Career Fact Sheet Summary Name: Camisha Moore Due Date: 10/24/13

Points Possible: _____________ Points Earned: ___________________

Directions: Retype each category (I-VIII) below on another sheet of paper along with the information you find for each category. Refer to the current edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook for the information you need. This may either be obtained from the Guidance Center or from the web site www.bls.gov. I. Career Area/Job Title: My career choice is a Physical Therapist. Required Education and Training: Physical therapist is required to have

II.

a postgraduate professional degree, but first a bachelor degree. I will attend the University of South Alabama and participate in the physical therapy program [Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree] after I have received my bachelors. This program lasts 3 years. The courses include biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, and pharmacology. After schooling, all states require physical therapist to be licensed. This includes passing the National Physical Therapy Examination. This test is given five times a year.

III.

Skills and Aptitudes Required: Interpersonal personal skills, dealing with

interacting with people, educating, and listening to them. Must be dexterity, able to be comfortable using your hands to provide manual therapy. You must be detail oriented, having strong analytical and observational skills to diagnose a patients problem.
Starting Salary and Future Earnings: Median annual wage is $76,310. The

IV.

top 10 percent earned more than $107,920. Therapists that own their own practice provide their own benefits.

V.

Work Environment: In private offices, clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes. Duties/Responsibilities: Diagnose patients dysfunctional movements by

VI.

watching them stand or walk and by listening to their concerns, among other methods, set up plan for patients outlining the patients goal and the planned treatment. Evaluate a patients progress, modifying a treatment plan and trying new treatments as needed.
Helpful Personality Traits for this Field: A helpful trait is to be

VII.

compassionate, you have to have the desire to help people and they have empathy for their patients. Being sociable and cooperative will make the patient comfortable being with you. Capable of interacting with their patients of all ages.

VIII. Employment Outlook: 56,200 job openings are expected over the next ten years. Because of recent federal and state legislation, demand for physical therapist is expected to increase significantly over these years. There will also be a need in assisting the growing number of elderly ones.