address: http://www.alasu.edu/academics/colleges–departments/health-sciences/physical-therapy/index.aspx
Program E-mail: asupt@myasu.alasu.edu

AT Still University of Health Sciences offers an entry level Doctorate degree program.
Address:
Physical Therapy Program
Arizona School for Health Sciences
AT Still University of Health Sciences
5850 East Still Circle
Mesa, AZ 85206
Phone: (480)219-6000
Fax: (480)219-6100
Web Address: http://www.atsu.edu/programs/physical_therapy.htm
Program E-mail:sbrown@atsu.edu

California State University offers a Master’s degree in physical therapy
Address:
Department of Physical Therapy
College of Health and Human Services
California State University, Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90840
Phone: (562)985-4072
Fax: (562)985-4069
Web Address: www.csulb.edu/web/colleges/chhs/ada/pt/
Program E-mail: kcerny@csulb.edu

Arkansas State University offers a Master’s degree in physical therapy
Address:
Physical Therapy Program
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Arkansas State University
PO Box 910
State University, AR 72467-0910
Phone: (870)972-3591
Fax: (870)972-3652
Web Address: http://pt.astate.edu/
Program E-mail: jfarris@astate.edu

The post What Is Needed For A Clinical Electrophysiology Physical Therapy Career appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

Physical Therapy – A Field Of Increasing Demand

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the job outlook for physical therapists is good, with growth expected to be much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. This means that your career prospects as a physical therapist are limitless as opportunities abound, especially with the baby boomer generation getting older and requiring more healthcare all round, including physical therapy.
Physical therapists:

• Develop a unique treatment program for each individual that includes patient participation, education, and instruction

• Evaluate an individual’s ability to function

• Enjoy a choice of work environments— Physical Therapists work in various settings, which include private physicians ‘offices, clinics, schools, sports centers, rehabilitation centers, acute-care hospitals, and private homes

• Enjoy great flexibility in their career

• Motivate individuals to reach optimal functional status in their homes, at work, and in recreational activities

• Work with individuals to prevent loss of mobility before it occurs by developing wellness and fitness programs that will ensure their patients/clients healthier and more active lifestyles

Physical Therapy Programs In Pennsylvania

The following is an alphabetical list of physical therapy programs in Pennsylvania with designation, type of program offered, accreditation status, contact details and other information. It is strongly suggested that you choose two or three schools that interest you from the list and visit the relevant websites for more information.

Arcadia University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
Credits: 110
PTCAS: Yes
Class Size: 50
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, minimum total GRE combined score on verbal and quantitative portions of 1050 with no less than 450 in each section, minimum 4 on GRE analytical writing section, More than one PT observation experience
Address: 450 South Easton Road Glenside, PA 19038-3215
Phone: 215-572-2950
Email: admiss@arcadia.edu
Website: http://www.arcadia.edu/academic/default.aspx?id=1007

Chatham University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
Credits: 105
PTCAS: Yes
Class Size: 30
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, 100 hours of PT observation
Program Contact: Becky Hohman
Address: 114 Dilworth Hall, Woodland Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15232-2826
Phone: 412-365-1409
Fax: 412-365-1213
Email: hohman@chatham.edu
Website: http://www.chatham.edu/academics/programs/graduate/pt/index.cfm

Drexel University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT, Doctors of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Sciences
Credits: 128 quarter hours
PTCAS: No
Class Size: 50
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0
Program Contact: Allison Schukar
Address: Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Mail Stop 502
245 North 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102-2119
Phone: 215-762-8852
Email: ptadmissions@drexel.edu
Website: http://www.drexel.edu/cnhp/rehab_sciences/

Duquesne University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Credits: 119
PTCAS: Yes
Class Size: 36
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 2.75, minimum GRE combined score on verbal & quantitative sections 1100, 100 hours of PT observation evenly divided between two different areas of physical therapy practice
Address: John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences, Room 113 Health Sciences Building,
Pittsburgh, PA 15282-0001,
Phone: 412-396-5541
Email: ptdept@duq.edu
Website: http://www.duq.edu/physical-therapy/

Gannon University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Credits: 106
PTCAS: No
Class Size: 42
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0
Program Contact: Kristine S Legters, PT, DSc, NCS, Chair, DPT Program
Address: Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences, AJ Palumbo Academic Center,
109 University Square, Erie, PA 16501-9987
Phone: 814-871-5548
Fax: 814-871-5662
Email: legters001@gannon.edu
Website: http://www.gannon.edu/departmental/pt/

Lebanon Valley College Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Credits: 118
PTCAS: No

Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum science GPA 2.5, 30 hours of PT observation in two different settings
Program Contact: Stan M Dacko, PT, PhD, Chair and Associate Professor
Address: 101 N College Avenue, Annville, PA 17003-1404
Phone: 717-867-6843
Email: dacko@lvc.edu
Website: http://www.lvc.edu/physical-therapy/index.aspx

Misericordia University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
Credits: 120
PTCAS: Yes
Class Size: 50
Requirements: Freshmen entry or Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, 50 hours PT observation in at least two different facilities
Program Contact: Joan Foster, Assistant Director of Admissions/Transfers
Address: 301 Lake Street, Dallas, PA 18612-1008
Phone: 570-674-6255
Email: jfoster@misericordia.edu
Website: http://www.misericordia.edu/pt

Neumann University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
PTCAS: No
Class Size: 26

Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 2.5, 200 hours of PT experience
Program Contact: Robert E Post, PT, PhD, Director
Address: Division of Nursing and Health Sciences, One Neumann Drive, Room 232
Aston, PA 19014-1277
Phone: 610-558-5534
Email: postr@neumann.edu
Website: http://www.neumann.edu/academics/grad/therapy/index.asp

Saint Francis University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Credits: 115
PTCAS: No
Requirements: 3+3 freshmen entry or Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, 80 hours of volunteer or paid experience in physical therapy in two different settings
Program Contact: Lisa A. Buck, Coordinator of Graduate Admissions
Address: School of Health Sciences, 117 Evergreen Drive, P.O. Box 600, Loretto, PA 15940
Phone: 814-472-3123
Fax: 814-472-3140
Email: lbuck@francis.edu
Website: http://www.francis.edu/PThome.htm

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Public
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Credits: 116
PTCAS: No
Class Size: 50
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 2.75, 100 hours of direct physical therapy experience with a licensed physical therapist in two or more clinical settings
Program Contact: Carol L Martin-Elkins, PT, PhD, Chairperson
Address: Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, PT Building, Slippery Rock, PA 16057
Phone: 724-738-2080
Fax: 724-738-2113
Email: carol.martin-elkins@sru.edu
Website: http://academics.sru.edu/pt/index.htm

