Thursday, October 18, 2007
Personalise Things
In my college essay I needed to highlight aspects of my life that led up to my decision of becoming a PT major. I mentioned the normal things. My cousin has CP and a severe case of it. He has spent his life in OT and PT. He also has a Speech Therapist. Without his PT, however, he would not have the ability to walk. What I didn't mention is I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for PT. My dad was in a tragic accident, where three of his friends died, the driver and him lived. However, my dad was in a coma for months, his head was split open, his eye was split open, he broke both legs and feet, and had numerous other injuries. The first hospital he went to refused him, said there was nothing that they could do, but notified the Boston hospital that they sent him to. He almost died, right after graduation. Because he had the motivation, he worked through PT with the determination to walk again. He was a paraplegic but worked his way out of it. If he didn't have the determination he did and the amazing PT, I wouldn't be here so I have a lot to be grateful for when it comes to PT and I want to be the person who makes that happen for someone else. Physical Therapy can truely change someones life or even the way things are supposed to happen, people aren't meant to recover from paralisys. However, it does happen and it only happens with PTs and OTs that care!
A Day In The Life, Personal Experience
In January on Job Shadow Day I shadowed a ski club coach/friend. He works at St. Francis hospitol in the ICU. That day showed me that critical care is where I want to be when I get out of college. One patient inparticular stuck out in my mind. He was 18 years out and was shot numerous time, I think it was 7, up and down the spine and neck. The bullet holes, somewhat healed when I saw them, we about half an inch around, I was told they were a little over an inch around when the bullets were removed. Needless to say he was lucky to be alive. However, he was a quadripledic. All I wanted to do was cry, the cops were their every day checking on him, waiting until they could answer his questions and suspecting the crime was drug related. I wanted to help him, I wanted to make his paralysis disappear, but I didn't have that power. I was thinking about this poor kid everyday, wondering what happened to him, I would ask the therapist about him everytime I saw him, until I got an answer that would lead to no more. The kid is doing better, with a special thanks to his physical therapist, occupational therapist, and speech therapist. When I was there he had no idea what was wrong with him, he had a neck brace one due to broken bones that he was constantly wiggling out of, not understanding why he could feel any part of his body unless he saw someone touch it. Now he his in a wheel chair, most likely for the rest of his life. He did get some feeling back, I believe it was an electric wheel chair that he can control with his hands, which at the time was a huge accomplishment.
Fun Facts
Significant Points
Employment is expected to increase much faster than the average, as growth in the number of individuals with disabilities or limited functioning spurs demand for therapy services.
Job opportunities should be particularly good in acute hospital, rehabilitation, and orthopedic settings.
After graduating from an accredited physical therapist educational program, therapists must pass a licensure exam before they can practice.
Nearly 6 out of 10 physical therapists work in hospitals or in offices of physical therapists.
Nature of the Work
Physical therapists provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health. Their patients include accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy.
Therapists examine patients’ medical histories and then test and measure the patients’ strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function. They also determine patients’ ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or workplace after injury or illness. Next, physical therapists develop plans describing a treatment strategy, its purpose, and its anticipated outcome. Physical therapist assistants, under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, may be involved in implementing treatment plans with patients. Physical therapist aides perform routine support tasks, as directed by the therapist. (Physical therapist assistants and aides are discussed elsewhere in the Handbook.)
Treatment often includes exercise for patients who have been immobilized and lack flexibility, strength, or endurance. Physical therapists encourage patients to use their own muscles to increase their flexibility and range of motion before finally advancing to other exercises that improve strength, balance, coordination, and endurance. The goal is to improve how an individual functions at work and at home.
Physical therapists also use electrical stimulation, hot packs or cold compresses, and ultrasound to relieve pain and reduce swelling. They may use traction or deep-tissue massage to relieve pain. Therapists also teach patients to use assistive and adaptive devices, such as crutches, prostheses, and wheelchairs. They also may show patients exercises to do at home to expedite their recovery.
As treatment continues, physical therapists document the patient’s progress, conduct periodic examinations, and modify treatments when necessary. Besides tracking the patient’s progress, such documentation identifies areas requiring more or less attention.
Physical therapists often consult and practice with a variety of other professionals, such as physicians, dentists, nurses, educators, social workers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists.
Some physical therapists treat a wide range of ailments; others specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine, neurology, and cardiopulmonary physical therapy.
Working Conditions
Physical therapists practice in hospitals, clinics, and private offices that have specially equipped facilities, or they treat patients in hospital rooms, homes, or schools.
In 2004, most full-time physical therapists worked a 40-hour week; some worked evenings and weekends to fit their patients’ schedules. About 1 in 4 physical therapists worked part time. The job can be physically demanding because therapists often have to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and stand for long periods. In addition, physical therapists move heavy equipment and lift patients or help them turn, stand, or walk.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
All States require physical therapists to pass a licensure exam before they can practice, after graduating from an accredited physical therapist educational program.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there were 205 accredited physical therapist programs in 2004. Of the accredited programs, 94 offered master’s degrees, and 111 offered doctoral degrees. All physical therapist programs seeking accreditation are required to offer degrees at the master’s degree level and above, in accordance with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. FYI: just a fact that now in every college setting it is mandatory that a student majoring in physcial therapy must complete the doctoral program aka DPT which lasts approximately 6.5 years.
Physical therapist programs start with basic science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics and then introduce specialized courses, including biomechanics, neuroanatomy, human growth and development, manifestations of disease, examination techniques, and therapeutic procedures. Besides getting classroom and laboratory instruction, students receive supervised clinical experience. Among the courses that are useful when one applies to a physical therapist educational program are anatomy, biology, chemistry, social science, mathematics, and physics. Before granting admission, many professional education programs require experience as a volunteer in a physical therapy department of a hospital or clinic. For high school students, volunteering with the school athletic trainer is a good way to gain experience.
Physical therapists should have strong interpersonal skills in order to be able to educate patients about their physical therapy treatments. Physical therapists also should be compassionate and possess a desire to help patients. Similar traits are needed to interact with the patient’s family.
Physical therapists are expected to continue their professional development by participating in continuing education courses and workshops. In fact, a number of States require continuing education as a condition of maintaining licensure.
Employment
Physical therapists held about 155,000 jobs in 2004. The number of jobs is greater than the number of practicing physical therapists, because some physical therapists hold two or more jobs. For example, some may work in a private practice, but also work part time in another health care facility.
Nearly 6 out of 10 physical therapists worked in hospitals or in offices of physical therapists. Other jobs were in home health care services, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers, and offices of physicians.
Some physical therapists were self-employed in private practices, seeing individual patients and contracting to provide services in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing care facilities, home health care agencies, adult day care programs, and schools. Physical therapists also teach in academic institutions and conduct research.
Job Outlook
Employment of physical therapists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. The impact of proposed Federal legislation imposing limits on reimbursement for therapy services may adversely affect the short-term job outlook for physical therapists. However, over the long run, the demand for physical therapists should continue to rise as growth in the number of individuals with disabilities or limited function spurs demand for therapy services. Job opportunities should be particularly good in acute hospital, rehabilitation, and orthopedic settings, because the elderly receive the most treatment in these settings. The growing elderly population is particularly vulnerable to chronic and debilitating conditions that require therapeutic services. Also, the baby-boom generation is entering the prime age for heart attacks and strokes, increasing the demand for cardiac and physical rehabilitation. Further, young people will need physical therapy as technological advances save the lives of a larger proportion of newborns with severe birth defects.
Future medical developments also should permit a higher percentage of trauma victims to survive, creating additional demand for rehabilitative care. In addition, growth may result from advances in medical technology that could permit the treatment of more disabling conditions.
Widespread interest in health promotion also should increase demand for physical therapy services. A growing number of employers are using physical therapists to evaluate worksites, develop exercise programs, and teach safe work habits to employees in the hope of reducing injuries in the workplace.
Earnings
Median annual earnings of physical therapists were $60,180 in May 2004. The pay scale is now going up, since it became mandatory to obtain a DPT. This is occuring slowly, starting off with moving bonuses. When I visited Springfield College many of the jobs on the Career Board were out of state, offered the therapist pre-arranged paid housing, a 10-20 thousand dollar moving bonus, and a starting rate of 70-80 thousand a year plus benefits. The middle 50 percent earned between $50,330 and $71,760. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,010, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $88,580. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of physical therapists in May 2004 were:
Home health care services
$64,650
Nursing care facilities
61,720
Offices of physicians
61,270
General medical and surgical hospitals
60,350
Offices of other health practitioners
60,130
Related Occupations
Physical therapists rehabilitate persons with physical disabilities. Others who work in the rehabilitation field include audiologists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, rehabilitation counselors, respiratory therapists, and speech-language pathologists.
