A Career in Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on effective treatment and management of a variety of movement disorders. Physical therapists help patients with disabling conditions such as low-back pain, head injuries, arthritis, cerebral palsy, and heart disease, by providing treatments that restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities. Physical therapy is a client focused healthcare profession and physical therapists help patients build up the strength required to get on with their day to day activities. Physical therapy is also a powerful way to help eliminate harmful postures of the body that ultimately results in stress and discomfort, thus bringing about an overall improvement in the health of the individual.

Physical therapists can find excellent job opportunities in a variety of job environments including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, athletic facilities, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, home healthcare centers, schools, research centers and industrial clinics. Physical therapists can recommend assessment and treatment to cure problems with the muscles, circulatory system, bones and joints, and the respiratory or nervous system.

Skills Required for a Physical Therapist

• Good manual observation
• Communication skills
• Problem solving skills
• Critical thinking
• Capable of rigorous physical activity

The responsibility of the physical therapist includes educating and instructing the patients and their family members. Physical therapists will have to consult and work closely with surgeons, healthcare practitioners, and physicians in establishing treatment objectives needed for the patient's needs.

Expected Qualifications

For a career in physical therapy, the candidates must possess a master's degree or a doctoral degree in physical therapy (DPT) from an accredited college. They should also pass a licensure exam.

Physical therapy career opportunities are increasing day by day. Employment opportunities for physical therapists are expected to double by 2014.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) Opportunities for Physical Therapists

As a leading healthcare staffing company based in Oklahoma, TheraKare is dedicated to providing assistance to physical therapists looking for Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunities. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an employment authorization available to students in F-1 status, which helps them to convert the knowledge gained in classrooms into real practical work experience in a different environment.

Eligibility for Undergoing Optional Practical Training

Optional Practical Training (OPT) program is offered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is actually the approval given for a student to work off campus in a career in their field of study.

For utilizing optional practical training opportunities, the candidates must have registered with USCIS approved schools at least for nine consecutive months and must be in the F-1 status at the time of application. This training can be also availed of in the following instances:

• As part-time, while school is in session
• During annual vacation and at other times as full-time or part-time
• After the completion of the course requirements for degree (before submitting the thesis or dissertation)
• After obtaining the degree

According to the latest rules prescribed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) U.S, optional practical training period has been extended from 12 to 29 months, which can be utilized by all candidates having F-1 status.

OPT Improves Your Confidence Level

The optional practical training you receive in reputable healthcare facilities will help to improve your level of confidence. This prepares one to work efficiently in different healthcare environments in the US.

Staffing professionals at TheraKare can help physical therapists find Optional Practical Training job opportunities in excellent healthcare settings. Talented physical therapists who have completed their graduation and received Optional Practical Training, can find permanent or temporary placements in reputable healthcare facilities with the help of TheraKare. Please visit our website www.therakare.com for further clarifications.