Careers

Physical Therapist 

Background/History

Physical Therapy originated in the 19th century. Back then it would be massage and manual muscle therapy. In 1918 the term “Reconstruction Aide” would be used to refer to the individuals practicing physical therapy. Physical therapy is often for people who suffered injuries. Physical therapy tries to ease pain and help you regain muscle functions, move and improve or regain mobility. Physical therapists also prevent disabilities and surgery. In some cases, physical therapist will help you prepare for surgeries or rehab after surgeries.

Licensure and certification

All states require any physical therapists to have a license and you will need to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination. In Virginia, you need to complete a two-year physical therapist associates degree through a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The licensing requirements differ every state. It is also required for you to pass the FSBPT’s National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTA’s. You also need to earn 20 hours of continuing competency to renew VA PTA license. To get all this you will need to submit the online Physical Therapist Assistant License by Examination Application. It is also expected that physical therapist go through continuing education to keep their license.

Academic requirements

  • Need a doctoral or professional degree.
  • Most physical therapy programs require a bachelor’s degree.
  • Also look for college credits ranging from Anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, physics
  • Physical therapist programs often include courses in biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, and pharmacology.
  • Needs to complete 30 weeks of clinical work in a supervised environment
  • College students to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree (Doctoral degree)

Stats about physical therapist

You would most likely see yourself work in any of these environments

  • Hospitals
  • Sports and fitness facilities
  • Private Practices
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Work settings and nursing homes.

The median pay in 2018 was $87,930 per year

Future Outlook

  • There is a high demand for physical therapists throughout the workforce. The employment, or size, of this occupation in 2018, was 247.000. According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is expected to grow by 22 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.

 

If I compare my resume to others who are in the physical therapy field, the structures looks very similar. Obviously I am yet to receive the same education and experience they have, but in their former professions they used to have a lot of jobs involving social interactions. Many of our skills are also similar in general

 

 

 

Athletic Trainer

Background and History.

  • It began in 1881. But was first recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) in 1990 as an allied health profession. In October 1990, an initial meeting was conducted for the development of standards and guidelines for accreditation of educational programs for athletic trainers. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of emergent, acute or chronic injuries and medical conditions.

Certifications and licensure

A standard certification exam offered by the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC). It is also expected that students take continuing education courses to maintain their certification.

Academic

  • You must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
  • All students enrolling into this program will earn a Master’s Degree.
  • Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
  • Undergraduate requirements are Anatomy, Nutrition, Biology, and Physiology.

Stats

You would most likely work in these environments

  • Hospital emergency departments
  • Intercollegiate Athletics
  • Professional Sports
  • Secondary Schools
  • Law and Military Institutes

The average annual salary for athletic trainers in 2018 was $49,280, according to the Bureau of labot statistics.

Employment of athletic trainers is projected to grow 19 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for athletic trainers is expected to increase as

 

 

If I compare my resume to others who are in the athletic training field, the structures looks very similar. I don’t have te same qualifications yet, but they used to have a lot of jobs involving social interactions which is similar to mine. It also looks like many D1 athletes as myself have chosen this career path.