Physical Therapist, Registered

Physical therapists (PTs) work with people of all ages who are disabled by illness or an accident or who were born with a developmental disability. They help clients face the challenges of recovery—an athlete needing to gain strength and flexibility, an accident victim learning to use an artificial limb, or a patient needing rehabilitation at home. They plan and carry out programs to help these people gain strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination and overall physical functioning. Physical therapists also provide programs to lessen pain and to prevent injury. They use lifestyle modification techniques, movement exercises, heat, cold, electrical stimulation, water and assistive devices, ultrasound, and massage to help their patients develop endurance, coordination, muscle strength and decrease pain. PTs work with patients to overcome emotional and physical barriers that hinder recovery.  Many PTs practice in hospitals working  as part of a health care or rehabilitation team.

Places of Employment
Hospitals

High School/General Preparation
A high school diploma is required

Special Education/Training
A master's degree in Physical Therapy is required

School
Pacific University
www.pt.pacificu.edu/index.shtml
www.pacificu.edu

Licensure, Certification, and Registration
After completion of a masters degree in physical therapy, registration is available upon completion of a national examination.
Oregon State Board of Physical Therapy
www.ptboard.state.or.us

Professional Organizations
None