Temple University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Public
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
Credits: 130
PTCAS: Yes
Class Size: 50
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, PT observation hours
Program Contact: Stephen Carp PT, PhD, GCS
Address: 3307 North Broad Street, Jones Hall – 6th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Phone: 215-707-8913
Fax: 215-707-7500
Email: stephen.carp@temple.edu
Website: http://www.temple.edu/chpsw/departments/pt/

Thomas Jefferson University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
Credits: 111
PTCAS: Yes
Class Size: 43
Requirements: 3+3 freshmen entry or Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, 50 hours of volunteer or work experience in two physical therapy settings
Program Contact: Paul D Howard, PT, PhD, OCS, Cert MDT, COMT, Interim Chairperson
Address: Jefferson College of Health Professions, 130 South Ninth Street, Suite 830,
Philadelphia, PA 19107-5233
Phone: 215-503-8025
Email: Paul.Howard@jefferson.edu
Website: http://www.jefferson.edu/jchp/pt/

University of Pittsburgh Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Public
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Credits: 107
PTCAS: Yes
Class Size: 60
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, minimum GRE score of 1000 is required (Verbal and Quantitative) and a minimum score of 3.5 (Analytical), 100 PT observations hours
Address: 6035 Forbes Tower, Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Phone: 412-383-6630
Fax: 412-383-6535
Email: PTinfo@shrs.pitt.edu
Website: http://www.shrs.pitt.edu/dpt/

University Of Scranton Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
Credits: 116.5
PTCAS: No
Class Size: 45
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0
Program Contact: Peter Leininger, PT, PhD, OCS, Assistant Professor, DPT Program Director
Address: Department of Physical Therapy, 800 Linden Street, Scranton, PA 18510-2429
Phone: 570-941-6662
Fax: 570-941-7940
Email: entry-level.DPT@scranton.edu
Website: http://matrix.scranton.edu/academics/pcps/physicaltherapy/

University Of The Sciences In Philadelphia Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
PTCAS: No
Class Size: 40
Requirements: three+three freshmen entry or Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0
Program Contact: Marc Campolo, PT, PhD, SCS, ATC, CSCS, Chair
Address: 600 South 43rd Street, Box 39, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: 215-596-8849
Email: m.campol@usip.edu
Website: http://www.usp.edu/academics/collegesdepts/pt

Widener University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
Credits: 120
PTCAS: No
Class Size: 40
Requirements: 120 credits of approved graduate course work, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, 40 hours PT observation in two different settings
Program Contact: Jeanne Nolan, Program Secretary
Address: Institute for Physical Therapy Education, School of Human Service Professions, One University Place, Chester, PA 19013
Phone: 610-499-1277
Fax: 610-499-1231
Email: physicaltherapy@widener.edu
Website: http://www.widener.edu/academics/collegesandschools/humanserviceprofessions/physicaltherapy

Other schools that offer physical therapy programs in Pennsylvania are Keystone College and Lincoln University of Pennsylvania.

The post Where Can I Find Physical Therapy Programs In Pennsylvania? appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

The Home For Occupational Therapists

Each professional body needs some kind of safe place that will help them when they need advice or to help them establish themselves in an economy which is growing tighter each year on the budget of each American.

There are many benefits of belonging to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) that it would not make sense to not belong to this national professional association.

What The American Occupational Therapy Association Is

In order for occupational therapists and occupational therapy students to give the best service they possibly can and to help them to stay current with the latest techniques. AOTA takes on members and acts in their best interest by keeping them up to date and informing them of any changes in the laws that are applicable to their practices as well as keeping them informed of any workshops that are available in their areas.

Not only does this give the member of the association and edge over those professionals who have not joined, but it also ensures that the industry as a whole gives the quality service that is expected by their patients as well as making sure that the standard of service does not drop. When there is a set standard available, it is much easier to stay within the boundaries of what is expected and perform to those standards, than having to waste time looking up and researching through a mass of possibly incorrect information to see what is expected and what is seen as acceptable service levels.

The Advantages Of Being A Member

The first and probably the most obvious benefit of being a member of the association is that you do not have to do any guesswork as to what is expected of you as an Occupational therapist by the law and by the public as a whole. You are guaranteed to have all of the information that you may possibly need to run a successful and ethical practice at your fingertips.
In short, the benefits of your membership can be summed up as follows:

• All the tools and resources that you may need to become a successful OT (occupational therapist) and to maintain that status
• Categorized membership to ensure you are registered in your specific field of practice
• Legal representation on your behalf through legislative advocacy
• Availability to all learning tools to maintain and renew your license as an OT
• Professional certification programs as well as credentials
• Ways to get in touch with others in your field to network and connect
• Discounts that are only available to members at specified partners
• A platform to find a job or advance your career
• Learning courses that will help you become a better OT in general as well as to start your own business or to help you qualify for a management position through leadership training

The Tools And Resources Available

In order for the AOTA to reach their strategic goal of uplifting the standards of the professionals who are registered with them, they provide the necessary tools to the OT who is registered with them to prepare them for the current situation. As we all know, each generation will face their own unique set of challenges and it is up to the OT to keep up with the challenges that face different communities and different profiles in order to have the solution to those challenges.

Being online is also a very big advantage for the AOTA as all of the information that is possibly needed by the member can be downloaded at the push of a button and the AOTA can easily keep track of their many members online and manage these members in the same way by monitoring how many members they have in which sector and by having a database already set up when the member registers online.

Categorized Membership

It is pointless and a waste of time for an OT who deals with children to have to sift through all of the information and offers for the other sectors such as dealing with seniors who have had a stroke. For this reason, the memberships are clearly categorized and the sector the member registers for will be represented in the membership. This simplifies the process for the OT and they will receive offers that are relevant to their own sector. Should the OT wish to update or customize their membership profile, they can simply do that by going online and filling in the details they wish to change on the member center link.

Legislative Advocacy

In the medical field, there is always something that can go wrong, even if it was unintentional or if it was simply a misunderstanding and the consequences for these transgressions can be quite severe. Having all of the information at your disposal in case a problem arises for which you need legal advice is critical to solving the problem before it becomes a crisis. When you know what your rights are and how to make sure you have followed all of the correct procedures as well as how to keep record of how you followed procedure, then staying away from court becomes that much simpler.

Learning Tools

OT students can also be members of the AOTA and all of the information they may need to complete their studies can be gained from the AOTA. Students will also have access to the networking channels where they can get in touch with professionals who have been practicing in the field for an amount of time and gain insight from their experience.

Professional Certification

The aim of the AOTA is to have a professional environment for all of its members and the public who make use of these services and to ensure all of its members are on the correct service levels, they have access to certification courses which will help them to gain a good standing with their peers and patients alike. These courses do not qualify a person to start practicing as an OT, but is at the disposal of the already qualified OT in order to stay current with new practices as well as maintaining a level of continuous development of their career.

