Physical Therapy Career Paper

Physical Therapy...The Best Career Choice

“Physical therapy as a profession actually originated during World War 1 in response to the need created when our soldiers were injured in war”. (“Physical Therapy”). When an individual is considering a career which has been around for such a long time, he or she needs to look into a number of different areas in order to be able to make an informed decision about following that career path. The areas include such things as education requirements, skills and knowledge needed, values that are looked for in an individual, responsibilities, salary, work environment, travel, job security, challenges faced on a daily basis, and benefits of the career. An individual must also take into consideration whether

According to Chad Fisher, an insurance expert, when an American is pursuing a career in physical therapy, he or she requires at least six years of education. The minimum requirements needed to become qualified as a physical therapist are a bachelor’s degree and a doctorate degree. “Physical Therapy Careers” states that an individual first needs to earn a bachelor’s degree before being accepted into the doctorate program. To help get accepted into the program, the individual must have volunteer experience. In Australia, an individual going into the physical therapy field needs only two to four years of education. An article, written by Tim Dorion, owner of The Physical Therapy Center, LLC, and a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, states that a physical therapist is required to complete either a Bachelor of Honors or a Masters degree. The Masters degree takes two years of education to complete whereas the Bachelor of Honors is four years. Two years shorter than the American

Dawn Rosenburg McKay, a career development facilitator, also lists that there are specific specialized courses which need to be taken. The courses include: biomechanics, therapeutic procedures, and manifestations of disease. Following graduation, and prior to looking for work, both American and Australian physical therapists need to obtain a license which allows the individual to practice in his or her state. Just like any job, a physical therapist can increase his or her chances of full time employment through volunteer work. Gaining first hand experience is better than any experience gained within course work.

Depending on an individual’s life style, working in either America or Australia could be beneficial. The American education could suit the type of person who enjoys studying and is not set on entering the work force straight away. A larger education could result in more knowledge gained in the field. The Australian education could be beneficial for an individual who is eager to enter the workforce. The shorter education would mean that he or she would gain entry into the work force quicker which would provide an earlier opportunity to earn money and start living an independent