A Career in Physical Therapy

University of Oklahoma

Department of Health & Exercise Science

October 26 & October 28, 2010

Dale Boren Jr. PT, MPT, OCS

Physical Therapy Central

Norman, OK

www.ptcentral.org

Questions?

Can anyone tell me what a physical therapist

does?????

Has anyone ever been treated by a physical

therapist or physical therapist assistant??

Is anyone planning to pursue a career in

physical therapy??

Historical Perspectives in PT

The first physical therapy association, American Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association, formed in 1921 by founder Mary McMillan.

Made of up women referred to as Reconstruction Aides who treated injured soldiers returning home from World War I.

In the late 1930’s, the association became known as the American Physiotherapy Association.

Men were admitted and membership was approximately 1000.

Historical Perspectives in PT

1940’s and 1950’s – World War II and a nationwide

polio epidemic significantly increased the demand for

physical therapists.

By the late 1940’s, the association changed its name to the

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), which it

continues to be referred as today.

Physical Therapists & Physical Therapy Assistants

Physical Therapist (PT) - a professional concerned with prevention and management of movement disorders arising from conditions and diseases occurring throughout the lifespan.

PT’s examine individuals, determine a diagnosis, and develop a plan of care using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability.

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) - provides physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.

PTA’s assist in instructing patients in exercises and activities of daily living.

Conditions commonly treated by PT’s

Orthopedic conditions such as neck/low back pain, shoulder pain, hamstring strain, and ankle sprains.

Post-operative conditions such as rotator cuff repair and ACL reconstruction.

Arthritic conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease.

Integumentary conditions such as burns, ulcers, and wounds.

Cardiopulmonary conditions such as congestive heart failure and COPD

Common PT Treatment Techniques

Modalities including heat packs, cryotherapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and cold compression

Therapeutic exercise to improve strength and flexibility

Balance training and reeducation to restore normal control to the body and to reduce falls

Manual therapy such as myofascial release, joint mobilization, PROM, & peripheral/spinal manipulation

Aquatic therapy which is helpful for arthritis, early movement, reduced joint stresses, and continuous resistance

Prosthetics, orthotics, and assistive devices

Functional training for activities of daily living and return to sport or occupational demands

Gait and transfer training

Where do PT’s and PTA’s work?

Hospitals

Outpatient clinics or offices

Inpatient rehabilitation facilities

Skilled nursing facilities

Extended care or sub-acute facilities

Patients’ homes

Education or research centers

Schools

Hospices

Industrial workplaces

Fitness centers

Sports teams & sports training facilities

Traveling physical therapy positions

PT Demographics - Income

Median annual earnings of physical therapists in May 2008 were

$72,790. The middle 50 percent earned between $60,300 and $85,540.

The lowest 10 percent earned less than $50,350, and the highest 10

percent earned more than $104,350.

Median salaries based on practice environment:

Home health care services – $77, 630

Nursing care facilities - $76,680

General medical and surgical hospitals - $73,270

Offices of physicians – $72,790

Offices of other health care professionals – $71, 400

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-2011 Edition.

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos080.htm#oes_links

PT Demographics - Income

Highest paying states in terms of median annual wage and salary:

Alaska – $87,410; Median wage $42.02 per hour

Maryland - $86,190; Median wage $41.44 per hour

Nevada $85,360; Median wage $41.04 per hour

New Jersey $83,780; Median wage $40.28 per hour

California $83,740; Median wage $40.26

http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291123.htm

Mean PT earnings in Oklahoma

PT - $69,630 annually or $33.48 per hour

http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ok.htm#31-0000

PTA Demographics - Income

Median annual earnings of physical therapist assistants in May 2008 was $46,140. The middle 50% earned between $37,170 and $54,900. The lowest 10% earned less than $28,580 and the top 10% earned more than $63,830.

PTA - $43,140 annually or $20.74 per hour

Median Salaries based on practice environment:

Home health services $51,950

Nursing care facilities $51,090

General medical and surgical hospitals $45,510

Offices of other health practitioners $44,580

Physician offices $43,390

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos167.htm

Demographics – PT/PTA Job Demand

Employment of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants is

expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations.

Employment of PT’s and PTA’s is expected to grow 30 percent and 35%

respectively from 2008 to 2018.

Job opportunities will be good, especially in acute hospital, rehabilitation,

and orthopedic settings.

Reasons for expected growth:

Changes in healthcare reimbursement will increase accessibility to services & demand

Increasing elderly population and Baby Boomers who will need services

Medical and technological advances will allow > trauma victims, birth defects to

survive

Evidence Based Practice – treat and help things previously untreatable

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos080.htm

Physical Therapy in the Headlines

In 2006, Wall Street Journal's CareerJournal.com survey determined that physical therapists have one of the "eight best careers" based on the following categories: intellectual stimulation, strong job security, level of control and freedom, and extensive direct contact with clients.

