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PT Career

Printed From: CyberPT - Your Online Physical Therapy Resource
Category: Physical Therapy Professional Forum
Forum Name: Student Discussion
Forum Description: General discussion for students involving all issues dealing with physical therapy.
URL: http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1026
Printed Date: Nov 21 2024 at 12:14pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: PT Career

Posted By: Ask a PT
Subject: PT Career
Date Posted: Jul 30 2012 at 1:43pm

Our user asked: "As a senior in college I was planning on applying for PT school as soon as I graduated, but a couple months ago I was hit hard with muscle problems. I ended up going to a neurologist, and he diagnosed me with muscular dystrophy. I have one of the more mild forms in that I probably won't need a wheelchair or anything like that, but I do sometimes have to take breaks going up the steps at my house. So now I'm wondering if I could still become a physical therapist, or if the job would be too physically demanding for me? Thanks"

Ask a PT Response: "It is going to depend on what setting you go into. For eample nursing home, acute, etc. will have higher physical demands for transfers, bed mobility, etc. and may provide you with some difficulties. Oupatient PT may not be as physically demanding and may be more appropriate for your situation. The best thing to do would probably be to shadow a PT for one day in various settings and see for yourself what is expected as far as job requirements. I hope this helps."