Networking

In the age of technology it is hard to ignore the power of networking. Getting in touch with professionals from all walks of the profession is very beneficial to an OT as they can gain insight and grow as a professional by gaining insight from and by teaching others in the profession thus raising the standard automatically and stepping away from textbooks and gaining insight on what is working for other professionals.

Discount At Partners

It does not matter which career a person is in, it is always nice to have a bonus element attached to being a member of an association. The same goes for being a member of the AOTA. Members enjoy discounts on products, courses, workshops as well as subscriptions. All of this value adds up and makes the membership more than a piece of paper with bragging rights. Putting money back into the pockets of the professional means that they have more excess funds to further their careers and become more educated which helps the AOTA materialize their goals. Thus the benefit is two-fold.

Career Management

Getting into the profession can be difficult, but because the AOTA accepts students as their members, these students can start to look for vacancies through the AOTA’s career link where they can find work just before or just after they qualify. Members that have qualified as professionals already and who are in the profession already can further their careers by looking for employment opportunities online as well. There are so many opportunities available that it all comes down to knowing where to look at the end of the day. Even if you are not looking for employment, you can take a look at which qualifications are sought after so that you can gain these improvements to your resume gradually. This can prepare you for future employment opportunities.

Continuous Development Through Learning

Nothing places a professional sector, or any other sector for that matter, more at risk that stagnation. When a group of professionals as a whole reach a certain level of knowledge and then stagnate on that level then progress grinds to a halt and it leads to the downfall of the entire profession. This stagnation also leaves gaps in the market and the individual who dare to take advantage of this gap and progress in their knowledge and skills to a level above the norm, will excel and leave the rest of the market plummeting and floundering for survival. For this reason it is very important for the AOTA to not only maintain a level of knowledge and skill, but to raise the bar continuously and to challenge all of their members so that the level of service keeps rising to uplift the profession as a whole.

The American Occupational Therapist Association Online

AOTA online makes it easy for members to keep track of their memberships and to check up when they are due for re-registering and makes it easy for non-members to register. All information about the AOTA can be found online as well as who to contact in case you do not find what you are looking for.

The post American Occupational Therapy Association appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

The University Of New Mexico, Albuquerque

The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque is one of the two institutions that offer physical therapy programs in New Mexico. Their program provides graduates with the knowledge required in order to take up a position as entry-level Physical Therapist Assistants.

The physical therapy programs in New Mexico include subjects such as kinesiology, anatomy and physiology, and patient communication. Students are taught to communicate confidently and professionally, critical thinking and information management skills, and to perform a range of physical therapy services.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) associate degree offered culminates in an Associate of Science degree and can be completed in approximately two years. The program includes a mixture of classroom and lab practice as well as practical clinical experience via an externship.

Upon successful completion of this program, successful graduates will be eligible to sit for the PTA licensure exam, the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).

For further information on physical therapy programs in New Mexico, contact a Carrington College Enrolment Services Representative.

San Juan College

The San Juan College is another of the institutions that offers physical therapy programs in New Mexico. It offers two Physical Therapy Assistant programs, one on-campus and one online. The college has a very modern PTA lab, which is equipped with traction tables, massage tables, electric high-low tables, plinths, and mat tables. The college also offers state-of-the-art equipment, including paraffin bath, Hoyer lift, ultrasound, hot pack, cold pack; tilt table, and electrotherapy machines.

The PTA program features some unique features, including us of the new state-of-the-art library, 100% access to computerized databases throughout the campus, and the integration of multi-media technology. One feature that is absolutely unique to San Juan is the inclusion of a concentrated, extensive neuro-developmental study and exposure to the Native American culture.

Admission

These physical therapy programs in New Mexico give preference to New Mexico residents who have the right qualifications, and applicants are required to complete certain prerequisite courses with a minimum of a 2.75 GPA or above. A higher GPA is preferable, due to the number of applicants that apply every year and the fact that only 20 students are admitted per year to each of the programs, making a total of 80 students in the first and second year for both programs.

Applicants for both programs must meet the same requirements for admission. Applicants are evaluated on a variety of criteria, including:

• A minimum college GPA of 2.75
• Completion of the Accuplacer (ACC)
• Completion of required courses as per the SJC policy
• San Juan College application
• Registration as an SJC student
• PTA Program application
• A minimum of 5 Clinical Observation hours that are not site specific
• Completion of the Admissions Exam
• 3 Professional letters of recommendation
• Copies of college transcripts

Prerequisite Courses

Prospective students of physical therapy programs in New Mexico are required to complete certain prerequisite courses before they are granted admittance to either of the PTA programs:

• ENGL 111 Freshman Composition 3
• MATH 114 Mathematics for Health Careers 3
• BIOL 112 Human Body Structure and Function 4
• HITP 110 Medical Terminology 3
• COMM 111 Interpersonal Communication 3
• ENGL 218 Advanced Technical Composition** 3
• PSYC 120 Introduction to Psychology 3
• PTAP 116 Musculoskeletal Focus *** 3
• Total Prerequisite Credits 25

Students must also ensure that evidence of a higher-level math class, freshman composition and other general education hours (total 25 credits) are on record at the end of the fall semester for which they have applied. This requirement is the same for either program.

On-Campus Program

The PTA program at San Juan is 80 weeks long, and the curriculum for the on-campus program is split up over 5 semesters. The curriculum is formatted in a way that allows a high school graduate to begin studying immediately after graduation. The sessions are designed in such a way that they allow for maximum flexibility for summer students.

Curriculum

The program consists of the following courses, for a total of 49 credits.

• PTAP 110 Introduction to PTA 3
• PTAP 125 Clinical Kinesiology 4
• PTAP 130 Pathophysiology 3
• PTAP 150 Procedures I 4
• PTAP 140 Therapeutic Exercise 3
• PTAP 160 Procedures II 3
• PTAP 210 Principles of Rehabilitation 5
• PTAP 230 Full-Time (minimum 40 hours/week) Clinical Externship (Acute/Inpatient) 4
• PTAP 250 Procedures III 4
• PTAP 260 Seminar 2
• PTAP 270 Full-Time (minimum 40 hours/week) Clinical Externship (Outpatient) 7
• PTAP 290 Full-Time (minimum 40 hours/week) Clinical Externship (Rehabilitation) 7
• Total PTA Program Credits 49

Students doing the on-campus program will complete their first full-time (40 hours per week) of four weeks in an acute setting, before the end of the third semester. They will also complete a further 2 full-time externships of seven weeks each in a rehabilitation and outpatient setting during the fourth semester. San Juan College has approximately 125 clinical sites, with current contracts, across the United States.

Online Program

Students that apply to the online/expansion program will receive all of the lecture material in an online format. Lab reviews and examinations are held on-campus, for approximately one to two weeks per lab class.