In the April 15, 2007 issue of PARADE Magazine, physical therapists were found to have one of the six "Hottest Jobs For College Graduates."

A national opinion poll printed in the April 17, 2007 issue of Chicago Tribune found that physical therapists report one of the highest job-satisfaction levels in the country, second only to clergy!

U.S. News & World Report 2008 Rankings – Physical Therapy

In October 2010, CNNMoney.com rated physical therapist the 4th Best Job in America.

Preparation for a career in PT?

What courses should you expect to take at the University level? Anatomy and Physiology

Exercise Physiology

Chemistry

Physics

Statistics

Psychology

Biology

Social science

English

Computers

Medical Terminology

Research Methods

Preparation for a career in PT?

Job Shadowing: is a program for students to find out what it is like to be

in a specific profession. This helps the student to choose the college

program (higher education/training) and subsequently the profession that

they would like to choose. Typically requires an employee / company to

partner with the school.

Physical therapy tech work/training: many physical therapy clinics

utilize high school or college students to assist in basic delivery of PT

services. Typical job duties include preparing patients to see the

PT/PTA, keeping the clinic clean and orderly, and basic services to keep

the clinic running smoothly.

Educational requirements for PT’s

The minimum requirement is a master’s degree (MPT) from an accredited education program. Currently 9 U.S. programs.

The majority of programs offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Currently 203 U.S. programs.

The majority of DPT programs require students to enter with an undergraduate degree, though some will admit students after three years of undergraduate work, and a few admit students at the freshman level.

Students are in a MPT/DPT program between six and nine semesters (2-3 years).

Physical Therapy Education FAQ’s.

Directory of Accredited Physical Therapist Education Programs

Specialist Certification in PT

Clinical specialization in

physical therapy responds

to a specific area of patient

need and requires

knowledge, skill, and

experience exceeding that

of the physical therapist at

entry to the profession and

unique to the specialized

area of practice.

Cardiopulmonary

Clinical Electrophysiologic

Geriatric

Neurologic

Orthopaedic

Sports

Pediatrics

Women’s Health

Educational requirements for PTA’s

The minimum requirement is an associate’s degree after two years of

undergraduate study.

The physical therapist assistant (PTA) is a graduate of an accredited

PTA associate degree program.

Physical Therapist Assistant Education Information

Directory of CAPTE Accredited PTA Programs

PTA Recognition of Advanced Proficiency

The PTA Recognition of Advanced

Proficiency Program recognizes Physical

Therapist Assistants (PTAs) who have achieved

advanced proficiency through education,

experience, leadership and as part of the

PT/PTA team in a specified area of work -

Musculoskeletal, Neuromuscular, Geriatric,

Pediatric, Cardiovascular/Pulmonary, and/or

Integumentary

What should you consider when looking at PT/PTA schools?

How far from home do you want to be?

What size school and program do you want to attend?

How much financial aid do you need and how much can you get?

How many of the program's graduates pass the licensure exam on the first try?

How experienced are the faculty members? Are they members of APTA? Do their areas of expertise match what you might want to do after graduation?

Is there a PT or PTA Student Club or other department activities?

Will the program link you with a mentor?

What degree can you earn, and how long will you be in the program?

What kind of clinical experiences are provided for students? Where are they located, and in what settings?

Admission Requirements for PT School

OU Health Sciences Center (DPT) Complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, or

complete requirements to be eligible to earn the B.S. in Health Studies degree after completion of 30 hours in the program;

Have successfully completed, or be in the process of completing, prerequisite course work (90 credit hours - no more than 60 credit hours from a two-year college will count toward the required 90) from any accredited college or university, prior to starting the program

Have at a minimum both a 2.75 cumulative grade point average and a 2.75 science grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

Have completed all departmental prerequisite courses with grades of C or better.

Document 40 hours of physical therapy observation which are due with the on-line application.

Submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (the General Test prior to the deadline date).

Submit a completed on-line application.

3-year Curriculum

Admission Requirements for PT School

Langston University (DPT) Applicants must have completed requirements for a baccalaureate degree at an

accredited college or university with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 in which 4.0 is equivalent to an "A".

Prerequisite courses must be completed with a "C" or better grade in each course and an overall GPA of 3.0 for the prerequisite courses.

Submit three recommendations from academic advisors or individuals who can address the potential for success of the applicant.

Submit an autobiographical statement of no less than 500 words (and no more than 1000 words)

Submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) directly to the School of Physical Therapy.

Submit documentation of 50 clinical observation hours with a licensed physical therapist.