Employment is expected to increase much faster than the average, as growth in the number of individuals with disabilities or limited functioning spurs demand for therapy services.
Job opportunities should be particularly good in acute hospital, rehabilitation, and orthopedic settings.
After graduating from an accredited physical therapist educational program, therapists must pass a licensure exam before they can practice.
Nearly 6 out of 10 physical therapists work in hospitals or in offices of physical therapists.
Nature of the Work
Physical therapists provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health. Their patients include accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy.
Therapists examine patients’ medical histories and then test and measure the patients’ strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function. They also determine patients’ ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or workplace after injury or illness. Next, physical therapists develop plans describing a treatment strategy, its purpose, and its anticipated outcome. Physical therapist assistants, under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, may be involved in implementing treatment plans with patients. Physical therapist aides perform routine support tasks, as directed by the therapist. (Physical therapist assistants and aides are discussed elsewhere in the Handbook.)
Treatment often includes exercise for patients who have been immobilized and lack flexibility, strength, or endurance. Physical therapists encourage patients to use their own muscles to increase their flexibility and range of motion before finally advancing to other exercises that improve strength, balance, coordination, and endurance. The goal is to improve how an individual functions at work and at home.
Physical therapists also use electrical stimulation, hot packs or cold compresses, and ultrasound to relieve pain and reduce swelling. They may use traction or deep-tissue massage to relieve pain. Therapists also teach patients to use assistive and adaptive devices, such as crutches, prostheses, and wheelchairs. They also may show patients exercises to do at home to expedite their recovery.
As treatment continues, physical therapists document the patient’s progress, conduct periodic examinations, and modify treatments when necessary. Besides tracking the patient’s progress, such documentation identifies areas requiring more or less attention.
Physical therapists often consult and practice with a variety of other professionals, such as physicians, dentists, nurses, educators, social workers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists.
Some physical therapists treat a wide range of ailments; others specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine, neurology, and cardiopulmonary physical therapy.
Working Conditions
Physical therapists practice in hospitals, clinics, and private offices that have specially equipped facilities, or they treat patients in hospital rooms, homes, or schools.
In 2004, most full-time physical therapists worked a 40-hour week; some worked evenings and weekends to fit their patients’ schedules. About 1 in 4 physical therapists worked part time. The job can be physically demanding because therapists often have to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and stand for long periods. In addition, physical therapists move heavy equipment and lift patients or help them turn, stand, or walk.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
All States require physical therapists to pass a licensure exam before they can practice, after graduating from an accredited physical therapist educational program.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there were 205 accredited physical therapist programs in 2004. Of the accredited programs, 94 offered master’s degrees, and 111 offered doctoral degrees. All physical therapist programs seeking accreditation are required to offer degrees at the master’s degree level and above, in accordance with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. FYI: just a fact that now in every college setting it is mandatory that a student majoring in physcial therapy must complete the doctoral program aka DPT which lasts approximately 6.5 years.
Physical therapist programs start with basic science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics and then introduce specialized courses, including biomechanics, neuroanatomy, human growth and development, manifestations of disease, examination techniques, and therapeutic procedures. Besides getting classroom and laboratory instruction, students receive supervised clinical experience. Among the courses that are useful when one applies to a physical therapist educational program are anatomy, biology, chemistry, social science, mathematics, and physics. Before granting admission, many professional education programs require experience as a volunteer in a physical therapy department of a hospital or clinic. For high school students, volunteering with the school athletic trainer is a good way to gain experience.
Physical therapists should have strong interpersonal skills in order to be able to educate patients about their physical therapy treatments. Physical therapists also should be compassionate and possess a desire to help patients. Similar traits are needed to interact with the patient’s family.
Physical therapists are expected to continue their professional development by participating in continuing education courses and workshops. In fact, a number of States require continuing education as a condition of maintaining licensure.
Employment
Physical therapists held about 155,000 jobs in 2004. The number of jobs is greater than the number of practicing physical therapists, because some physical therapists hold two or more jobs. For example, some may work in a private practice, but also work part time in another health care facility.
Nearly 6 out of 10 physical therapists worked in hospitals or in offices of physical therapists. Other jobs were in home health care services, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers, and offices of physicians.
Some physical therapists were self-employed in private practices, seeing individual patients and contracting to provide services in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing care facilities, home health care agencies, adult day care programs, and schools. Physical therapists also teach in academic institutions and conduct research.
Job Outlook
Employment of physical therapists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. The impact of proposed Federal legislation imposing limits on reimbursement for therapy services may adversely affect the short-term job outlook for physical therapists. However, over the long run, the demand for physical therapists should continue to rise as growth in the number of individuals with disabilities or limited function spurs demand for therapy services. Job opportunities should be particularly good in acute hospital, rehabilitation, and orthopedic settings, because the elderly receive the most treatment in these settings. The growing elderly population is particularly vulnerable to chronic and debilitating conditions that require therapeutic services. Also, the baby-boom generation is entering the prime age for heart attacks and strokes, increasing the demand for cardiac and physical rehabilitation. Further, young people will need physical therapy as technological advances save the lives of a larger proportion of newborns with severe birth defects.
Future medical developments also should permit a higher percentage of trauma victims to survive, creating additional demand for rehabilitative care. In addition, growth may result from advances in medical technology that could permit the treatment of more disabling conditions.
Widespread interest in health promotion also should increase demand for physical therapy services. A growing number of employers are using physical therapists to evaluate worksites, develop exercise programs, and teach safe work habits to employees in the hope of reducing injuries in the workplace.
Earnings
Median annual earnings of physical therapists were $60,180 in May 2004. The pay scale is now going up, since it became mandatory to obtain a DPT. This is occuring slowly, starting off with moving bonuses. When I visited Springfield College many of the jobs on the Career Board were out of state, offered the therapist pre-arranged paid housing, a 10-20 thousand dollar moving bonus, and a starting rate of 70-80 thousand a year plus benefits. The middle 50 percent earned between $50,330 and $71,760. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,010, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $88,580. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of physical therapists in May 2004 were:
Home health care services
$64,650
Nursing care facilities
61,720
Offices of physicians
61,270
General medical and surgical hospitals
60,350
Offices of other health practitioners
60,130
Related Occupations
Physical therapists rehabilitate persons with physical disabilities. Others who work in the rehabilitation field include audiologists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, rehabilitation counselors, respiratory therapists, and speech-language pathologists.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Survery Says...
PTs Among Most Satisfied Professionals, Survey SaysThe results are in, and physical therapists report one of the highest job-satisfaction levels in the country! So says a recent National Opinion Research Center survey, which was chronicled in an April 17 article of the Chicago Tribune. With more than three-quarters of physical therapists polled reporting to be "very satisfied" with their occupations, PTs were second only to clergy, and were the only health care professionals in the top 5. Click here to read more.
PARADE Magazine Recognizes Physical Therapists (Again) As Having Hot JobIn the April 15, 2007 issue of PARADE Magazine, physical therapists were found to have one of the six "Hottest Jobs For College Graduates." The magazine cited the aging baby boomer generation behind the increased demand for physical therapist services. This is the second year in a row PARADE has identified these healthcare professionals as having a "hot career." Physical therapists were also featured as one of six in "Hot Jobs in 2006 and Beyond" in the March 12, 2006 issue of the magazine. Click here to read more.
Patient Interaction Among the Positives of Being a PTAPTA member Matt Wanex, PT, was the subject of a May 16 career profile in the Business section of the Baltimore Sun. A sports injury was the inspiration for the one-time biology major to switch to physical therapy. As a staff physical therapist at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, his work ranges from pediatrics to oncology, and he helps patients recover from strokes, heart attacks and hip replacement surgeries. "I liked the interaction you had with patients, the time you spent with the patient versus the paperwork and getting someone through the recovery process," Wanex says in the profile.
Patient Interaction a Physical Therapy Hallmark"The best health care happens when patients, health care professionals and community groups work together," writes APTA student member Josh Olinick in a commentary for the Burlington Times-News in North Carolina. Olinick, of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Elon University, describes the thrill of putting away the school books and getting out in the community to educate the public. "We spend a lot of time studying and going to class," Olinick says, "but most of us chose physical therapy because we like working with people. Being able to share what we know with people in the community is something that benefits everyone." Click here to read more.
