The career of a physiotherapist is a very challenging one as much dexterity is required. Hence, every physically ill patient needs the attention of a good physiotherapist to help them get through their physical ill-body state.
Nonetheless, becoming a good physiotherapist requires years of experience and education in fields like biology and physical fitness. To an extent, becoming a physiotherapist will require you to gain knowledge of psychology as the affected patients are often posed with psychological stress.
The physiotherapist doctor is always required in the medical field as they play a vital role in the recovery of injured patience. Thus, these group of therapist abilities is well required in cases like fractures and dislocations, torn ligaments, sprains, and strains tendon injuries. As they will help stabilize the patient state of the mind and body during the healing process.
Thus, if you have a longing passion for becoming a physiotherapist but do not know-how. We have gathered the real deal on how to become a physiotherapist.
Who is a Physiotherapist?
As the term applies, a physiotherapist is one who attends or provides solutions and services to victims of physical accidents. Physiotherapists help victims affected by illness, injury or disability through exercise and movement, manual therapy, education, and advice. They maintain health for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain and prevent disease. They are actually not doctors as they do not intensively involve in medical treatments. Hence, a physiotherapist involves in things like massaging the injured person in where necessary to gain relief.
What are the Duties of a Physiotherapist?
A physiotherapist performs the following duties below to a medical victim;
What requirements do I need to become a Physiotherapist?
First and foremost to become a physiotherapist, one needs to acquire a bachelor’s degree. Here, the students will take courses like chemistry, biology, anatomy, and physiology.
Nevertheless, these courses will help prepare them for the Medical School Admission Test (MCAT). The Medical School Admission Test is a standardized exam that tests the candidate’s knowledge in physical and biological sciences, verbal reasoning and writing skills, and critical thinking skills.
Furthermore, it will take up to four years to complete training in medical school. During the first two years of the program, the students will focus on theory and practical sessions. The course the students will undertake during this period includes anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical ethics, and medical law.
On the other hand, during the last two years, the students will be required to complete the clinic and hospital ward sessions under the supervision of experienced doctors. This session of participating in treating patients will help students to gain practical medical experience.
Where Can I Study Physiotherapy?
Most institutions around the world that offers medical-related courses offer physiotherapy. Physiotherapy study is that which will enable one to become a physiotherapist. Thus, listing universities that offer physiotherapy around the world would be cumbersome. Hence, visit the desired medical-related school you would like to take your physiotherapy course to get more information.
Necessary Skills of a Physiotherapist
A good physiotherapist ought to possess the following qualities;
How Can I Become a Physiotherapist?
It is extremely necessary to complete work placements while still studying to develop competence and give you practical experience. In most cases, students are required to pass a certain number of hours of practical work before advancing on to the next level of study. Placements are often in an NHS setting under the supervision of experienced physiotherapists.
You can use your feedback from your work placements when applying for jobs to show that you have potential and are hardworking. Nonetheless, carefully read below to see steps on how to become a physiotherapist.
1. Job Shadow a Few Physical Therapists
To become a physical therapist you need to fully know what it is all about and be guided accordingly. Thus, this will require you to job shadow, good physiotherapist, you know and do volunteering jobs for them. While doing this, putting cognizance to your purpose.
2. Decide Whether you want to Start your Career as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
After job shadowing, decide whether you would like to start off your career being a physiotherapist assistant (PTA). PTAs are great career options as this will help you gather more experience and get more advice on career options.
3. Research DPT Programs and Their Requirements
It is essential to know what you will need for a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduate program in physiotherapy. Thus, after your PTA you are to gather information on what it takes to run a DPT program. Hence, this helps you develop a simplified plan. This would include all the prerequisites for the course and minimizes the additional time that could happen at the school.
4. Get a Bachelor’s Degree
After enquires on how to obtain a DPT cert, the aspirants are advised to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a DPT program. Nonetheless, some of these programs are only open to students in their first year of study. They include post-secondary and undergraduate education usually lasting only six years. However, most DPT programs are for people who have already finished university studies after graduating with a bachelor’s degree. So maybe that’s where you have to start. Thus, below are the courses accepted from students that will continue with their DPT program after bachelors degree;
- Biology
- Exercise Physiology
- Exercise science
- Health Science
- Kinesiology
- Psychology
- Pre-physical therapy
5. Do More Job Shadowing and Acquire Documents
Additionally, after your bachelor’s degree it is advisable you do more job shadowing. This is because, when running for your DPT program, serious verification and proof of experience have to be presented. Thus, after this the student is advised to acquire the following documents;
What is the Expected Salary Scale of a Physiotherapist?
A newly qualified physiotherapist can expect to earn between £20,000 and £30,000. Once they have more experience their salary can increase to £35,000 and even further down the line when you have reached a specialist level you can earn up t £55,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you become a physiotherapist without going to university?
You can become a physiotherapist without higher studies at a university. But in some countries, you will still need about six to seven years before you can begin to practise your profession.
How many years does it take to study physiotherapy?
The physiotherapy degree can be undertaken over a four year period as an undergraduate or two to three years post graduate with the early components being predominantly theoretical including basic anatomy, biology, physics, psychology, kinesiology, goniometry and physiology.
Is physiotherapy hard to study?
Study most career choices are usually not difficult provided that you have commitment to it and optimum interest to undertake the program.
Where can I study to become a physiotherapist?
Most institutions around the world that offers medical-related courses offer physiotherapy. Physiotherapy study is that which will enable one to become a physiotherapist.
Conclusion
Finally, we hope you were able to understand fully all that is involved in physiotherapy and how to become a prominent physiotherapist. Thus, if you have any further questions regarding physiotherapy you can ask us through the comment box below.
References
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