Students in the distance education program need access to the internet, preferably DSL; otherwise the requirements for entry into this program are the same as those for the on-campus program. The only difference is that students in the online program have two years in which to complete the technical program.

The online program requires that students are at the college one week per PTA lab course (denoted with an L), which will be towards the end of each semester.

Curriculum

• PTAP 110 Introduction to PTA 3
• PTAP 125 Clinical Kinesiology (L) 4
• PTAP 130 Pathophysiology 3
• PTAP 150 Procedures I (L) 4
• PTAP 140 Therapeutic Exercise (L) 3
• PTAP 160 Procedures II (L) 3
• PTAP 210 Principles of Rehabilitation (L) 5
• PTAP 260 Seminar 2
• PTAP 230 Full-Time (minimum 40 hours/week) Clinical Externship (Acute/Inpatient) 4
• PTAP 250 Procedures III (L) 4
• PTAP 270 Full-Time (minimum 40 hours/week) Clinical Externship (Outpatient) 7
• PTAP 290 Full-Time (minimum 40 hours/week) Clinical Externship (Rehabilitation) 7
• Total PTA Program Credits 49

Students in the online program will complete the first 4-week full-time externship in the fifth semester and a further two 7-week fulltime externships in the sixth semester.

All externships may be completed near the student’s place of residence as long as a clinical contract can be established between the physical therapy facility that is used and the San Juan College.

Clinical externships may not be done at a facility at which students either are or have been previously employed.

Tuition, Fees and Books

Tuition for either of the PTA programs for an in-state student is $47 per credit hour; this includes a $6 per credit hour student general education fee
Tuition for either of the PTA programs for an out-of-state student is $115 per credit hour; this includes a $10 per credit hour student general education fee
Textbooks for either program cost approximately$1,045
The cost of the entire program, which includes all books, tuition, and program and student fees for an on-campus in-state student, is $5,123; and out-of-state on-campus student will pay $10,155 for the same
All on-campus students are required to pay $600 for program fees, which can be paid over four semesters
The in-state distance education students will pay $6,023 for the entire program, including all books, tuition, and program and student fees, and an out-of-state distance education student will pay $11,055
All distance education students are required to pay $1,500 for program fees, which can be paid over six semesters

Financial Aid

Although the physical therapy programs in New Mexico that are offered by the San Juan College are affordable for most, the college offers access to financial aid on a per-need and merit basis. Contact the Office of Financial Aid at 505/566-3323 for further information.

Each fall semester, one student is granted a $500 endowment scholarship, which is specific to the PTA program.

Licensure

Upon successfully graduating from either program, students are qualified to sit for the national computerized licensing exam.

Outcomes

Based on a three-year average, the outcomes are excellent, with 81% of students admitted to both programs completing and graduating from the program, and 90% of the graduates pass the national licensing exam. 100% of those that sought employment were employed.

Job Outlook

New Mexico currently has approximately 330 working physical therapy assistants, and this figure is projected to climb to approximately 420 by the year 2018.

Accreditation

Both the on-campus Physical Therapist Assistant program and the online Physical Therapist Assistant program are fully accredited through the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

More information regarding either of these physical therapy programs in New Mexico can be accessed on the website or you can contact the interim Program Director, Dr. Therese Millis, DPT, via e-mail or you can contact her by phone on (505) 566-3013.

The post Are There Physical Therapy Programs In New Mexico? appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

How To Become A Physical Therapist In Washington

In order to be a physical therapist in this state you must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Health Board of Physical Therapy. Before you can be licensed you must meet the following requirements:

• You must have either a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, or
• A bachelor’s degree in any field followed by a graduate degree in physical therapy

However it is interesting to note that in reality you will need to get a master’s or doctorate degree as bachelor’s degree programs for physical therapist in Washington are no longer accredited by CAPTE, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, and it is necessary to complete a program accredited by this body before you can become a registered and licensed physical therapist in this state. Consequently the educational requirements to be a physical therapist in Washington are currently fairly stringent.

To apply for licensure as a physical therapist in Washington you must:

• Complete and submit an application form (forms can be downloaded at http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/Professions/Physical_Therapy).

• Along with your application form you will need to pay an application fee to the board of $100. This is non-refundable.

• In addition to the application fee you will need to submit a passport sized photograph of yourself to the Board.

• Prior to submitting the application, applicants must take and pass with a score of 100% the Washington State jurisprudence exam for physical therapy. This is a requirement as it proves that you are fully aware of the legal aspects involved in being a physical therapist in Washington and therefore proves that you are able to adequately perform your role.

• You need to have completed a required seven-hour training course in AIDS prevention, transmission, and treatment.

• Applicants in Washington also need to provide proof of their education in the form of an official transcript with the date of their graduation included.

• After submitting all of this information you must apply to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). This will cost you $350.

Continuing education is also required as proof of your continuing competency as a physical therapist in the state of Washington. These requirements will differ from state to state. Consequently you need to have a full understanding of the requirements in your state well ahead of time.

List Of Physical Therapy Programs In Washington

In order to become a physical therapist in Washington you have to either complete a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy or complete a bachelor’s degree in another major, followed by a specialization in physical therapy. However the educational requirements for this line of work have become more stringent over the years and it is now necessary to hold a master’s degree in physical therapy or a doctorate in physical therapy in the state of Washington in order to be allowed to become registered as a professional physical therapist in this state. Consequently most physical therapy programs in Washington offer one of the latter degree options rather than a bachelor’s degree program for potential physical therapy students.

There are three main physical therapy programs in Washington that you will be able to enroll in as a student with an interest in pursuing this career:

Eastern Washington University
Location: Spokane, WA
Degree: Masters
Website: http://www.ewu.edu/cshe/programs/physical-therapy.xml
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: 310 North Riverpoint Blvd., Box T, Spokane, WA 99202
Phone: 509-828-1354
Fax: 509-828-1389
Email: ddickerson@ewu.edu

University of Puget Sound
Location: Tacoma, WA
Degree: Doctorate
Website: http://www.pugetsound.edu/academics/departments-and-programs/graduate/school-of-physical-therapy/
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: 1500 N. Warner St., CMB 1070, Tacoma, WA 98416
Phone: 253-879-3281
Fax: 253-879-2933
Email: pt@pugetsound.edu

University of Washington
Location: Seattle, WA
Degree: Doctorate
Website: http://rehab.washington.edu/education/degree/pt/
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: 1959 NE Pacific Street, Suite BB-928, Seattle, WA 98195
Phone: 206-598-5333
Fax: 206-685-3244
Email: gleep@uw.edu

Although the options may not seem many or diverse, they are fairly good quality and most students who enroll in these programs feel fully equipped to begin a career as a physical therapist once they have graduated.