APTA Applauds Bill to Provide PTs Student Loan ReliefPhysical therapists who practice in areas where there are shortages of health care providers could become eligible for relief from student loan debt, thanks to legislation introduced in Congress in 2007. "This new bill would help alleviate some of that burden and encourage more physical therapists to practice in underserved communities that need them the most," said APTA president R Scott Ward, PT, PhD. Click here to read more.
Survey Says: PTs Have One of the "Best Careers"In 2006 the Wall Street Journal's CareerJournal.com participated in a survey of U.S. adults about which job qualities led to "highly satisfied career-focused people." According to the survey, physical therapists were determined to have one of the "eight best careers" based on the following categories: intellectual stimulation, strong job security, level of control and freedom, and extensive direct contact with customers/clients. Click here to read more.
"Becoming a physical therapist involves devoting a significant amount of time in education and clinical experience, including completing graduate and in many cases doctoral degree programs. Due to the extensive education and clinical training requirements, many students begin their careers with a significant amount of debt load," said American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) President R Scott Ward, PT, PhD. "This new bill would help alleviate some of that burden and encourage more physical therapists to practice in underserved communities that need them the most."
PARADE Magazine Recognizes Physical Therapists (Again) As Having Hot JobIn the April 15, 2007 issue of PARADE Magazine, physical therapists were found to have one of the six "Hottest Jobs For College Graduates." The magazine cited the aging baby boomer generation behind the increased demand for physical therapist services. This is the second year in a row PARADE has identified these healthcare professionals as having a "hot career." Physical therapists were also featured as one of six in "Hot Jobs in 2006 and Beyond" in the March 12, 2006 issue of the magazine. Click here to read more.
Patient Interaction Among the Positives of Being a PTAPTA member Matt Wanex, PT, was the subject of a May 16 career profile in the Business section of the Baltimore Sun. A sports injury was the inspiration for the one-time biology major to switch to physical therapy. As a staff physical therapist at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, his work ranges from pediatrics to oncology, and he helps patients recover from strokes, heart attacks and hip replacement surgeries. "I liked the interaction you had with patients, the time you spent with the patient versus the paperwork and getting someone through the recovery process," Wanex says in the profile.
Patient Interaction a Physical Therapy Hallmark"The best health care happens when patients, health care professionals and community groups work together," writes APTA student member Josh Olinick in a commentary for the Burlington Times-News in North Carolina. Olinick, of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Elon University, describes the thrill of putting away the school books and getting out in the community to educate the public. "We spend a lot of time studying and going to class," Olinick says, "but most of us chose physical therapy because we like working with people. Being able to share what we know with people in the community is something that benefits everyone." Click here to read more.
APTA Applauds Bill to Provide PTs Student Loan ReliefPhysical therapists who practice in areas where there are shortages of health care providers could become eligible for relief from student loan debt, thanks to legislation introduced in Congress in 2007. "This new bill would help alleviate some of that burden and encourage more physical therapists to practice in underserved communities that need them the most," said APTA president R Scott Ward, PT, PhD. Click here to read more.
Survey Says: PTs Have One of the "Best Careers"In 2006 the Wall Street Journal's CareerJournal.com participated in a survey of U.S. adults about which job qualities led to "highly satisfied career-focused people." According to the survey, physical therapists were determined to have one of the "eight best careers" based on the following categories: intellectual stimulation, strong job security, level of control and freedom, and extensive direct contact with customers/clients. Click here to read more.
"Becoming a physical therapist involves devoting a significant amount of time in education and clinical experience, including completing graduate and in many cases doctoral degree programs. Due to the extensive education and clinical training requirements, many students begin their careers with a significant amount of debt load," said American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) President R Scott Ward, PT, PhD. "This new bill would help alleviate some of that burden and encourage more physical therapists to practice in underserved communities that need them the most."
Select Colleges
Springfield College: Ap. Deadline December 1st
Tuition, residence charges, and fees change on a yearly basis. Springfield College has been able to keep its tuition among the lowest of comparable independent colleges. For planning purposes, here’s a sample budget for a residential student in the 2007-2008 academic year:
Tuition and required fees:
$24,075
Room and board:(Double occupancy / basic meal plan)
$8,650
Total Direct Cost
$32,725
Books/supplies (estimate)
$900
Personal/travel (estimate)
$1,800
University of New England rolling admissions recommended date thanksgiving
Deposits
First-Year Admission DepositA $500 non-refundable Admission Deposit is due according to the following schedule and is credited against tuition:
Those accepted prior to November 15 will have until December 14 to submit their deposit.
Those accepted between November 15 and January 14 will have 30 days.
Those accepted between January 15 and June 14 will have 14 days.
Those accepted on or after June 15 will be asked for an immediate deposit.
First-Year Tuition InstallmentA $1,000 First-year Tuition Installment deposit is due according to the following schedule and is credited against tuition. It is refundable subject to withdrawal policies.
Those accepted between November 15 and January 14 will have 60 days from receipt of their initial $500 Admission Deposit.
Those accepted beyond January 15 will have 30 days from receipt of their initial $500 Admission Deposit.
Tuition and Fees
The costs listed and described below are for the 2006-2007 academic year.
First Year Tuition
$36,740
General Service Fee
$505
Malpractice Insurance
$85
Microscope Rental (first-year only)
$85
General ServicesFeeThis mandatory fee is billed to all medical students and provides the following services:
Graduation activities including cost of receptions, speakers, diplomas.
Student Government activities including support for clubs, programs, cultural events, etc.
Orientation activities.
University Health Care (basic) services.
Campus Center featuring a gymnasium, running track, fitness center with racquetball courts, snack bar, and bookstore.
Athletic events including intramural programs and all intercollegiate home games.
Transcripts available at no charge.
Malpractice InsuranceA group malpractice insurance policy insures medical students in the amount of $1,000,000/$3,000,000.
Microscope Rental (First Year Only) $125
Other variable fees
Health InsuranceMedical students must enroll in UNE's Student Medical Insurance Plan unless they can demonstrate proof of comparable medical insurance. Refer to the insurance brochure and website for instructions and rates. Students are required to maintain health insurance coverage throughout their tenure at UNECOM. Students electing to enroll in comparable plans should be careful to ascertain their coverage for hazards inherent to physicians, such as hazards associated with needle sticks or blood-borne pathogens.
MSPR/Dean's LetterInstitutional letters of recommendation, Medical Student Performance Review, for prospective postgraduate programs, such as internships, residencies, and fellowships are provided to graduating students. The first ten requests for letters shall be free of charge. All additional requests shall be assessed a $3 fee.
Parking FeesStudents wishing to park a vehicle on campus must purchase a parking permit from the Student Accounts Office at a cost of $60. Failure to register a vehicle will result in a fine.
Special Examination FeeAll students are required to take Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) part I, part II CE, and part II PE. All fees are determined by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) and are paid directly to the Board.
Special Student TuitionUNE undergraduate students are permitted to enroll in UNECOM courses as non-matriculating students on a space available basis. Tuition will be $825 per credit hour. Students who later become UNECOM matriculated students will pay the full-time rate.
Payment ScheduleFall and spring tuition and fees are due the first day of classes.
Late Payment ChargeThe balance due each semester will be considered overdue if not paid by the specified date, and any unpaid balance will be subject to a late charge of 12% per annum or 1% per month. Students with unpaid bills will not be placed on the official school roster nor can they attend classes until they have received clearance from the Business Office. Students with overdue account are not eligible for academic credit, transcripts, or degrees.
Refund PoliciesOverpayments - The University will refund overpayments to students with Title IV Financial Aid in accordance with Federal regulations. Students may elect to have their overpayment directly deposited into a checking or savings account.Note: It is customary for medical students to borrow from several sources or to sign agreements with third-party payers such as the Armed Forces, state or federal governments to cover their educational costs as well as living expenses. The University realizes that payments are not always received in a timely fashion because of delays at the bank or governmental agencies. In the event a student's loan proceeds are not received by the start of classes and the student does not have adequate resources for living expenses, a petition for exception to our refund policy can be submitted. This petition will need to be evaluated by the Office of Financial Aid, and must clearly demonstrate financial hardship. The University will refund up to one month of living expenses, as determined by the Financial Aid Office, in anticipation of student loan and/or government checks.
Withdrawal RefundA student who intends to withdraw from the University will be required to go through the withdrawal process. He/she must first see the UNECOM academic dean to obtain the necessary forms. Verbal notice is not sufficient. For purposes of computing refunds, the date of withdrawal recorded by the dean after receipt of withdrawal forms will be used by the Business Office to compute any refund due the student.Refunds will not be permitted for withdrawals during summer remedial courses.
