Physical therapists are in high demand and there are many different areas of specialization that you could pursue. In this article, we take a look at the five most popular physical therapist majors and what they might bring to the table.
What are the different types of physical therapists?
Physical therapists work with patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. The most common type of therapist is a physical therapist assistant. There are five sub-specialties within physical therapy: sports physical therapists, occupational therapists, developmental therapists, pediatric physical therapists, and family/youth therapists.
What should I study if I want to become a physical therapist?
Many students choose to pursue a degree in Physical Therapy because it offers a great deal of flexibility in terms of career options. Possible degrees include an undergraduate degree in physical therapy, a graduate degree in physical therapy, or a post-graduate certificate in physical therapy.
There are many different types of physical therapists, each with their own set of skills and knowledge. A degree in physical therapy will give you the foundation you need to become a physical therapist assistant, sports therapist, occupational therapist, developmental therapist, pediatric physical therapist, or family/youth therapist.
What should physical therapists major in?
There is no definitive answer to this question as each individual may benefit from a different type of therapeutic treatment. However, some general fields that may be of interest to physical therapists include:
-Medical rehabilitation: This involves working with patients who have suffered from injuries and need to regain their full range of motion.
-Sports medicine: Physical therapists can help diagnose and treat injuries sustained during sports, as well as provide advice on preventive measures.
-Pediatrics: Physical therapists may work with children who have undergone orthopedic surgery or are dealing with other physical problems.
-Rehabilitation after stroke: Physical therapists can help individuals who have had a stroke regain their mobility and function.
-Occupational therapy: Physical therapists can help individuals who have suffered a work-related injury to return to their previous job or find a new one.
-Physical therapy for pregnant women: Physical therapists can provide prenatal care and physical therapy to pregnant women to help with both physical and emotional health.
Ultimately, it is important for physical therapists to carefully consider their interests and needs when choosing a specialty.
Physical therapists should be comfortable working with a variety of patients, have a strong understanding of anatomy and physiology, and be able to effectively communicate with patients and their families.
What are the benefits of a physical therapist’s degree?
Physical therapists are in high demand due to the many benefits associated with a degree in physical therapy. A degree from an accredited physical therapist program will give you the skills you need to be successful in the field.
Some of the benefits associated with having a degree in physical therapy include:
-The ability to work with patients of a wide range of ages and abilities
-The ability to provide comprehensive care for patients, including working with special populations such as those with mobility disabilities or chronic illnesses
-The ability to use equipment such as ultrasound or other diagnostic tools to help patients
-The ability to work in settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and schools
-The knowledge and skills necessary to become certified as a specialist in physical rehabilitation
There are many other benefits that may be specific to the program you choose. For example, a degree in physical therapy from an accredited program may lead to increased job opportunities and better pay.
Physical therapists with a degree can also find opportunities to work in research, teaching, and industry.
What are the steps to becoming a physical therapist?
To become a physical therapist in most states, you must complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program. Upon graduation, some doctors may choose to complete clinical rotations or research with the goal of becoming licensed. Some states also require physical therapists to complete additional licensure such as becoming certified in orthopedic manual therapy.
Conclusion
As a physical therapist, you will likely be asked which field of physical therapy you would like to pursue. There are many different options available, and the field of PT is growing rapidly due to the ever-growing need for rehabilitation services. However, if you want to become a successful therapist, it is important that you choose a specialty area that interests you and matches your skills and interests. As the demand for PT increases, there are more opportunities than ever before for therapists to find their perfect niche. If you are undecided about what field of PT to pursue, consider majoring in one of these areas: sports conditioning/performance enhancement; orthopedic rehabilitation; neurology/brain injury rehabilitation; pediatric rehabilitation; spinal cord injury rehabilitation; or women’s health rehabilitation.