Because becoming a physical therapist is an advanced qualification you need to be prepared to devote many years of your life to achieving this educational end. In addition hard work and dedication will be required and the cost of many physical therapy programs in Washington can be quite expensive for the average student. In the long run, however, you will be preparing for a solid and rewarding career within the ever expanding health care profession where you will always be guaranteed of being able to find employment.

Salary

According to physicaltherapycareer.net there are 3840 physical therapists currently employed in Washington and they are being paid around $35.43an hour and $73,690 a year. However the actual salary that you may end up earning will depend on a variety of factors. One of these factors is the specific city within Washington where you choose to work. According to cbsalary.com these are the salary amounts that you can expect in the various cities within the state of Washington:

• In Bellevue you can expect to earn about $71, 564 a year
• In Therapist Redmond you can expect to earn about $71, 564 a year
• In Therapist Bellingham you can expect to earn about $70, 400 a year
• In Therapist Richland you can expect to earn about $62, 465 a year
• In Therapist Bremerton you can expect to earn about $69, 327 a year
• In Therapist Seattle you can expect to earn about $71, 564 a year
• In Therapist Everett you can expect to earn about $71, 564 a year
• In Therapist Spokane you can expect to earn about $66, 137 a year
• In Therapist Kennewick you can expect to earn about $62, 465 a year
• In Therapist Tacoma you can expect to earn about $67, 982 a year
• In Therapist Olympia you can expect to earn about $63, 990 a year
• In Therapist Yakima you can expect to earn about $75, 144 a year
• In Therapist Pasco you can expect to earn about $62, 465 a year

There are a number of other factors that may too play a part in the salary that you earn, including the industry that you work in and the employer that you work for as a physical therapist in Washington.

Career Outlook

The career outlook for physical therapist in Washington is extremely good. This is because, in this state, the incidence of heart disease as well as strokes has increased significantly over the last short period of time. Individuals recovering from such medical incidents often require the assistance of a physical therapist. This means that there is a marked increase in the demand for physical therapists within this state, making it an excellent career to pursue in this particular part of the country. In addition physical therapy forms part of the health care industry, and industry that is always stable, even in the face of economic difficulties. In addition this is the industry that is consistently expected to grow at a faster rate than any other industry at the moment. What this essentially means for physical therapists is job security. Physical therapists in Washington also have the option of entering private practice. This can be an extremely lucrative endeavor if you are able to establish yourself quickly and easily in this regard. physical therapy is a career that comes with a great degree of professional respect. In general, as more and more people begin to accept the benefits of physical therapy, the industry is growing in its own right.

Although there are only 3 physical therapy programs in Washington to choose from, they are all of good quality, and there are a number of employment opportunities for individuals with this qualification within the state of Washington. In addition physical therapists in this state are eligible for a fairly good remuneration package. Before embarking on this career path due consideration must be given to your ability to complete the training requirements adequately as well as whether or not you meet the personality requirements for the job. In order to make a success of a career you need to have the right attitude and approach to the topics involved.

The post Looking At Physical Therapy Programs In Washington appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

How To Become A Physical Therapist In North Carolina

This is quite an intensive qualification as you are expected to hold multiple degrees in order to work as a physical therapist. Specifically you need to hold a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in physical therapy in order to be employed as such. There is also an examination that you will need to take, and the license that you receive as a result of passing that examination will most likely need to be renewed on a regular basis. There are a few specific criteria that must be met in the state of North Carolina specifically so ensure that you are aware of the prerequisites. As with any career there are a number of training and other steps that you will have to go through in order to become a physical therapist in North Carolina:

• The first step is to complete an undergraduate degree in a science based curriculum (although the specific major you take may not be important).

• You the need to complete a master’s degree from an approved and accredited program in North Carolina.

• You also have the option of going on to complete a doctorate degree which is advisable as it will increase your employment options, although it is far from being compulsory.

• You then need to complete the application process and take the national licensure examination offered through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

• Last but not least you must complete the application process for a North Carolina Physical Therapy license; the application, related information and fee schedule are easily found on the website at www.ncptboard.org.

• To do this you must provide proof of passing the national exam, personal information including your name, address, location and dates attended for your institution(s), degree(s) held, license(s) held, and expected place of employment.

List Of Physical Therapy Programs In North Carolina

The following is a comprehensive list of schools on offer in North Carolina:

Duke University
Location: Durham, NC
Degree: Doctorate
Website: http://dpt.duhs.duke.edu/
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: 2200 West Main Street, Suite B-230, Durham, NC 27705
Phone: 919-681-4380
Fax: 919-684-1846
Email: mike.landry@duke.edu

East Carolina University
Location: Greenville, NC
Degree: Doctorate
Website: http://www.ecu.edu/pt/
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: Health Sciences Building, 2410B, Greenville, NC 27834
Phone: 252-744-6239
Email: gillandt@ecu.edu

Elon University
Location: Elon, NC
Degree: Doctorate
Website: http://www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/dpt/
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: Gerald L. Francis Center 101B, 2085 Campus Box, Elon, NC 27244
Phone: 336-278-6350
Fax: N/A
Email: rogers@elon.edu

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Degree: Masters
Website: http://www.med.unc.edu/ahs/physical
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: 321 S. Columbia Street, Bondurant Hall, Suite 3000, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
Phone: 919-966-4708
Fax: 919-966-3678
Email: eDPTUNCadmit@med.unc.edu

Western Carolina University
Location: Cullowhee, NC
Degree: Masters
Website: http://www.wcu.edu/5951.asp
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: 310 Moore Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723
Phone: 828-227-7070
Fax: 828-227-7071
Email: donaldson@wcu.edu

Winston-Salem State University
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Degree: Masters
Website: http://www.wssu.edu/school-health-sciences/departments/physical-therapy/
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: FL Atkins Bldg., Room 331, 601 Martin L. King Jr. Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27110
Phone: 336-750-2190
Fax: 336-750-2192
Email: pattersonly@wssu.edu

As you can see there are quite a large number of schools that offer physical therapy programs in North Carolina to choose from. When selecting a school it is very important that you carefully consider all of the options that are presented to you. The decision you make at this point in your career could have a significant impact on your career moving forward as a physical therapist ion the future. The school that you choose should meet your personal ideals, but there are also a number of practical aspects that you must take into consideration when selecting a school. For example it is extremely important that the school you select is appropriately accredited, or else you may be wasting your time and your money by studying through that institution.