Fall Tuition Refund*
June 1 to orientation
90%
During the first and second week of classes
50%
During the third and fourth week of classes
25%
After fourth week of classes through Christmas Break
None
*First year only - Refund calculated after deducting admission deposit.
Spring Tuition Refund
During the first four weeks of classes after Christmas Break
25%
After fourth week of classes after Christmas Break
None
Refunds will not be made in the case of absence, suspension or dismissal.Adjustments to students’ financial aid awards will be made according to federal refund policies as well as specific program policies. Students who withdraw during their first semester at the University and received federal financial aid, may be entitled to a refund under the federal rules labeled “pro-rata.” Students who receive federal Title IV financial aid may be entitled to a refund under the federal refund policy. The federal refund policy allows students a refund based on the percentage of time they were in attendance up to the 50% point within the semester. Details are available in the Financial Aid Office.Leave of Absence Tuition CreditIn the event a student desires to apply for a leave of absence, a Leave Form must be submitted to the Academic Dean's Office. The form will include the reason for leaving, as well as the expected date of return. An approved leave of absence during the on-campus portion of the curriculum will result in a refund per the Withdrawal Tuition Refund Policy. No penalty is assessed for a leave of absence during the Clerkship Training Curriculum. A student in the military reserves will be granted a full leave of absence tuition credit should the student be called to active duty while attending courses during any given semester.
Notes
Students should expect annual increases in the cost of attending UNECOM since the University is subject to the same inflationary pressures that affect the rest of society.
UNE will continue to make every effort to contain costs from the date they are announced through the current academic year. The Board of Trustees, however, reserve the right to make changes in tuition and fees at any time.
For their own protection while at the University, it is recommended that students carry their own local checking accounts to provide funds for incidental expenses and emergencies. The University recommends that students open a checking account with TD BankNorth, who have installed a full-service ATM machine on campus. Checks may also be cashed daily at the Student Accounts Office and Bookstore ($75 maximum).
The University will not be responsible for the loss of property on or off campus although it strives to safeguard students’ property on campus.
Textbooks usually cost about $600 per semester. Students are expected to pay for those books at the beginning of the semester. Books, supplies, and other items available at the University Bookstore may be paid for with cash, check, MasterCard, VISA, and Discover credit cards. NOTE: First-year textbook costs are considerably higher.
The University offers direct deposit to its students. Students with credit balances can have the excess funds directly deposited in the bank of their choice. The sign-up form is available here.
Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog
This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2006-2007 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication August 1, 2006.
The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.
While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.
American International College
Costs
Overview
AIC remains among the nation's most affordable, private colleges. Sound fiscal management has enabled us to maintain our affordable costs. Our competitive price and generous financial aid program translates into superior value for our students and their families.
Costs
Tuition and Fees: $22,500 (2007-2008)Room and Board: $9750 (2007-2008)Books and Supplies (approx.): $1000Total, Resident Student: $33,250 (2007-2008)Total, Commuter Student: $23,500 (2007-2008)
Simmons College
TuitionIn 2007-2008, the expenses for a typical full-time undergraduate resident student are $39,440.
Fall
Spring
Total
Undergraduate Full-time Tuition
$13,734
$13,734
$27,468
Part-time Undergrad. / Dix Program Tuition
($857 per credit)
($857 per credit)
Health Center Fee
$312
$312
$624
Activity Fee
$105
$105
$210
Undergraduate Room/Board
$5569
$5569
$11,138
Graduate & Dix Scholars Room/Board
($6224)
($6224)
($12,448)
Undergraduate Total
$19,720
$19,720
$39,440
Merrimack College pre-pt program
>>
Contact Department
>>
PRINT Friendly Page
Related Links
>>
Office of International Programs
>>
About the Bursar's Office
Downloads
>>
Tuition Guarantee Plan -- Facts and FAQs
>>
Returning Students Tuition & Fees 2007-2008
>>
Freshman Tuition & Fees (Class of 2011)
>>
Fall 07 Information Sheet
>>
Incoming Transfer Student Tuition & Fees 2007-2008
TUITION AND FEES 2007-2008
Merrimack College Class 2011
Tuition $ 29,310
Room (Deegan/Ash Traditional Double)and Board $ 11,790
Fees $ 700
Seton Hall University
To help you get a handle on the average costs incurred by most entering students, we've put together the following table. Those who live on campus have several meal plan options to choose from, with the most common choice being used in this estimate.
Tuition, Fees and Room & Board Expensesfor Freshmen Entering in the Academic Year 2007-2008
Undergraduate Tuition*Flat rate tuition between 12-18 credits per semester.
$27,850
One-time Orientation Fee
$300
Total:
$28,150
Housing
$6,914
BoardBased on meal plan II.
$2,796
Total:**
$37,860
Sacred Heart University
To help you get a handle on the average costs incurred by most entering students, we've put together the following table. Those who live on campus have several meal plan options to choose from, with the most common choice being used in this estimate.
Tuition, Fees and Room & Board Expensesfor Freshmen Entering in the Academic Year 2007-2008
Undergraduate Tuition*Flat rate tuition between 12-18 credits per semester.
$27,850
One-time Orientation Fee
$300
Total:
$28,150
Housing
$6,914
BoardBased on meal plan II.
$2,796
Total:**
$37,860
The University of New England's Physical Therapy Program at the Westbrook College Campus in Portland, Maine, began enrolling students in its new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curriculum in fall 2004.Physical therapy education is in a rapid state of transition. Although entry into the profession today requires a master's degree, the vision statement of the American Physical Therapy Association states that by the year 2020, "physical therapy will be provided by physical therapists who are Doctors of Physical Therapy…." Most of the physical therapist education programs in the country have completed or are in the process of preparing for the transition to the DPT entry-level degree.
Tuition, residence charges, and fees change on a yearly basis. Springfield College has been able to keep its tuition among the lowest of comparable independent colleges. For planning purposes, here’s a sample budget for a residential student in the 2007-2008 academic year:
Tuition and required fees:
$24,075
Room and board:(Double occupancy / basic meal plan)
$8,650
Total Direct Cost
$32,725
Books/supplies (estimate)
$900
Personal/travel (estimate)
$1,800
University of New England rolling admissions recommended date thanksgiving
Deposits
First-Year Admission DepositA $500 non-refundable Admission Deposit is due according to the following schedule and is credited against tuition:
Those accepted prior to November 15 will have until December 14 to submit their deposit.
Those accepted between November 15 and January 14 will have 30 days.
Those accepted between January 15 and June 14 will have 14 days.
Those accepted on or after June 15 will be asked for an immediate deposit.
First-Year Tuition InstallmentA $1,000 First-year Tuition Installment deposit is due according to the following schedule and is credited against tuition. It is refundable subject to withdrawal policies.
Those accepted between November 15 and January 14 will have 60 days from receipt of their initial $500 Admission Deposit.
Those accepted beyond January 15 will have 30 days from receipt of their initial $500 Admission Deposit.
Tuition and Fees
The costs listed and described below are for the 2006-2007 academic year.
First Year Tuition
$36,740
General Service Fee
$505
Malpractice Insurance
$85
Microscope Rental (first-year only)
$85
General ServicesFeeThis mandatory fee is billed to all medical students and provides the following services:
Graduation activities including cost of receptions, speakers, diplomas.
Student Government activities including support for clubs, programs, cultural events, etc.
Orientation activities.
University Health Care (basic) services.
Campus Center featuring a gymnasium, running track, fitness center with racquetball courts, snack bar, and bookstore.
Athletic events including intramural programs and all intercollegiate home games.
Transcripts available at no charge.
Malpractice InsuranceA group malpractice insurance policy insures medical students in the amount of $1,000,000/$3,000,000.
Microscope Rental (First Year Only) $125
Other variable fees
Health InsuranceMedical students must enroll in UNE's Student Medical Insurance Plan unless they can demonstrate proof of comparable medical insurance. Refer to the insurance brochure and website for instructions and rates. Students are required to maintain health insurance coverage throughout their tenure at UNECOM. Students electing to enroll in comparable plans should be careful to ascertain their coverage for hazards inherent to physicians, such as hazards associated with needle sticks or blood-borne pathogens.
MSPR/Dean's LetterInstitutional letters of recommendation, Medical Student Performance Review, for prospective postgraduate programs, such as internships, residencies, and fellowships are provided to graduating students. The first ten requests for letters shall be free of charge. All additional requests shall be assessed a $3 fee.
