Physical therapy by definition is the treatment or management of physical disability and malfunction. Bethel Park graduate and physical therapist Peter Haywiser visited BPHS on Friday, Nov. 15 to tell students that physical therapy is so much more than what its definition says.
Physical therapists diagnose and manage movement dysfunction as well as enhance the physical and functional abilities; they must also take precautionary measures with their patients to prevent progression of impairments.
Establishing a plan of care and progression that keeps the patient along a track that is constantly progressing is also a big part of the job as a physical therapist. Usually patients are looking for a fast path back to their normal lives, so they must help them by having a plan of attack laid out for them without pushing them too hard too soon.
Once patients have completed their physical therapy training, physical therapists must still conduct reevaluations of their patients occasionally. This will ensure the patient isn’t experiencing any setbacks and feels good about the ability in their once defective body part or muscle.
A college education is definitely necessary when becoming a physical therapist. While in high school, it will help to take health classes as well as biology and anatomy to help attain some background knowledge on the human body and how it functions.
Mr. Haywiser also recommended that if possible students should try to volunteer at local physical therapy offices and shadow the doctors there for experience on the job and to get a better feel for what they do on a regular basis. AGH human motion center located on Bethel Church Road is a place students could possible obtain these hours. Students should keep track of these hours because somewhere along the line aspiring physical therapists will need a certain amount of volunteer hours in their quest to become a physical therapist.
Mr. Haywiser himself graduated from the prestigious Duquesne University. He completed a doctorate in physical therapy along with a bachelor in health sciences and biology.
Now for the part that everyone always asks about, the salary. When students first graduate and find their first job as a physical therapist, they can expect a starting annual salary of around $50,000. This has the potential to grow to a maximum of approximately $75,000 depending on how well the pupils excel at their job. The location of the practice and degree of education also play important roles in the paychecks of physical therapists.
The job security for a physical therapist is outstanding, being one of the fastest growing jobs in the country. The job demand prediction for 2008-2018 is for the occupation to grow 30 percent!
As well as not having to worry about job security, many physical therapists say it is very easy to love your job. Mr. Haywiser is one of these people.
Peter said that it was a great feeling knowing that you’re making a difference in someone’s life and helping them to make their daily chores easier and less painful. He describes watching someone improve and complete physical therapy training as a great experience especially when there is a strong connection between the doctor and patient.
Forbes magazine even listed physical therapy as one of the top ten happiest jobs in the United States.
Physical therapists are able to see someone grow and become a stronger person because of their guidance and training. If students are struggling to find a job that will make them feel good about what they do and like the fact they are making a difference in someone’s life, then physical therapy is the occupation for them.
