Becoming a physiotherapist can be one of the most rewarding career moves a person can make. If you are the type of person who is interested in science, gets excellent grades and has good rapport with people, this is the ideal career for you. How does one become a physiotherapist? It is not easy. It takes years of education and an internship, although you do not have to attend medical school.
If you are interested in becoming a physiotherapist, you will have to attain either a Bachelor's or Master's degree in physical therapy from a university that offers such programs. A physiotherapist is involved in designing rehabilitation therapy for patients with physical disabilities. These disabilities may be the result of an accident, operation or even a disease. The field of physiotherapy is vast and there are many specialty areas where one can concentrate.
You will have to have extensive knowledge in biology and physics. A basic understanding of the human anatomy and how it works is essential in the field of physiotherapy. When applying to a college or university to earn your degree, you should make sure that the institution offers an accredited class in physiotherapy.
While attending college, keep up a good grade point average. Although the demand for this profession is high, it is also very competitive. Those who study hard and have he best grade point averages will get the best opportunities for internship upon graduation.
Also important for a physiotherapist is communication skills. A physiotherapist develops a relationship with a patient, more so than a doctor. You will most likely be working with your patient for a period of time and you want to establish trust. You will also be instructing your patient to do things that may seem painful at first and he or she is bound to be frustrated. A course in human psychology is beneficial for those who plan on becoming a physiotherapist. Helping your patient retain a positive attitude can make a big difference in his or her recovery process.
Prior to graduation, contact various hospitals and rehabilitation centers in the area where you can intern. You will need to intern for a period of six months, although different states vary, prior to being hired. Also, before you can be licensed as a physiotherapist, you must study for and pass the state licensing examination. This must be done after you have earned your degree. Your university or college will be able to direct you as to where you must take this necessary test.
Once you have been licensed as a certified physiotherapist, you can practice for a while before deciding to go into a specialized field. For example, you may decide that you want to concentrate on sports medicine. There are usually additional certifications required for specialized fields of physiotherapy.
The field of physiotherapy is always changing, just as is the case with all fields of medicine. You will have to continue your education and keep current on new developments in order to be an effective physiotherapist. You will most likely have to retake your license exam periodically so that you are abreast of the new developments in your field.
Becoming a physiotherapist may be challenging, but it is a rewarding career. The opportunities are endless and the greatest opportunity of all is being able to help people recover from a variety of disabling conditions. Although the financial rewards for becoming a physiotherapist are substantial, the rewards of seeing a child walk after an accident may remain with you for a lifetime.