Parking FeesStudents wishing to park a vehicle on campus must purchase a parking permit from the Student Accounts Office at a cost of $60. Failure to register a vehicle will result in a fine.
Special Examination FeeAll students are required to take Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) part I, part II CE, and part II PE. All fees are determined by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) and are paid directly to the Board.
Special Student TuitionUNE undergraduate students are permitted to enroll in UNECOM courses as non-matriculating students on a space available basis. Tuition will be $825 per credit hour. Students who later become UNECOM matriculated students will pay the full-time rate.
Payment ScheduleFall and spring tuition and fees are due the first day of classes.
Late Payment ChargeThe balance due each semester will be considered overdue if not paid by the specified date, and any unpaid balance will be subject to a late charge of 12% per annum or 1% per month. Students with unpaid bills will not be placed on the official school roster nor can they attend classes until they have received clearance from the Business Office. Students with overdue account are not eligible for academic credit, transcripts, or degrees.
Refund PoliciesOverpayments - The University will refund overpayments to students with Title IV Financial Aid in accordance with Federal regulations. Students may elect to have their overpayment directly deposited into a checking or savings account.Note: It is customary for medical students to borrow from several sources or to sign agreements with third-party payers such as the Armed Forces, state or federal governments to cover their educational costs as well as living expenses. The University realizes that payments are not always received in a timely fashion because of delays at the bank or governmental agencies. In the event a student's loan proceeds are not received by the start of classes and the student does not have adequate resources for living expenses, a petition for exception to our refund policy can be submitted. This petition will need to be evaluated by the Office of Financial Aid, and must clearly demonstrate financial hardship. The University will refund up to one month of living expenses, as determined by the Financial Aid Office, in anticipation of student loan and/or government checks.
Withdrawal RefundA student who intends to withdraw from the University will be required to go through the withdrawal process. He/she must first see the UNECOM academic dean to obtain the necessary forms. Verbal notice is not sufficient. For purposes of computing refunds, the date of withdrawal recorded by the dean after receipt of withdrawal forms will be used by the Business Office to compute any refund due the student.Refunds will not be permitted for withdrawals during summer remedial courses.
Fall Tuition Refund*
June 1 to orientation
90%
During the first and second week of classes
50%
During the third and fourth week of classes
25%
After fourth week of classes through Christmas Break
None
*First year only - Refund calculated after deducting admission deposit.
Spring Tuition Refund
During the first four weeks of classes after Christmas Break
25%
After fourth week of classes after Christmas Break
None
Refunds will not be made in the case of absence, suspension or dismissal.Adjustments to students’ financial aid awards will be made according to federal refund policies as well as specific program policies. Students who withdraw during their first semester at the University and received federal financial aid, may be entitled to a refund under the federal rules labeled “pro-rata.” Students who receive federal Title IV financial aid may be entitled to a refund under the federal refund policy. The federal refund policy allows students a refund based on the percentage of time they were in attendance up to the 50% point within the semester. Details are available in the Financial Aid Office.Leave of Absence Tuition CreditIn the event a student desires to apply for a leave of absence, a Leave Form must be submitted to the Academic Dean's Office. The form will include the reason for leaving, as well as the expected date of return. An approved leave of absence during the on-campus portion of the curriculum will result in a refund per the Withdrawal Tuition Refund Policy. No penalty is assessed for a leave of absence during the Clerkship Training Curriculum. A student in the military reserves will be granted a full leave of absence tuition credit should the student be called to active duty while attending courses during any given semester.
Notes
Students should expect annual increases in the cost of attending UNECOM since the University is subject to the same inflationary pressures that affect the rest of society.
UNE will continue to make every effort to contain costs from the date they are announced through the current academic year. The Board of Trustees, however, reserve the right to make changes in tuition and fees at any time.
For their own protection while at the University, it is recommended that students carry their own local checking accounts to provide funds for incidental expenses and emergencies. The University recommends that students open a checking account with TD BankNorth, who have installed a full-service ATM machine on campus. Checks may also be cashed daily at the Student Accounts Office and Bookstore ($75 maximum).
The University will not be responsible for the loss of property on or off campus although it strives to safeguard students’ property on campus.
Textbooks usually cost about $600 per semester. Students are expected to pay for those books at the beginning of the semester. Books, supplies, and other items available at the University Bookstore may be paid for with cash, check, MasterCard, VISA, and Discover credit cards. NOTE: First-year textbook costs are considerably higher.
The University offers direct deposit to its students. Students with credit balances can have the excess funds directly deposited in the bank of their choice. The sign-up form is available here.
Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog
This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2006-2007 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication August 1, 2006.
The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.
While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.
American International College
Costs
Overview
AIC remains among the nation's most affordable, private colleges. Sound fiscal management has enabled us to maintain our affordable costs. Our competitive price and generous financial aid program translates into superior value for our students and their families.
Costs
Tuition and Fees: $22,500 (2007-2008)Room and Board: $9750 (2007-2008)Books and Supplies (approx.): $1000Total, Resident Student: $33,250 (2007-2008)Total, Commuter Student: $23,500 (2007-2008)
Simmons College
TuitionIn 2007-2008, the expenses for a typical full-time undergraduate resident student are $39,440.
Fall
Spring
Total
Undergraduate Full-time Tuition
$13,734
$13,734
$27,468
Part-time Undergrad. / Dix Program Tuition
($857 per credit)
($857 per credit)
Health Center Fee
$312
$312
$624
Activity Fee
$105
$105
$210
Undergraduate Room/Board
$5569
$5569
$11,138
Graduate & Dix Scholars Room/Board
($6224)
($6224)
($12,448)
Undergraduate Total
$19,720
$19,720
$39,440
Merrimack College pre-pt program
>>
Contact Department
>>
PRINT Friendly Page
Related Links
>>
Office of International Programs
>>
About the Bursar's Office
Downloads
>>
Tuition Guarantee Plan -- Facts and FAQs
>>
Returning Students Tuition & Fees 2007-2008
>>
Freshman Tuition & Fees (Class of 2011)
>>
Fall 07 Information Sheet
>>
Incoming Transfer Student Tuition & Fees 2007-2008
TUITION AND FEES 2007-2008
Merrimack College Class 2011
Tuition $ 29,310
Room (Deegan/Ash Traditional Double)and Board $ 11,790
Fees $ 700
Seton Hall University
To help you get a handle on the average costs incurred by most entering students, we've put together the following table. Those who live on campus have several meal plan options to choose from, with the most common choice being used in this estimate.
Tuition, Fees and Room & Board Expensesfor Freshmen Entering in the Academic Year 2007-2008
Undergraduate Tuition*Flat rate tuition between 12-18 credits per semester.
$27,850
One-time Orientation Fee
$300
Total:
$28,150
Housing
$6,914
BoardBased on meal plan II.
$2,796
Total:**
$37,860
Sacred Heart University
To help you get a handle on the average costs incurred by most entering students, we've put together the following table. Those who live on campus have several meal plan options to choose from, with the most common choice being used in this estimate.
Tuition, Fees and Room & Board Expensesfor Freshmen Entering in the Academic Year 2007-2008
Undergraduate Tuition*Flat rate tuition between 12-18 credits per semester.
$27,850
One-time Orientation Fee
$300
Total:
$28,150
Housing
$6,914
BoardBased on meal plan II.
$2,796
Total:**
$37,860
The University of New England's Physical Therapy Program at the Westbrook College Campus in Portland, Maine, began enrolling students in its new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curriculum in fall 2004.Physical therapy education is in a rapid state of transition. Although entry into the profession today requires a master's degree, the vision statement of the American Physical Therapy Association states that by the year 2020, "physical therapy will be provided by physical therapists who are Doctors of Physical Therapy…." Most of the physical therapist education programs in the country have completed or are in the process of preparing for the transition to the DPT entry-level degree.
Outpatient PT and Clarification
Physical Therapy
Outpatient Services
Spine Center
Specialists in the treatment of neck and back disorders and a multitude of arm and leg injuries, including multiple trauma. Our focus of care is to increase motion, strength, coordination and balance to help you return to your prior work and recreational activity levels.
Arthritis/Fibromyalgia
Assistance with pain management, exercise instruction, activity modifications and long-term management of the condition.
Functional Capacity Evaluation
Comprehensive evaluation of a person's functional abilities as they relate to work performance.
Wheelchair & Seating Clinic
Excellent resource for people who have completed rehabilitation but need updated recommendations for a wheelchair, cushion, etc.
