By Daphne Bowen


Entering a medical program involves many steps and stages in terms of education and training. This is certainly the case for the physical therapy Seattle, WA sector of the bourgeoning healthcare field. It is a wonderful career, however, involving work with all kinds of patients who have body functions and physical disabilities.

PTs work with patients of all kinds including accident victims and those born with conditions like cerebral palsy and brain damage. There may be occasion to work with those with heart disease, arthritis, or other medical afflictions. Considerable skill is thus involved covering a wide range of specialties.

Whatever the patient load, the PT works with other healthcare professions to provide a uniform total care plan that includes diagnosis and assessment as well as treatment. Most plans will address motor function, muscle strength, posture, breathing, and body movement coordination.

A good PT keeps documents and records so details can be shared with other staff. This way progress is charted for posterity and consultation. It is just one of many demands on the therapist's time. But participants wouldn't have it any other way. Thus it is a career that is sought by many.

At the higher level, the student pursues a master's degree and/or doctorate before taking qualifying exams for licensing. It is a matter of what kind of career the student wishes to pursue within the umbrella field, and there are 200 institutions in the US alone from which to choose.

All programs are known to be highly intensive and competitive involving clinical and hands-on experience in human development, biomechanics, and therapeutic treatments. To get in, there is the GRE hurdle or the Graduate Record Exam. One can gain entry only based on merit.

To practice as a therapist, the student must take the NPTE or National Physical therapy Examination along with any state requirements as mandated by the state board. Foreign students also have to show an English proficiency certification. When all documents are presented and accepted, qualified candidates will have licensure granted. It is important to note that it is required for any post-professional programs.

If one's has the aptitude and interest, this is an exciting, expanding area in the healthcare industry and one that is needed in urban and rural regions alike. You can see from the website of the American Physical Therapy Association that it is very specialized and takes a great deal of education, training, and licensing but if one is dedicated to the task and wants to help patients, this is the right career indeed.




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