If you are considering a career as a physical therapist, you will really need to have more insight about the career before you can make a decision. Go online and gather as much information as you can about this particular kind of work and make your decision from there. To help you decide, I have prepared some necessary information that I think you should know before deciding:
1. The job scope
Physical Therapists assist people with physical disabilities. These disabilities could have been caused by accidents, illnesses or plain old age. You will need to be able to sympathize with them and understand what they are going through. Sometimes, they will be bitter or very upset about their condition and can be hard to work with. Your patience will definitely be one thing you most definitely need.
2. The work environment
Physical Therapists (PTs) normally work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, clinics and they also do house calls. You will need to be comfortable working in this kind of environments as this is where your patients would normally be.
3. Working hours
This too will depend on your patients. Some PTs will have to work during weekends or after office hours in order to better serve their patients.
4. Fitness Level
You should be reasonably fit if you are considering a career as a PT. PTs often time have to kneel, stoop, bend, walk, run, crouch, lift and stand for long hours when assisting a patient so being fit will be an added advantage.
5. Job Outlook
This career is expected to grow at least 27% from 2006 – 2016. This is mainly due to the increase in the numbers of individuals with disabilities or limited function and the growing numbers of the elderly.
These are only some reasons that could influence your decision. To get in depth ideas of how you would fit in this industry, take the time to talk to a mentor or an experienced PT before you decide.