Aquatics Therapy
Aquatic therapy offers an alternative form of rehabilitation and can be used in conjunction with more traditional outpatient therapies.
Balance Training Program
Extensive, individualized assessments to determine the cause(s) of decreased balance and increased risk of falling. Posture, balance, strength, coordination and function are addressed.
Just For Women
It's no secret that women have unique medical needs. Doesn't it make sense that the medical professionals who serve us should have unique knowledge and experience?
Neurorehabilitation
Specialized treatment for strokes, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, and other neurological conditions.
Outpatient Physical Therapy is more of a rehabilitation therapy program. Outpatient therapists may deal with after surgery patients that were well enough to leave the hospital. They may deal with slight injuries such as a twisted or sprained ankle. Outpatient physical therapy may also be worked in as prevention to surgery. The goal of physical therapy is to work back a full range of motion, strengthen muscles, and make the person at the same health/mobility or better than they were prior to attending therapy and prior to their injury. Physical Therapy, however, doesn’t only depend on the therapist. Much of the process reflects the patient. It depends on whether or not the patient does their assigned exercises at home, and whether or not they stay away from the activities they have been directed to stay away from for the period of time they have been directed. The physical therapist can only control what happens in their place of work, they have no control over what the patient does outside of the establishment. The ideal patient is one that is dedicated and wants to get better, not one that is only going to therapy because they have to and has no desire what so ever to get better.
Physical Therapy DepartmentOutpatient Physical Therapy
LifeStyles Medical Fitness Center1375 Cowell Farm RoadTelephone: (252) 975-4395Fax: (252) 975-4112
Hours of Operation:7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday;7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Fridays
ServicesThe BCH Physical Therapy Department provides comprehensive rehabilitation services designed to restore function and movement, relieve pain, promote healing, and help clients adapt to permanent physical changes. We treat patients with health conditions including:
Total Joint Replacement - rehabilitation following hip, knee and shoulder surgery. Pre-operative classes are also provided for patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement.
Back & Neck Injury - for pain or dysfunction resulting from arthritis, DDD (degenerative disc disease), overuse, sprains, motor vehicle accidents, work injuries, rehabilitation following back surgery, etc.
Stroke (CVA) - advanced rehabilitation following discharge from hospital, rehabilitation center or home health care.
Hand Rehabilitation - care provided under the guidance of a certified hand therapist following surgery or trauma. Treatment for arthritis and/or other orthopedic problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Fabrication of custom-made splints is available.
Wound Care - whirlpool and other techniques provided for the treatment of burns, diabetic and pressure ulcers, and traumatic or surgical wounds.
Incontinence - treatment of bladder and bowel incontinence, using EMG biofeedback, specific exercise instruction, relaxation therapy and, sometimes, electrical stimulation.
Amputees - rehabilitation for amputees, including wound care, gait training and prosthetic training.
Orthopedic Conditions - treatment for tendonitis, bursitis, fractures, rotator cuff injury, knee/ligament/cartilage repairs and ankle sprains.
Lymphedema - treatment for chronic swelling using a compression pump and/or measurement for a custom-made compression stocking.
Lung Diseases - treatment of COPD, emphysema and other chronic lung disease in conjunction with the LifeStyles Medical Fitness Center Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program.
Our state-of-the-art facility provides:
Isokinetic Exercise & Testing
Aerobic Conditioning (bikes, treadmill, Stairmaster, elliptical trainers, etc.)
Whirlpool
Cervical & Pelvic Traction
Compression Pump
EMG Biofeedback
Modalities (heat, ice, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, iontophoresis, TENS, Fluidotherapy)
Aquatic Therapy (therapeutic pool with warm water to assist in early rehabilitation following some surgical techniques and for treatment of chronic pain)
Outpatient Services
Spine Center
Specialists in the treatment of neck and back disorders and a multitude of arm and leg injuries, including multiple trauma. Our focus of care is to increase motion, strength, coordination and balance to help you return to your prior work and recreational activity levels.
Arthritis/Fibromyalgia
Assistance with pain management, exercise instruction, activity modifications and long-term management of the condition.
Functional Capacity Evaluation
Comprehensive evaluation of a person's functional abilities as they relate to work performance.
Wheelchair & Seating Clinic
Excellent resource for people who have completed rehabilitation but need updated recommendations for a wheelchair, cushion, etc.
Aquatics Therapy
Aquatic therapy offers an alternative form of rehabilitation and can be used in conjunction with more traditional outpatient therapies.
Balance Training Program
Extensive, individualized assessments to determine the cause(s) of decreased balance and increased risk of falling. Posture, balance, strength, coordination and function are addressed.
Just For Women
It's no secret that women have unique medical needs. Doesn't it make sense that the medical professionals who serve us should have unique knowledge and experience?
Neurorehabilitation
Specialized treatment for strokes, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, and other neurological conditions.
Outpatient Physical Therapy is more of a rehabilitation therapy program. Outpatient therapists may deal with after surgery patients that were well enough to leave the hospital. They may deal with slight injuries such as a twisted or sprained ankle. Outpatient physical therapy may also be worked in as prevention to surgery. The goal of physical therapy is to work back a full range of motion, strengthen muscles, and make the person at the same health/mobility or better than they were prior to attending therapy and prior to their injury. Physical Therapy, however, doesn’t only depend on the therapist. Much of the process reflects the patient. It depends on whether or not the patient does their assigned exercises at home, and whether or not they stay away from the activities they have been directed to stay away from for the period of time they have been directed. The physical therapist can only control what happens in their place of work, they have no control over what the patient does outside of the establishment. The ideal patient is one that is dedicated and wants to get better, not one that is only going to therapy because they have to and has no desire what so ever to get better.
Physical Therapy DepartmentOutpatient Physical Therapy
LifeStyles Medical Fitness Center1375 Cowell Farm RoadTelephone: (252) 975-4395Fax: (252) 975-4112
Hours of Operation:7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday;7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Fridays
ServicesThe BCH Physical Therapy Department provides comprehensive rehabilitation services designed to restore function and movement, relieve pain, promote healing, and help clients adapt to permanent physical changes. We treat patients with health conditions including:
Total Joint Replacement - rehabilitation following hip, knee and shoulder surgery. Pre-operative classes are also provided for patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement.
Back & Neck Injury - for pain or dysfunction resulting from arthritis, DDD (degenerative disc disease), overuse, sprains, motor vehicle accidents, work injuries, rehabilitation following back surgery, etc.
Stroke (CVA) - advanced rehabilitation following discharge from hospital, rehabilitation center or home health care.
Hand Rehabilitation - care provided under the guidance of a certified hand therapist following surgery or trauma. Treatment for arthritis and/or other orthopedic problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Fabrication of custom-made splints is available.
Wound Care - whirlpool and other techniques provided for the treatment of burns, diabetic and pressure ulcers, and traumatic or surgical wounds.
Incontinence - treatment of bladder and bowel incontinence, using EMG biofeedback, specific exercise instruction, relaxation therapy and, sometimes, electrical stimulation.
Amputees - rehabilitation for amputees, including wound care, gait training and prosthetic training.
Orthopedic Conditions - treatment for tendonitis, bursitis, fractures, rotator cuff injury, knee/ligament/cartilage repairs and ankle sprains.
Lymphedema - treatment for chronic swelling using a compression pump and/or measurement for a custom-made compression stocking.
Lung Diseases - treatment of COPD, emphysema and other chronic lung disease in conjunction with the LifeStyles Medical Fitness Center Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program.
Our state-of-the-art facility provides:
Isokinetic Exercise & Testing
Aerobic Conditioning (bikes, treadmill, Stairmaster, elliptical trainers, etc.)
Whirlpool
Cervical & Pelvic Traction
Compression Pump
EMG Biofeedback
Modalities (heat, ice, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, iontophoresis, TENS, Fluidotherapy)
Aquatic Therapy (therapeutic pool with warm water to assist in early rehabilitation following some surgical techniques and for treatment of chronic pain)
Inpatient PT and clarification
Inpatient Physical Therapy ServicesOur Inpatient Physical Therapy Services include:
· Functional Mobility Retraining: Our skilled physical therapists teach you proper and safe functional mobility with an emphasis on minimizing the risks of falls and re-injury. Walking on all surfaces and climbing stairs, rising to stand off all surfaces and other everyday activities are taught in inpatient and outpatient settings.
· Neurological Rehabilitation: Our experienced clinicians evaluate and develop a treatment plan to meet your individual needs and goals. Our specially trained physical therapists treat an array of disabilities and impairments, including stroke, Parkinson’s, head and spinal cord injury, spinal surgeries, multiple sclerosis and Guillan-Barre.