Salary

According to physicaltherpaycareer.net the average salary that you can earn as a physical therapist in North Carolina is about $74,450 a year. However, according to cbsalary.com, there are differences between cities within the same states. The website lists the following salaries for the various regions in North Carolina:

• In Asheville you can expect to earn around $71,535 a year
• In Lenoir you can expect to earn around $74, 853 a year
• In Chapel Hill you can expect to earn around $66,352 a year
• In Mooresville you can expect to earn around $77, 428 a year
• In Charlotte you can expect to earn around $73,810 a year
• In Morganton you can expect to earn around $74, 853 a year
• In Durham you can expect to earn around $66, 352 a year
• In Newton you can expect to earn around $$74, 853 a year
• In Gastonia you can expect to earn around $73, 810 a year
• In Raleigh you can expect to earn around $63, 192 a year
• In Goldsboro you can expect to earn around $67, 600 a year
• In Rock Hill you can expect to earn around $70, 888 a year
• In Greensboro you can expect to earn around $73, 107 a year
• In Rocky Mount you can expect to earn around $80, 264 a year
• In Greenville you can expect to earn around $64, 761 a year
• In Winston Salem you can expect to earn around $73, 453 a year
• In Hickory you can expect to earn around $74, 853 a year
• In Winston-Salem you can expect to earn around $70, 888 a year
• In High Point you can expect to earn around $73, 107 a year

Within North Carolina, then, the salary can differ significantly from city to city. However there are also a number of other influences that may have an effect on the salary that you are eligible to earn as a physical therapist within North Carolina. For example the industry that you work for may play a role as different industries place different price tags on physical therapists. The same goes for different employers. The level of experience and education that you have will also play a role. In some specific cases you may notice gender differences in terms of how much physical therapists are paid.

Career Outlook

Physical therapists are part of the healthcare industry and consequently they benefit from the job security and constant increases in jobs that characterize this industry. The field of physical therapy in the United States has seen steady growth in the last several years and future estimates state that this growth period will continue and by 2016 there will be 27 percent more physical therapists practicing nationwide than there are now. North Carolina currently employs approximately 3,700 physical therapists (2.6% of the healthcare workforce), with an average salary range of $29.99 per hour. These numbers are expected to increase along with the numbers of the entire nation, making North Carolina one of the best regions of the United States in which to complete a physical therapy program and to seek employment as a physical therapist as a result of that program. Physical therapy can also at times be seen as a form of preventative care, something which is also on the increase as there is a growing demand for preventative healthcare measures. Physical therapists have the opportunity to branch out and begin their own practices, something which can be very lucrative and result in even further career outlook options and opportunities.

Becoming a physical therapist in North Carolina seems to be a very wise career move to make. It must be noted, however, that there are states that have better opportunities in terms of the number of schools available. In addition there are states where you may stand the chance of being paid more as a physical therapy assistant than in others. It is important that you consider all of the parameters of the career before enrolling in any physical therapy programs in North Carolina. That being said, it is not a bad state in which to be a physical therapist.

The post Looking At Physical Therapy Programs In North Carolina appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

About The ATI Foundation

According to the ATI physical therapy website “The ATI Foundation is committed to aiding children with physical impairments, in need of medical resources and funding to enhance and sustain a better quality of life”. This foundation was founded in 2003 by ATI physical therapy. A large part of what ATI Physical Therapy stands for is to serve the community and give back through physical service, as well as though providing resources and knowledge to those who need it.

Mission, Values And Vision Of ATI Physical Therapy

Mission

The mission of ATI, as mentioned previously, is to ensure that children who have certain disabilities that can be treated through physical therapy do, in fact, receive the treatment that they need effectively and efficiently.

Values

The main values of ATI involve:

• Giving
• Sharing
• Enhancing

Specifically they give back to the community and to children in need, they share their skills and expertise with those who stand to benefit from it, and they actively work towards enhancing the community through their practices.

Vision

The vision of ATI includes the following aspects:

• Serve as a community partner focused on helping those in need by giving back to local communities through funding and providing additional resources.

• Provide support for beneficiaries by using representatives from many aspects of the healthcare industry in our programming and fundraising efforts.

• Become a trusted and respected foundation on a national level.

• Committed to a long-term effort to continue to give back and share resources within the communities served.

Reasons To Choose ATI

There are a number of excellent reasons to choose ATI, all of which are listed below in some detail. For more information visit this website.

• One-to-One Care: ATI physical therapy stands out because of the one-to-one care provided by physicians to each patient.

• Friendly & Professional Customer Service: The many reviews on the ATI website speaks for how well the organization as achieve its goal of providing excellent customer service.

• Dynamic & Encouraging Employees: The Company’s belief in its employees shows in the high standard of care provided.

• Large State-of-the-Art Facilities: The facilities provided by ATI are of only the best quality imaginable.

• Exceptional Rehabilitation Outcomes: F.I.R.S.T. stands for Functional Integration of Rehabilitation and Strength Training, the foundation of ATI’s work conditioning/hardening treatment program.

• Transportation Service for Patients

• Research & Development Department Committed to Improving Patient Outcomes: ATI engages in research in Basic Science: The F.I.R.S.T. Program, Evidence-Based Medicine:

• Outcomes Based Clinical Medicine, and Cost-Benefit Analysis: Quality of Care in Workers’ Compensation Rehabilitation.

• Internationally Recognized F.I.R.S.T. Work Conditioning/Hardening Program

• ATI Foundation- A Non-Profit Organization Benefiting Children in Need

• Training Center Dedicated to Continuing Education for ATI Professionals

• Specialized Services for Women: ATI Women’s Health is ATI’s innovative approach toward the comprehensive treatment of health care needs exclusive to women.

More information can be found about women’s health through ATI physical therapy by using the following information:

South Naperville
2940 Rollingridge Road
Suite 101
Naperville, IL 60564
Phone: 630.527.0485
Fax: 630.527.0917

Tinley Park
16651 S. Harlem Avenue
Tinley Park, IL 60477
Phone: 708.444.2838
Fax: 708.444.3031

Joliet
3080 Caton Farm Road
Joliet, IL 60435
Phone: 815.254.3901
Fax: 815.254.5196

Newark
Metro Professional Office
4923 Ogletown Stanton Road Suite 220
Newark, DE 19713
Phone: 302.351.0246
Fax: 302.998.2495

Services

Physical Therapy

ATIs staff are experts in physical therapy treatments for Back and Neck Pain, Arm and Shoulder Pain, Leg and Knee Pain, Foot and Ankle Injuries, Hand Injuries, Sports Injuries, Work Injuries, Post-Surgical Conditions, Personal and Auto Injuries, Fibromyalgia, Decreased Range of Motion, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Orthopedic Injuries, and Acute and Chronic Conditions. In addition they make use of many leading-edge techniques including manual therapy, therapeutic modalities, strength training, and cardiovascular conditioning.

Work Conditioning/Hardening

F.I.R.S.T, ATI Physical Therapy’s trademarked work conditioning/hardening program, is a goal-oriented treatment program designed to return injured workers back to their workplace.

Functioning Capacity Evaluations

Functional capacity evaluations are a means by which ATI determines the readiness of a patient to return to work following rehabilitation and a way for both the patient and their employer to know whether or not the patient can continue performing the same duties as in the past.

Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy uses water, especially its inherent buoyancy, as a method of treating patients – in water patients are able to exercise without putting nearly as much strain on their muscles and other affected areas.

Hand Therapy

Hand and upper extremity therapy allows a patient to regain maximum use of their hand or arm following injury, surgery, disability, and disease.

Sports Medicine

ATI Physical Therapy is the Official Sports Medicine Provider for high schools, colleges, universities, clubs, organizations, and professional teams.

Sports Performance And Conditioning

The professionals at ATI will work together to design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive functional exercise program to suit your individual needs.

ATI Women’s Health

ATI Women’s Health is ATI’s innovative approach toward the comprehensive treatment of health care needs exclusive to women.

Employer Worksite Solutions

Because prevention is key in any condition, ATI physical therapy offers workplace solutions to decrease the risk of work-related injuries that can affect the productivity of a b7usiness significantly from occurring.

Complimentary Injury Screenings

ATI physical therapy offers free screenings of any injuries that you have incurred in order to put your mind at rest or to determine the exact extent of the injury that you are suffering from.

Locations

Illinois:

• Alsip
• Aurora (West)
• Aurora/Fox Valley
• Bloomingdale
• Bolingbrook (East)
• Bolingbrook (West)
• Bolingbrook South
• Bourbonnais
• Bourbonnais – Mooney Drive
• Broadview
• Carol Stream – Wheaton
• Chicago – Andersonville/Uptown
• Chicago – Avondale
• Chicago – Beverly
• Chicago – Michigan Avenue
• Chicago – Midway
• Chicago – North Park
• Chicago – South Loop
• Chicago – Wicker Park/Bucktown
• Chicago Bridgeport
• Chicago-Bricktown
• Chicago-Lincoln Park
• Corporate – Bolingbrook, IL
• Countryside
• Darien
• Des Plaines
• Downers Grove
• Elk Grove Village
• Elmhurst
• Evanston
• Forest Park
• Frankfort
• Geneva
• Glen Ellyn
• Hickory Hills
• Homer Glen
• Joliet
• Joliet Hand Therapy
• Joliet South
• Joliet West
• Joliet Women’s Health
• Lemont
• Lockport
• Lombard
• Matteson
• Minooka
• Morris
• Morris West
• Mount Prospect
• Naperville (East)
• Naperville (North)
• Naperville (South)
• Naperville Women’s Health
• New Lenox East
• New Lenox West
• Niles
• Oak Lawn
• Oak Park
• Orland Park
• Oswego
• Ottawa
• Park Ridge
• Plainfield
• Plainfield Hand Therapy
• Rockford
• Romeoville
• Schaumburg
• Shorewood
• Tinley Park
• Tinley Park Hand Therapy
• Tinley Park Women’s Health
• Training Center – Bolingbrook, IL
• Westchester
• Willowbrook
• Winfield
• Wood Dale
• Woodridge

Wisconsin:

• Brookfield
• Greenfield
• Kenosha
• Mequon
• Milwaukee East Side
• Milwaukee-Third Ward
• New Berlin
• Racine
• Sheboygan
• Waukesha
• Wauwatosa
• West Allis
• Whitefish Bay

Indiana:

• Anderson
• Bloomington
• Dyer
• Eagle Highland
• East Indy
• Fishers
• Franklin
• Greenfield
• Greenwood Center Grove
• Griffith
• Hammond
• Hammond South
• Lafayette
• Merrillville
• Munster
• Noblesville
• North Indy
• Northeast Indy (Castleton)
• Portage
• Shelbyville
• South Indy
• Southeast Indy
• Valparaiso
• West Indy

Delaware:

• Bear
• Corporate Center – Newark, DE
• DE Sportsplex
• East Dover
• Elsmere
• Glasgow
• Middletown
• Milford
• Millsboro
• New Castle
• Newark – Hand
• Newark – Spine and Orthopedics
• North Hand Center
• North Wilmington
• Pike Creek
• Seaford
• Smyrna
• South Dover
• West Dover
• Wilmington/Greenhill
• Women’s Health – Newark
• WorkZone

Maryland:

• Aberdeen
• Abingdon
• Bayview
• Bel Air
• Carney
• Elkton
• Elkton East
• Essex
• Forest Hill
• Havre de Grace
• Linthicum
• North East Maryland
• Reisterstown
• Rising Sun
• Rosedale
• Timonium

Pennsylvania:

• Avondale
• Doylestown
• Feasterville
• Jenkintown
• Jennersville
• Langhorne
• Lionville
• Northeast Philadelphia
• Oxford
• Royersford
• Thorndale
• Warrington
• West Chester
• West Grove

ATI Physical Therapy gives back to the community and offers a wide range of therapeutic services to a wide range of different people. As physical therapy organizations go, this is one of the better options to keep in mind. This is also true for physical therapists who are seeking employment in a well established and well thought of company. In the long run working for this company will make a substantial difference to your career path moving forward.

The post About ATI Physical Therapy appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

Why Enroll In A Doctor Of Physical Therapy Program?

There are two main reasons to become a doctor of physical therapy:

1. You will be guaranteed of finding employment in the future
2. You will be provided with extremely comprehensive and in-depth training

The first point is related to the fact that APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) plans to make a doctorate the minimum level of education needed to become a physical therapist in the future. At the moment you don’t need a doctorate to be a physical therapist, but by 2020 you will. By earning a doctorate now you are guaranteed of still being able to find employment when the rules change. In any case the in depth training that you are given in a doctorate course is the best way to ensure continual success in the profession.

How To Become A Doctor Of Physical Therapy

The first step to becoming a doctor of physical therapy lies in completing a bachelor’s degree, preferably in the science field. Then you should volunteer as a physical therapy aide at local hospitals, clinics or other medical facilities in order to gain experience. Next you must obtain letters of recommendation to accompany your doctoral program application, examine the list of doctor of physical therapy programs provided on the American Physical Therapy Association website, apply to the doctor of physical therapy programs that interest you, complete your doctor of physical therapy program, and take and pass all required exams.

Benefits

There are three main benefits to becoming a doctor of physical therapy:

1. You will have a lot more autonomy. If you do not have a doctorate it means that you can only administer treatment to patients who have been referred by a physician. As a doctor you can enter into private practice.
2. In addition you will also have the higher level of expertise needed to keep up with the many medical and technological advances that are being made every day. This increased level of expertise may mean that you stand a higher chance of finding employment.
3. The salary, which will be discussed in more detail later, is much higher than that of a physical therapist without a doctorate.

Types Of Doctors In Physical Therapy

Orthopedic Physical Therapists

These types of physical therapy doctors are trained to treat disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system as well as rehabilitate patients after surgery. This is probably the best known area of physical therapy and this is where you will find many doctors of physical therapy working. The actual therapy that such a doctor administers can vary, but usually consists of things such as administering heat packs, cold packs, massage, water therapy and electrical stimulation. The main aim is to ensure that functioning is fully restored, and it is the prerogative of the physical therapist to determine how many sessions the patient will need in order to achieve his or her therapeutic goals.

