| Physical therapy is an important health-related | | | | cannot practice anywhere in the U.S. until he |
| profession that requires many years of intensive | | | | passes a licensure exam. Experienced physical |
| study and training. Schools across the U.S. offer | | | | therapists may also take an exam to earn board |
| undergraduate and graduate programs in physical | | | | certification in sub-specialty areas, namely |
| therapy, admission to which is quite competitive. | | | | cardiovascular and pulmonary, clinical electro |
| Students keen on pursuing a bachelor's or | | | | physiologic, geriatric, neurologic, orthopedic, |
| master's degree in physical therapy are advised | | | | pediatric, and sports physical therapy. Physical |
| to take courses in subjects like anatomy, biology, | | | | therapists are required to regularly update their |
| chemistry, and physics. Several schools also | | | | skills by attending workshops and continuing |
| require an applicant to have done some physical | | | | education courses. Several states require physical |
| therapy volunteer work. | | | | therapists to continue their education as a |
| Once admitted to a physical therapy program, a | | | | condition to maintaining their licenses. |
| student is expected to start with basic science | | | | Demand for physical therapy continues to grow, |
| courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics. | | | | and a qualified physical therapist will find good job |
| In time, specialized courses such as biomechanics, | | | | opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, fitness |
| neuroanatomy, human growth and development, | | | | centers, and rehabilitation centers. Apart from |
| examination techniques, and therapeutic | | | | helping to rehabilitate victims of debilitating |
| procedures are introduced. While students receive | | | | disorders and diseases, physical therapists can |
| adequate classroom and laboratory instruction, | | | | work in related fields as speech therapists, |
| they are also exposed to a fair amount of | | | | occupational therapists, and recreational therapists, |
| supervised clinical experience. A physical therapist | | | | among others. |
| is also expected to develop compassion and | | | | A skilled physical therapist can use his training and |
| strong interpersonal skills in order to educate | | | | experience to bring relief to many, and more and |
| patients and their families about treatments. | | | | more people are taking the opportunity to make |
| On graduating from an accredited physical | | | | a career in a field that can change lives. |
| therapist educational program, a physical therapist | | | | |