· Orthopedic Rehabilitation: Experienced physical therapists evaluate and treat all types of orthopedic conditions and surgeries. They focus on intense training of proper mobility and exercises to restore normal range of motion, strength and mobility following an orthopedic surgery or other condition. Our physical therapists play a key role in Good Samaritan’s Arthritis and Joint Replacement Center, a center of excellence for total joint replacement.
· Wound Care: Good Samaritan’s Physical Therapy Department offers the most effective, state-of-the-art, wound care treatments available. Our physical therapists are trained experts in creating clean, optimal wound healing environments while identifying and eliminating complicating factors that delay wound healing.
· Phase I Cardiac Program: Good Samaritan’s physical therapists help ensure a successful recovery following open-heart surgery by training you in the crucial postoperative exercises. In Phase I, you will be well prepared for transition to Phases II and III, designed to help you achieve a full recovery and develop an active lifestyle.
· Amputee Program: Our physical therapists are experts in prosthetic retraining for amputees. They work closely with your doctor and prosthetist to ensure a proper fitting and functioning prosthesis for normal standing and walking. They will retrain you for an optimal gait pattern for all conditions and surfaces. this is from the good Samaritan hospital website.
What is Physical Therapy?
The profession of Physical Therapy is devoted to working with patients to rehabilitate and prevent movement dysfunction or disability caused by illness, injury or other causes. In addition, licensed therapists work with patients to relieve pain, promote healing, and restore functional abilities, to enable them to adjust to any temporary or permanent physical changes.
Who is qualified to provide physical therapy?
Physical therapists are the only professionals who provide physical therapy evaluations and interventions.
Physical therapist assistants provide physical therapy intervention under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. Pennsylvania requires physical therapist assistants to be registered by the state.
Who Benefits from physical therapy?Physical therapy can benefit people of all ages.Our services are tailored for those who are experiencing difficulty due to:
Amputations
Arthritis
Cancer
Fractures
Joint replacements or surgery
Muscle or joint sprains or strains
Neurological conditions
Parkinson's disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Stroke or head injury
Sports Injuries
Work related injuries
Wounds or burns
What does Physical Therapy involve?
Assessment: Your care begins with an in-depth assessment of your condition. Your licensed physical therapist then develops a customized treatment program that is directed toward making meaningful, practical and sustained changes in your ability to function. Goals for therapy are developed with you and are focused toward maximizing functional independence, preventing further movement/function problems and maintaining health.
Treatment Program: To assist you in achieving your individual goals, we offer a wide variety of skilled physical therapy interventions including:
Therapeutic exercise: including a full compliment of exercise equipment.Functional training (mobility skills required for independence in every day living)Education (understanding your condition, treatment and how to care for yourself)Prescription and application of devices and equipment to aid or support functional mobility.Other interventions may be used to improve motion, promote healing and reduce pain:
Manual therapy
Electrotherapy
Ultrasound
Heat and cold modalities
Hydrotherapy
Traction
The therapists work with each patient to incorporate patient goals into the treatment plan. Treatment may include:
• Training on getting in and out of bed• Gait training• Range of motion and strengthening exercises• Balance training• Patient and family education• Discharge planning
The goal of inpatient therapy
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
· Functional Mobility Retraining: Our skilled physical therapists teach you proper and safe functional mobility with an emphasis on minimizing the risks of falls and re-injury. Walking on all surfaces and climbing stairs, rising to stand off all surfaces and other everyday activities are taught in inpatient and outpatient settings.
· Neurological Rehabilitation: Our experienced clinicians evaluate and develop a treatment plan to meet your individual needs and goals. Our specially trained physical therapists treat an array of disabilities and impairments, including stroke, Parkinson’s, head and spinal cord injury, spinal surgeries, multiple sclerosis and Guillan-Barre.
· Orthopedic Rehabilitation: Experienced physical therapists evaluate and treat all types of orthopedic conditions and surgeries. They focus on intense training of proper mobility and exercises to restore normal range of motion, strength and mobility following an orthopedic surgery or other condition. Our physical therapists play a key role in Good Samaritan’s Arthritis and Joint Replacement Center, a center of excellence for total joint replacement.
· Wound Care: Good Samaritan’s Physical Therapy Department offers the most effective, state-of-the-art, wound care treatments available. Our physical therapists are trained experts in creating clean, optimal wound healing environments while identifying and eliminating complicating factors that delay wound healing.
· Phase I Cardiac Program: Good Samaritan’s physical therapists help ensure a successful recovery following open-heart surgery by training you in the crucial postoperative exercises. In Phase I, you will be well prepared for transition to Phases II and III, designed to help you achieve a full recovery and develop an active lifestyle.
· Amputee Program: Our physical therapists are experts in prosthetic retraining for amputees. They work closely with your doctor and prosthetist to ensure a proper fitting and functioning prosthesis for normal standing and walking. They will retrain you for an optimal gait pattern for all conditions and surfaces. this is from the good Samaritan hospital website.
What is Physical Therapy?
The profession of Physical Therapy is devoted to working with patients to rehabilitate and prevent movement dysfunction or disability caused by illness, injury or other causes. In addition, licensed therapists work with patients to relieve pain, promote healing, and restore functional abilities, to enable them to adjust to any temporary or permanent physical changes.
Who is qualified to provide physical therapy?
Physical therapists are the only professionals who provide physical therapy evaluations and interventions.
Physical therapist assistants provide physical therapy intervention under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. Pennsylvania requires physical therapist assistants to be registered by the state.
Who Benefits from physical therapy?Physical therapy can benefit people of all ages.Our services are tailored for those who are experiencing difficulty due to:
Amputations
Arthritis
Cancer
Fractures
Joint replacements or surgery
Muscle or joint sprains or strains
Neurological conditions
Parkinson's disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Stroke or head injury
Sports Injuries
Work related injuries
Wounds or burns
What does Physical Therapy involve?
Assessment: Your care begins with an in-depth assessment of your condition. Your licensed physical therapist then develops a customized treatment program that is directed toward making meaningful, practical and sustained changes in your ability to function. Goals for therapy are developed with you and are focused toward maximizing functional independence, preventing further movement/function problems and maintaining health.
Treatment Program: To assist you in achieving your individual goals, we offer a wide variety of skilled physical therapy interventions including:
Therapeutic exercise: including a full compliment of exercise equipment.Functional training (mobility skills required for independence in every day living)Education (understanding your condition, treatment and how to care for yourself)Prescription and application of devices and equipment to aid or support functional mobility.Other interventions may be used to improve motion, promote healing and reduce pain:
Manual therapy
Electrotherapy
Ultrasound
Heat and cold modalities
Hydrotherapy
Traction
The therapists work with each patient to incorporate patient goals into the treatment plan. Treatment may include:
• Training on getting in and out of bed• Gait training• Range of motion and strengthening exercises• Balance training• Patient and family education• Discharge planning
The goal of inpatient therapy
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Sports PT or Outpatient
What is Sports Physical Therapy?
Sports Physical Therapy is a specialized practice that focuses on prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement of the physically active individual.
Prevention
The practice of sports physical therapy includes those interventions that assist the athletically active individual in preventing injuries and then, if an injury occurs, continuing their pursuits with minimal disruptions. Areas of this practice include pre-participation screening, equipment recommendations, and cardiovascular fitness programs designed to assist in a safe and unremarkable return to activity.
Evaluation
Sports physical therapists are highly skilled in evaluation of active and chronic injuries. A hallmark of this practice is the assessment of surgical and non-surgical neuromusculoskeletal injuries. Included in this is the functional assessment of the individual post-injury to assist in a safe return to activity.
Treatment & Rehabilitation
Treatment and rehabilitation of neuromusculoskeletal injuries is at the center of sports physical therapy practice. In a team approach with physicians, the sports physical therapist is able to design and implement programs for the management of these disorders in clients of all ages and physical abilities including those with physical disabilities as well as elite athletes.
Performance Enhancement
Sports physical therapists are able to assist athletically active individuals improve their performance in a variety of ways. The foundation of performance enhancement is provided by a thorough evaluation of the neuromusculoskeletal and the cardiovascularpulmonary systems. The results of this evaluation are compiled to outline strengths and weaknesses in an individual's physical profile. This profile can then be matched to the individual's specific athletic activity. Areas of deficiency in flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, and in the aerobic/anaerobic systems can be outlined in a specific training regime. Follow-up evaluations can determine further training program changes.