Geriatric Physical Therapists

There are a number of ailments that only affect certain members of the population. For example there are many musculoskeletal ailments that seem to primarily be felt by the elderly. A geriatric physical therapist will usually work with older patients in his or her daily practice. The ailments that you may encounter if you choose to be a doctor of physical therapy in this particular arena include:

• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Cancer
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Hip and joint replacement

Clearly an elderly member of society has different needs in terms of physical therapy. In addition there are certain measures a physical therapist may have to put into place in order to ensure that treatment occurs safely as older adults tend to be frailer.

Neurological Physical Therapists

There are a number of neurological disorders and diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, ALS, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, spinal cord injury and even stroke, which result in poor motor functioning and other symptoms that fall within the domain of physical therapy. A neurological physical therapist is one who works with patients suffering from these neurological disorders, specifically by helping them recover as much of their physical functioning as possible. The main point in this line of work is that therapists work with patients to lessen the symptoms to help them get their independence back. That could also be considered as one of the main roles of a doctor of physical therapy – to help patience achieve a level of independence they may not otherwise have had.

Pediatric Physical Therapists

Like the elderly, pediatrics (which is generally taken to mean anyone younger than the age of 18) often need to be cared for in different ways to adults. This means that in the arena of physical therapy there needs to be doctors who are able to address the specific needs and ailments of children. Usually these treatments tend to focus on improving the fine motor skills of children with various congenital, neuromuscular, skeletal and developmental problems, along with balance and coordination. Strength and endurance are important as well as cognitive and sensory skills and these are all included in treatments if necessary. This is a fairly popular arena of physical therapy among new students, but it must be remembered that it is not the only option you have.

Cardiovascular And Pulmonary Rehabilitation Physical Therapists

These doctors of physical therapy focus mainly on assisting patients who:

• Have had cardiac surgery
• Have had pulmonary surgery
• Have heart disease

More specifically, patients who have had the following may need physical therapy of this kind:

• Heart attacks
• Post bypass surgery
• Pulmonary disease
• Fibrosis

The main aim of this type of physical therapy is to assist in clearing lung secretions. Consequently this is a highly skilled subsection of the physical therapy arena and requires years of advanced training in order to for you to become skilled enough to get a position in this line of work.

Salary

The following are the salaries that you can expect to earn in different physical therapy occupations:

• As a general physical therapist (where a doctorate is not necessary, but is often preferred) you can earn $62,019 a year

• As a licensed practical therapist (where a doctorate is not necessary, but is often preferred) you can earn $62,164 a year

• As a Staff physical therapist (where a doctorate is not necessary, but is often preferred) you can earn $62,333 a year

• As a pediatric physical therapist (where a doctorate is not necessary, but is often preferred) you can earn $57,861 a year

• As a clinical director of physical therapy (where a doctorate is usually a requirement) you can earn $71,713 a year

• As a physical therapist director (where a doctorate is usually a requirement) you can earn $72,830 a year

• As a lead physical therapist (where a doctorate is usually a requirement) you can earn $68,966 a year

List Of Schools Offering Doctorates In Physical Therapy

Not all schools that offer physical therapy qualifications have a doctorate option. Below is a fairly comprehensive list of the various schools through which you will be able to earn a doctorate in physical therapy in the US. It will be necessary to do your own research into each school to determine its suitability in your particular case.

• Alabama State University
• The University of Alabama at Birmingham
• University of South Alabama
• Northern Arizona University
• University of Central Arkansas
• Azusa Pacific University
• Chapman University, Orange
• Loma Linda University, Loma Linda
• Mount St Mary’s College, Los Angeles
• Samuel Merritt College
• University of California, San Francisco/San Francisco State University
• University of Southern California
• University of the Pacific
• Western University of Health Sciences
• Regis University
• University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
• Quinnipiac University
• The George Washington University
• University of Delaware
• University of Florida
• University of Miami
• University of South Florida
• University of St Augustine for Health Sciences
• Emory University
• Georgia State University
• Medical College of Georgia, Augusta
• Idaho State University
• Bradley University
• Midwestern University
• Northwestern University
• Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
• The University of Illinois at Chicago
• Indiana University
• University of Indianapolis
• Clarke College
• Des Moines University – Osteopathic Medical Center
• St Ambrose University
• The University of Iowa
• University of Kansas Medical Center
• Bellarmine University
• University of New England
• University of Maryland
• University of Maryland – Eastern Shore
• American International College
• Boston University
• MGH Institute of Health Professions
• Simmons College
• pringfield College
• University of Massachusetts Lowell
• Andrews University
• Central Michigan University
• Oakland University
• University of Michigan – Flint
• College of St Catherine
• College of St Scholastica
• Mayo School of Health Sciences
• University of Minnesota
• University of Mississippi Medical Center
• Rockhurst University
• Southwest Baptist University
• Washington University of St Louis
• The University of Montana – Missoula
• Creighton University
• University of Nebraska Medical Center
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey
• University of New Mexico
• Columbia University
• Daemen College
• Dominican College of Blauvelt
• Long Island University – Brooklyn Campus
• New York Medical College
• New York University
• State University of New York Upstate Medical University
• Stony Brook University
• The Sage Colleges
• University at Buffalo, State University of New York
• Utica College
• Duke University
• East Carolina University
• Elon University
• University of Mary
• University of North Dakota
• Pacific University
• Arcadia University
• Drexel University
• Duquesne University
• Gannon University
• Neumann College
• Saint Francis University
• Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
• Temple University
• Thomas Jefferson University
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
• Widener University
• Medical University of South Carolina
• University of South Carolina – Columbia
• Belmont University
• East Tennessee State University
• The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
• Hardin-Simmons University
• US Army-Baylor University
• University of Utah
• University of Vermont
• Hampton University
• Marymount University
• Old Dominion University
• Shenandoah University
• Virginia Commonwealth University
• University of Puget Sound
• University of Washington
• Concordia University Wisconsin
• Marquette University

As you can see there are a vast number of options to choose form. When making your decision about which physical therapy school you plan to do your doctorate through, you really need to be very careful as the school that you choose at this point in your career will go a long way to impacting the rest of your career as a physical therapist.

The school that you choose should be accredited and it should have a good reputation in terms of the ration of students who graduate from the school in comparison to the ratio of students from that school who pass the licensing examinations and find employment in the field of physical therapy. Becoming a doctor of physical therapy is a very prestigious and worthy qualification to strive towards and you will find that the job comes with a number of benefits and perks, such as an increase in salary. In addition you may be able to enter into private practice.

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