Be a . . .
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
What is a physical therapist?
A physical therapist helps people by identifying and correcting problems
related to impaired movement and pain.
Description
A physical therapist's work involves:
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performing complete physical assessment and evaluation on patients
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developing and implementing personalized treatment programs
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educating people in the community, in industry, and in sports about how
to prevent injury
The work can encompass any or all of the following:
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consulting with school staff about physically challenged students
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determining fitness requirements for specific jobs and evaluating employees
with respect to those requirements
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recommending safety equipment and procedures
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conditioning athletes to correct physical weaknesses
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developing fitness programs
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conducting research into new treatment techniques
Education/Training
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Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy or in Physiotherapy
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Licensed after passing the Physiotherapy National Exam (P.N.E.)
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Specialized courses in areas such as manual therapy, sports therapy, neurology,
gerontology, and pediatrics
Skills
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able to work as part of a team
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scientifically oriented
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able to find and apply suitable solutions to particular problems
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able to inspire and encourage others
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organized
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able to manage time effectively
Think about:
What can a physical therapist do in Cambodia, Angola, Bosnia, or another
country with land mines?
What qualities or interests do you have that would be useful in a career
as a physical therapist?
International Connections:
For all careers there are international opportunities that people can
pursue. Some careers offer short-term international connections of a few
months or years; others present possibilities to span an entire career:
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work in international clinics, hospitals, and health organizations; government
and community agencies; educational institutions; sports and recreation
centres; and business and industry
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provide assistance at international sporting events
Find out more:
Resources: The Canadian Physiotherapy
Association |
