Prompt 1: Questions and Assumptions in the Kinesiology Field

By: Regan Tarrow

Here is a list of questions with answers and assumptions about physical therapy that I put together:

Questions
1. Do physical therapists usually work in groups or can it just be one on one with the patient most of the time?
   You can work alone or you can join a group practice and share clients and responsibilities. 
2. What are some challenges PT's face?
   The educational investment, long work hours, emotional stress from patients, and continuing education requirements. 
3. What is the average pay?
   84,020 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 
4. What is the employment outlook for this career?
   There is a high demand in the work force because of the baby boomers. It is suppose to increase by 34% between 2014-24 which is faster than average. 
5. What classes can you take in college that will be most beneficial in this career?
   Classes such as anatomy and physiology are very important towards the graduate degree because they get applied to harder classes in the future. 
6. Schedule for a PT?
   Most physical therapists work full time although there is about 1 in 5 that work part time in 2014. Normal business hours are typical, but some may work evenings or weekends. 
7. What are some major responsibilities?
   Prepare for upcoming therapy sessions, clean areas, watch patient's development, take appointments, answer phone calls, and paper work. 
8. Where do physical therapists practice other than hospitals and outpatient offices?
   Rehabilitation facilities, homes, schools, workplace environments, and fitness centers/sports training facilities. 
9. License requirements for PT?
   After graduating, students must pass a state administered national exam. Most requirements vary from state to state.
10. What are some important qualities to have while being a PT?
   Being patient, compassionate, flexible, and supportive. 
Assumptions
1. Physical therapists specialize in an area.
2. Most physical therapists have a doctoral or professional degree.
3. They spend most of their time on their feet working with patients. It is an active job.
4. In their job they provide exercises for the patient and record progress.
5. It is a hands on career.

After looking up the answers to my questions it helped me better understand what I've been wondering about. The sources I've looked up gave me good information towards my field. Although I do not have a reliable textbook that I could use for any future questions, I'll be sure to get one in the future.
Sources:
Bellamy, Jason. "Who Are Physical Therapists?" APTA. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2017. <http://www.apta.org/AboutPTs/>.


Fisher, Chad. "5 Physical Therapy Career Challenges." Business Insider. Business Insider, 03 Dec. 2011. Web. 14 Mar. 2017. <http://www.businessinsider.com/5-physical-therapy-career-challenges-2011-12>.
"Job Duties in Physical Therapy." Physical Therapy Aide. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2017. <http://www.physicaltherapyaide.org/the-job-of-a-physical-therapy-aide/>.
"Summary." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2017. <https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm#tab-1>.