Health Careers

Physical Therapy

NATURE OF THE PROFESSION

Physical therapists improve the mobility, relieve the pain, and prevent or limit the permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. Their patients include accident victims and disabled individuals with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, nerve injuries, burns, amputations, head injuries, fractures, low back pain, arthritis, and heart disease.

Therapists evaluate a patient's medical history; test and measure their strength, range of motion, and ability to function; and develop written treatment plans. Therapists also teach and motivate patients to use crutches, prostheses, and wheelchairs to perform day-to-day activities and show them exercises to do at home.

Some physical therapists treat a wide variety of problems; others specialize in such areas as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports physical therapy, neurology, and cardiopulmonary physical therapy.

Physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of a physical therapist. Their duties include assisting the physical therapist in implementing treatment programs according to the plan of care, instructing patients in exercises and activities of daily living, conducting treatments, using special equipment, administering modalities and other treatment procedures, and reporting to the physical therapist on the patient's response.

APTITUDES

•   Be able to learn complex techniques of physical therapy.
•   Have good verbal ability to talk with patients, read technical materials, and write reports.
•   Have good space and form perception, hand and finger dexterity, and general coordination.
•   Be able to relate to a variety of people and direct and influence others.

• Be able to make judgments based on data and observations and take responsibility for planning programs.

•   Be emotionally stable, creative, patient, and understanding.

HELPFUL HIGH SCHOOL SUBJECTS

Math up to calculus, science including physics, chemistry, and biology.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IN IOWA

Physical therapists are typically educated at major colleges and universities through four-year programs. Graduate programs are also available. Physical therapist assistants usually attend two-year programs at community colleges.

Physical Therapy

•   Clarke College
•   Des Moines University- Osteopathic Medical Center
•   St Ambrose University (Graduate only)
•   University of Iowa

Physical Therapist Assistant

•   Indian Hills Community College
•   Kirkwood Community College
•   North Iowa Area Community College
•   Western Iowa Tech Community College

JOB OUTLOOK and SALARY

Employment of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2008.

Approximate starting average annual salary for physical therapists in Iowa is $41,100. For physical therapist assistants, the average is $23,100.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

American Physical Therapy Association
1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
(800) 999-2782 ext. 3395 Fax (703) 706-3396
Web site