2011 Application Packet

3-year Course of Study

Admission requirements for PTA school

Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC)

Must be eligible for admission to OCCC – Application Procedures

Fall 2010 Application

GPA requirements: High school GPA minimum 3.00; GED Transcript

Average Score Minimum 550; College Retention GPA Minimum 2.50

(minimum 12 hours).

Point Preference System takes into account: College Degree, GPA, GED,

science scores, ACT, observation experience, and work experience.

Criminal history & sexual offender background checks

Randomly administered drug tests

Other PTA programs include: Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center, Murray

State College, Tulsa Community College, Carl Albert State College.

How to improve your chances of getting into PT/PTA school?

Strive for a high overall grade point average (GPA), especially in courses such as biology, chemistry, anatomy, and statistics

Volunteer or get work experience as a physical therapy tech or aide

Be involved in school and community activities such as sports or social clubs

Show evidence of leadership experience

Have strong writing and interpersonal skills

Provide letters of recommendation from physical therapists or science teachers

How to become a physical therapist checklist – Ehow.com

Physical Therapist Central Application Service (PTCAS)

PTCAS will allow you to use a single Web-based application and one set

of materials to apply to multiple physical therapist (PT) education

programs.

PTCAS provides the following three primary benefits:

Facilitates the PT admissions process for applicants and programs.

Promotes the physical therapist profession and educational programs

to a broad spectrum of applicants.

Provides rich applicant data for institutional, regional, and national

analysis.

Currently, no Oklahoma based PT program participates in the PTCAS

system.

Current Trends in Physical Therapy

APTA Vision 2020

By 2020, physical therapy will be

provided by physical therapists

who are doctors of physical

therapy, recognized by consumers

and other health care professionals

as the practitioners of choice to

whom consumers have direct

access for the diagnosis of,

interventions for, and prevention

of impairments, functional

limitations, and disabilities related

to movement, function, and health.

Current Trends in Physical Therapy

Direct Access

Currently, persons in the State of Oklahoma must have a referral from a physician in order for a physical therapist to provide treatment to a person.

A person can be evaluated without a referral in this state, but cannot receive treatment without the referral.

At this time, Oklahoma physical therapists are attempting to get legislation passed which will allow people to have much needed direct access to physical therapy services.

Currently, Oklahoma is one of only five states that do not allow patients to see a physical therapist without a physician referral.

The Brand –

In 2007, amid growing competition in the health care industry and shrinking

budgets, the APTA Board of Directors determined a need to re-brand the physical

therapist and the profession to better position us as the experts in restoring and

improving ”motion” in people's lives.

90 percent of consumers already have a very positive impression of physical

therapists

Among consumers interviewed, physical therapists are the providers of choice,

even above orthopedists and chiropractors, for treatment of loss or limitation of

movement, or injury, or pain.

Consumers are actively seeking prevention and wellness options, and they are more

likely to turn to physical therapy if they know a physical therapist can:

Significantly improve mobility to perform daily activities

Provide an alternative to painful and expensive surgery, in many cases

Manage or eliminate pain, reducing the need for long-term use of

prescription medication and its side effects, in many cases

The Brand –

Consumer research revealed 2 distinct professional personality types

Sage - the person who helps people accomplish things. He or she is

smart and confident in explaining how to do something. The Sage is

described as a teacher and coach - someone who instructs and inspires us

to get things done, to achieve things. You also have a strong sense of

understanding and compassion for what the person is experiencing, but

you don't see that as an excuse for not making improvements.

Hero - someone who makes them better and stronger just by being in

the same room as them. They see you as the professionals who have the

courage to make it happen. You are a "Hero" in their eyes.

Together these personalities merge the independence gained from a

teacher/coach with the strength and mastery offered by a hero.

Consumer website with informative videos and general information

about PT – http://www.moveforwardpt.com/

Polls

Find Your Condition

Ask a PT

Patient Legislative Center

Commercials in Major Markets – Paint

Social Media Outlets

YouTube – MoveForwardPT

Twitter - @MoveForwardPT

Facebook – Move Forward PT

The Brand

Videos

You Can Be Me – A Career in Physical

Therapy (APTA)

Move Forward: Physical Therapy Brings

Motion to Life (APTA)

A Little About Us?

Physical Therapy Central

We consist of seven, going on eight, physical therapist-owned clinics

in Oklahoma. Our clinics are located in Norman, Newcastle, Pauls

Valley, Choctaw, Oklahoma City, Stillwater, Chickasha, and soon to

be Elk City.

We provide specialized care in the areas of orthopaedics, post-

operative care, spinal injuries, sports medicine, total joint

replacement, balance rehabilitation and work-related injuries.

Check us out on Facebook – Physical Therapy Central or Twitter

@PhThCentral. Follow me @borenjr

Please check out our website for more information:

www.ptcentral.org

QUESTIONS????