Foundations of Kinesiology (2310)

Research Assignment (40 points)

Topic: Career Analysis
Due: Week 10
12-pt font (replicate the format below)
Purpose: To pursue a clearer vision of career opportunities in Kinesiology. We have studied many
professional careers linked to the discipline of Kinesiology. See your career 10 years from now. Focus
your investigation on a precise career opportunity, and explore the following (If list is required,
numerically list the components; if describe use paragraph form).
You may use this form and just add in your information.

Name of Career: Physical Therapist

Your Name: Lisa Zderadicka

I. List the educational requirements necessary (cite your source):

(1 pt)
Before they are allowed to practice, physical therapists must have earned graduate degrees from
accredited academic programs in physical therapy. These programs typically culminate in a doctoral
degree and take at least three years to complete. To gain admission to physical therapy programs, students
typically need to earn bachelor's degrees, complete certain science prerequisite courses, gain volunteer or
observation experience in the area of physical therapy, submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
scores and maintain acceptable grade-point averages.
Students in physical therapy programs may study topics like human anatomy, biomechanics,
musculoskeletal system pathology and neurological dysfunction management. They may also participate
in clinical internships and take hands-on clinical courses, which provide training in patient care,
screening, assessment, treatment and intervention.
Work Cited:
http://study.com/articles/Physical_Therapy_Required_Education_to_Be_a_Physical_Therapist.html
II. List and describe the specific certifications and licensures required (cite source)
Career Research Project

(2 pt)
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All PTs must be licensed by their states. While each state has its own requirements, most require that
candidates have graduate degrees in physical therapy from accredited programs and pass the National
Physical Therapy Examination. Some states may have additional requirements, such as jurisprudence
exams. There may also be continuing education (CE) requirements to maintain licensure in certain states.
Although board certification is voluntary for physical therapists, earning certification in a clinical
specialty may open up opportunities for career advancement. The American Board of Physical Therapy
Specialties (ABPTS) offers board certification for physical therapists in eight specialty areas, including
cardiovascular and pulmonary, clinical electrophysiology and geriatric physical therapy (www.abpts.org).
To be eligible for certification, candidates must have licensure and completed at least 2,000 clinical
practice hours in their specialty area. Eligible candidates who pass a day-long, multiple-choice exam are
awarded specialty certification. Certified specialists must be recertified after ten years.
Work Cited:
http://study.com/articles/Physical_Therapy_Required_Education_to_Be_a_Physical_Therapist.html

III. Describe (use several paragraphs) a general description of your career

(5 pts)

As a physical therapist I would help people with physical injuries or illnesses of to regain range of
movement and control their pain. I could help people who have lost motor function due to accidents,
illness or age. I would help determine the root causes of the trauma, counsel patients, and work with my
patients to create a plan for rehabilitation.
Typically physical therapists create plans that involve stretching, strength training, exercises and physical
manipulation to help people recover. I will know what the body can do, and will educate patients and
families about what is possible, and keep patients motivated during ongoing therapy. I will track progress
and report to patients and their families.

IV. Describe (in paragraph form) the qualifications you possess to meet the requirements of this
career:
(2 pts)
Right now I am doing a minor in kinesiology and after that I will apply for a physical therapy program.

V.

Find a specific Vacancy Announcement and list the requirements the company is
advertising
a. Name of Publication the vacancy was listed
(2 pts)
PTJobs.com

b. Name of Employer

(2 pts)

Trinidad Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine

c. List the qualifications for the candidates

Career Research Project

(2 pts)

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Minimum of MSPT from an accredited PT program, willing to hire new graduate.

Manual therapy background preferred Excellent interpersonal communication skills
Valid license to practice physical therapy in Colorado or the ability to obtain Colorado
licensure. Benefits: Competitive salary Retirement package Health insurance Paid
licensure dues and continuing education PTO and major holiday pay

d. List the application procedure (attach copy of the application)

(2 pts)
Physical Therapist
Trinidad Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine is looking for a committed Physical
Therapist to join our team. We are a well-respected private practice in Trinidad,
Colorado, specializing in orthopedic outpatient services. Our clinic is well established
and has served our community for 15 years. Opportunities to work with home health and
early intervention populations are also available. Work collaboratively with highly
educated manual therapists in a friendly team atmosphere. Employee retention and
patient satisfaction are high priorities at our clinic, where we encourage a work/life
balance with no weekend commitments. Office staff assists in creating a manageable
workload, allowing you to focus on providing quality patient care.
Trinidad, Colorado is located on the beautiful Highway of Legends. Enjoy camping,
hiking, biking, boating, paddle boarding, and kayaking only 10 minutes away from the
office at one of Colorados many stunning state parks.
Requirements: Minimum of MSPT from an accredited PT program, willing to hire new
graduate. Manual therapy background preferred Excellent interpersonal
communication skills Valid license to practice physical therapy in Colorado or the
ability to obtain Colorado licensure. Benefits: Competitive salary Retirement package
Health insurance Paid licensure dues and continuing education PTO and major
holiday pay

VI.

Structure an interview with a professional in your career field:

a. Name of Professional, Date & Time of Interview, Interview Technique
(2 pts)
Steno Kos
b. Name Company and Years of the Professionals experience
(2 pts)
Kos Training 4 years
c. List the professionals description of the career
(2 pts)
Physical therapist and osteopathy therapist
d. List the professionals education and certifications
(2 pts)
Kinesiology major and osteopathy certification
e. Explain what were the influences for selecting this profession
(2 pts)
He had to go to physical therapy and really liked his therapist. His therapist teached him a lot
of stuff and helped him finding a good program.
f. Describe the professionals reasons for selecting this career
(2 pts)

Career Research Project

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He was a basketball player and had to end his career because of a sports injury. This got him
interested in the field physical therapy.
g. List 5 positives the professional shares about the career
(5 pts)
Help people
See your patients progress
You work with people
Working hours are flexible
It doesnt get boring, theres a lot of variety

h. Describe 5 negatives the professional reveals about the career

(5 pts)
Can see career ending injuries
A lot of paperwork
You cannot control if your patients do exercises at home
Emotionally and physically exhausting from time to time
Not many options for career change later on

VII. Summary Statement (after completing the investigative research, summarize the reasons you
want to pursue this profession, or reasons for NOT wanting to pursue this profession)
(1
pts)
I would love to help people coming back from their setbacks. I think it is very interesting to see the
differences from patient to patient and from injury to injury.

SCORING GUIDE

0_______________20%_________40%___________60%___________80%______________100%
No evidence

Attempted
But unclear

Career Research Project

Below
expectations

OKmore
information suggested

Satisfactory
more information

Outstanding!
Superb!!

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