Job Overview:
Physical therapists (PTs) are experts at techniques that enable a person to overcome or adjust to physical disabilities caused by injury, illness, birth defects, or the aging process. Other health care professionals generally refer clients to PTs to perform an evaluation. The PT and patient develop a plan of care to reach specific goals.
Physical therapists test muscle strength, coordination, flexibility, posture, and cardiovascular fitness to provide complete patient fitness. Individual treatment programs can include many forms of exercise as well as include the use of heat, cold, electricity, ultrasound, joint mobilization, and massage. The PT often provides instruction and home programs to patients and their families to continue the recovery process after therapy has ended.
Where do Physical Therapists Work in Alaska?
In rural Alaska, PTs generally work in hospitals located in regional centers. They are also employed by all school districts to assess and treat children. These services may be provided to small areas by a traveling PT. An increasing number of PTs work in private practice, industry, athletic departments, nursing homes, and home health agencies.
Education Needed:
- Graduation from high school with coursework in English, science, and math.
- Completion of a four year bachelor degree.
- Completion of a post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited education program is required. Some programs offer a master’s degree, but a majority of programs now offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with the master’s degree being phased out.
PT licensure is required by all states. After graduation, candidates must pass a state-administered national exam and be approved by their state’s licensing board
Hourly Wage: $26.94-$51.93
