I am a young girl who would like to grow up to be a physical therapist?

Question

What training is required? Does it pay well? If you are a physical therapist do you enjoy your job? Is it satisfying? Does it require a lot of labor? Are you glad you chose this career?

Also do you have to deal with blood and needles a lot?

Answer 1

Physical therapy requires completion of either a masters or doctorate level degree (DPT) which typically takes about 6-7 years of college.  I love my job, and it was recently named one of the top three most satisfying careers.  It can involve a lot of labor, depending on what type of setting in which you work.  Those who work on spinal cord injury units or stroke units will often have to do a lot of lifting.  The outpatient setting typically requires very little physical labor.  In general, however, the job requirement is to be able to lift at least 25 pounds.  Physical therapists don't use needles, but for some who work in wound care, scalpals might be used.  Your exposure to blood and body fluids will again depend on the setting in which you work.  Those who work in hospitals are often working with people who have catheters, are incontinent, drains, etc.  

The APTA website has some good information for prospective students. www.apta.org  

Answer 2

Talk to one of your teachers about this and your parents.  They can give you the best advice.

Good luck!

Al

Answer 3

Physical therapy is a good field to get into and it pays well

Answer 4

I am a physical therapy major, well technically kinesiology major with physical therapy concentration. but there is alot of schooling. I am graduating with my bs in '09 and then I must attend grad school on a 3 year program. hopefully USC :)