Jobs In The Physical Therapy Seattle Sector

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 worked with patients in various capacities. They can encounter injuries, illness, and body function deficiencies. They often help prevent physical disabilities as well. Most common reasons for getting such therapy are accidents, brain damage, heart disease, cerebral palsy, arthritis, and other disabling conditions. A PT is usually part of a team that addresses the patient as a whole, helping to devise treatments to ease pain, improve posture and motor function, and to ameliorate muscle strength and performance. Respiration and coordination of body movements are also a focus.

Many tools of the trade must be learned as well as advanced techniques. Ultrasounds are common and such mobility devices as leg braces, prosthetics, walkers, and wheelchairs. A PT may elect to use adjunct processes such as electric stimulation, deep tissue massage, and cold or hot compresses. Patient improvement comes from many sources, while it takes considerable time.

A therapist must understand the role of various techniques and tools will plying his or her trade. Ultrasounds are common, and in the patient assistance area there are walkers, prosthetics, leg braces, and wheelchairs. Electric stimulation is favored by many along with palliative approaches such as deep tissue massage, hot and cold packs, etc. It is usually a long process to recovery requiring patience and dedication.

Before licensing, a student takes required courses as an undergraduate that includes anatomy, physiology, math, medical assisting, and health education. Then he or she enters a graduate program for a master's degree or doctorate. It is not easy to get into an advanced program and exams are required such as the GRE (Graduate Record Exam). The institution of choice must be accredited and recognized. Right now there are over 200 schools available. No matter the program, the course of study is intensive and lengthy involving study of human development, biomechanics, and therapeutic procedures.

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.

In spite of the ample preparation to be a PT, the salary can run in the $80,000 range and more. It is a factor of location and level of the position. Wherever one starts, it is believed that the field is expanding enough to allow opportunity and advancement according to the American Physical Therapy Association. The Bureau of Labor Statistics corroborates this and offers the promising view that in a few years, the field will have grown by 30%. It is a career earmarked for success for those who have compassion and caring.




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