Physical Therapy

Mikaila Moran
10/8/14

Why I want to pursue Physical Therapy
I would like to be a physical therapist because I love to be
around children.
I like to watch people progress and get better.
Im interested in health and exercise.
http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobseeker/jobs/jobdetails.a
spx?APath=2.21.0.0.0&job_did=JHR1T669GNJK828HGRT&
sc_cmp1=js_jrp_jobclick&IPath=QHKV0A

Job Posting #1
Job Posting #2
http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobseeker/jobs/jobdetails.a
spx?sc_cmp1=js_jrp_jobclick&APath=2.21.0.0.0&job_did=J
3F84879RB4JM243K9Q&showNewJDP=yes&IPath=QHKVG
V0B

Job Tasks and Responsibilities
Doctorate degree or Graduate of accredited
program in Physical Therapy.
State PT license.
Knowledge of theory of physical medicine.
Treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, disease,
and dysfunction.
Evaluation tools.
Basic Life Support certification.

Occupational Outlook Quick Facts
2012 Median Pay: $79,860 per year, $38.39 per
hour.
Entry Level Education: Doctoral or professional
degree.
On the job training: None.
Number of jobs: 204,200.
Job Outlook: (2012-22), 36%.

Occupational Outlook Job Description
Physical Therapists known as PTs often help
injured or sick people to improve their movement
and help manage their pain.
Physical Therapists are an important part of
rehabilitation and treatment of patients with
injuries or patients with chronic conditions.
Occupational Outlook Work Environment
Typically work in private offices, clinics, hospitals, and nursing
homes. Much of their time is spent on their feet, actively
working with patients.
Skills Required
The ability to respond quickly
The ability to bend, kneel, twist, and crouch down
Patience
Multitask
Collect data
Identify color changes of the skin
Career Project #1
Female, age 34. PA.
Field: Healthcare
Job Title: Athletic Trainer
Works at hospital, over 1,000 patients
Employed in this position for 1 year
Works 30 hours a week on average
Duties:
- Care
- Prevention
- Rehabilitation
- Travel to schools and athletic events to take care of injuries
Gross Income: $38,000
Gross Income for this year: $40.000
Benefits: 403b, pension, healthcare, paid vacation
Feels well compensated at current position

Career Project #2
Female, age 24, Al.
Field: Medical
Job Title: Medical Assistant
Works for a clinic that specializes in medicine including burns and wounds,
orthopedics, neurology, and trauma. More than 60 doctors and residents, and 25
employees.
Been in this position for 1 year
Works 40 hours on average
Duties:
- Take Vital signs
- Give Injections
- Dress wounds
- Draw blood
- Assist with minor surgery procedures
- Check patients in and out
Gross Income: $16,990
Gross Income for this year: $18,000
Benefits: 1 week vacation, 2 days sick leave, BCBS insurance, no retirement plan
Under compensated

Pros and Cons
Pros
Variety of work settings
Variety of client types
Excellent Salaries
Working in a career that
helps people
Great job opportunities
High level of education


Cons
Cost of education
Extended time required
for education
Physical work
Excessive paperwork
Health care reform
Less opportunity to
change career
My Experience and Skills
Lifeguard: Certified and trained in CPR and First Aid
Involved in 4h, earned charting pin
Good with children and people
Interactive with others
Enjoy watching people getting better
Very physical and involved in many sports such as basketball,
volleyball, track, and softball
Have a lot of knowledge with computers

Plans and Goals After Graduation

After graduating from the Vo-tech and also from James
Monroe, I would like to attend college and hopefully earn a
scholarship for volleyball to help pay for some school tuition. I
would like to attend a university, such as Marshall, if its not
possible I would accept going to a smaller school such as
Concord. I would major in biology, anatomy, or another
science. I would relocate for a job opportunity, but not too far
way unless its somewhere I am familiar with such as Florida. I
mainly want to play volleyball in college and also take my
classes to become a Physical therapist, or possibly an assistant
for that job. Ill also maintain another small local job while
attending school such as a waitress or another part time job.
Sources
Career Builder
Careers
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Profiles