Research
Treatment and rehabilitation are constantly changing in response to our interpretation of the basic and clinical sciences. The sports physical therapist is a part of a team that is researching and implementing research findings to assist the athletically active individual in his or her pursuits.
Education
Education of athletes and their parents and coaches about the various preventative and management techniques previously discussed is a service that sports physical therapists provide. Sports physical therapists are also involved in educating physical therapists, other allied health professionals, and physicians in these important areas.
Sports Physical Therapy is a specialized practice that focuses on prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement of the physically active individual.
Prevention
The practice of sports physical therapy includes those interventions that assist the athletically active individual in preventing injuries and then, if an injury occurs, continuing their pursuits with minimal disruptions. Areas of this practice include pre-participation screening, equipment recommendations, and cardiovascular fitness programs designed to assist in a safe and unremarkable return to activity.
Evaluation
Sports physical therapists are highly skilled in evaluation of active and chronic injuries. A hallmark of this practice is the assessment of surgical and non-surgical neuromusculoskeletal injuries. Included in this is the functional assessment of the individual post-injury to assist in a safe return to activity.
Treatment & Rehabilitation
Treatment and rehabilitation of neuromusculoskeletal injuries is at the center of sports physical therapy practice. In a team approach with physicians, the sports physical therapist is able to design and implement programs for the management of these disorders in clients of all ages and physical abilities including those with physical disabilities as well as elite athletes.
Performance Enhancement
Sports physical therapists are able to assist athletically active individuals improve their performance in a variety of ways. The foundation of performance enhancement is provided by a thorough evaluation of the neuromusculoskeletal and the cardiovascularpulmonary systems. The results of this evaluation are compiled to outline strengths and weaknesses in an individual's physical profile. This profile can then be matched to the individual's specific athletic activity. Areas of deficiency in flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, and in the aerobic/anaerobic systems can be outlined in a specific training regime. Follow-up evaluations can determine further training program changes.
Research
Treatment and rehabilitation are constantly changing in response to our interpretation of the basic and clinical sciences. The sports physical therapist is a part of a team that is researching and implementing research findings to assist the athletically active individual in his or her pursuits.
Education
Education of athletes and their parents and coaches about the various preventative and management techniques previously discussed is a service that sports physical therapists provide. Sports physical therapists are also involved in educating physical therapists, other allied health professionals, and physicians in these important areas.
PT in the ICU
Physical Therapists in Acute Care Settings
Physical therapists in acute care settings must possess an extensive skill set. The rapidly evolving health care environment is adding new challenges, while offering new rewards, to those PTs.
By Michele Wojciechowski
When you think of "acute care" in physical therapy, what do you envision? Physical therapists (PTs) simply following directions of the physician in the intensive care unit (ICU)? If so, Mary Sinnott, PT, DPT, MEd, suggests that you think again.
Sinnott, a clinical associate professor at Temple University's Department of Physical Therapy in Philadelphia, as well as the president of APTA's Section on Health Policy & Administration, has spent her career working in acute care. (In fact, APTA even presents the "Mary Sinnott Award for Clinical Excellence in Acute Care.")
And if there's one thing she knows, it's that acute care physical therapists are challenged constantly-they must be smart, flexible, innovative, and have great communication skills. In the course of a single day, a PT working in acute care may act not only as a care provider, but also as a consultant, a researcher, an educator, and an advocate.
Acute, Critical, and Urgent Care
The term "acute care" doesn't always refer to patients in a hospital's intensive care unit (ICU). In fact, it's quite the contrary. "In acute care, typically you're dealing with people who are not in ICUs. They are at a sufficient level of medical stability that they don't need intensive monitoring," explains Sinnott.
If you're talking specifically about "critical care," though, patients typically are in the ICU, are medically unstable, may be on medications that can have cardiovascular, neurological, or pulmonary consequences, and usually are not mobile. "With critical care, some of your practice is prevention and some is intervention. The objective is to help get the person to the next level of care-ie, out of intensive care-as fast as possible," says Sinnott.
Urgent care refers to patients in the emergency department of a hospital. While PTs may be assigned specifically to the emergency department, many times a PT on the hospital staff or on call will address patient injuries on a case-by-case basis.
Anita Bemis-Dougherty, PT, DPT, MAS, is the manager of physical therapy at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, and has worked in acute care since she graduated in 1975. And at Hopkins, she's seen it all. "It's pediatrics through geriatrics and every service you can imagine," she says. "If you work in acute care, you see a multitude of diagnoses."
Because acute care PTs can encounter everything from severe fractures to traumatic brain injuries, from gastroenteritis to congestive heart failure, and from gall bladder problems to multiple trauma, they must be able to blend a number of skills in order to properly diagnose and treat their patients, Bemis-Dougherty notes.
As a result, they need to act both quickly and accurately to do their best for those they see.
Mary Pat Corrigan Jobes, PT, MA, president of APTA's Acute Care Section, has spent 26 years in acute care-first in pediatrics, and since 1994 in an adult acute care hospital (which also has outpatient pediatrics). She currently is the administrative director, rehabilitation services, at Methodist North Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
"The goal of acute care is to help the patient progress and gain the strength they need to move to the next level of care," says Corrigan Jobes. For that reason, she says, "The acute care therapist has to be a generalist. In any given day, in any acute-care hospital, someone has got to cover for somebody. So you have to be able to adapt to different types of diagnoses and different kinds of patients-even if you are a specialist in one area-because the patient comes first."
Meanwhile, Sinnott points out that today, with the average length of stay being anywhere from three days in a community hospital to five or six days in a university tertiary-care hospital, "The role of physical therapy very often is that of triage." PTs in acute care must evaluate the functional consequences of acute pathology and make recommendations for the next level of care that the person may need.
"This is a real challenge because you have to take into consideration the status of their pathology, the impairment, the functional limitations, and the consequences of those factors," says Sinnott. "as well as past medical histories and the psycho-social issues to make the best possible decision for the individual first, and to help the institution move patients through the system as safely and quickly as possible.
"You know that you're not making the final decision; you're making the next decision. So physical therapy often plays the role of consultant in acute care."
There's also another consequence to shortened hospital stays. Because patients today are discharged from the hospital much sooner than in the past, Bemis-Dougherty says, "Acute care really isn't a place. It's the acuity of the patient. So you may have patients who leave the hospital in three days and go to home care, but they really still are acute. Or they could go to outpatient, but they still are acute. They may have compromised cardiac status or compromised endurance; they, too, are acute care patients.
"Acute care is not just working in a hospital. Acute care is everywhere. So the skills you acquire by working in a hospital can be transferred to any practice setting."
The Necessary Skills
Because they face a vast array of injuries and patients on a daily basis, acute care PTs must possess an extensive skill set. Sinnott says that, in addition to their physical therapy knowledge, PTs must understand physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, the roles of other health care personnel, and much more.
"The patient's safety depends on the PT being aware of his or her role in an interdependent care model," Sinnott says.
"They need to know the different systems-like the pulmonary system-because that might affect what the PT is doing. [They must know] wound care. They need to know all about lines, tubes, drains, monitors, and precautions," says Bemis-Dougherty. "It is very fast-paced. PTs need to be flexible and multitask. They constantly are going from one thing to another. PTs in acute care have to be alert to infection control procedures...then [have] the ability to take and interpret vital signs continuously with each patient. That's just a smattering of what [acute care PTs] need."
She adds that while a PT may have orthopedic or wound care specialties, a patient may have cardiac or pulmonary problems, "So you have to assess all of those systems to develop a plan for that patient.
"What I tell people is that once you work in an acute-care setting, you probably can go to any other setting and know the medicine part of it. You will be so much more prepared for whatever you are going to see away from that acute care hospital."
Why Acute Care?
Dawn Piech, PT, MPT, CWS, has been a PT for eight years. She is the acute care physical therapy coordinator at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Illinois. She also is the vice president of APTA's Acute Care Section and certified as a wound care specialist by the American Academy of Wound Management.
Piech had thought that she would make orthopedics her career. But her first job after graduation changed all that. In it, she learned how much knowledge was necessary for acute care and how many different challenges there were on a daily basis. "I never looked back," she says today.
Corrigan Jobes suggests that all new grads seriously consider acute care. "From my perspective, acute care is the best place for a new [physical therapy] grad to start because they get exposed to all kinds of patients and all kinds of situations so that they can integrate information they have learned in school," she says.
Piech adds, "I think the great thing about acute care is that you need to have a wide wealth of knowledge to work with patients because you have a little bit of everything in each patient you work with. It forces you to continue to work on your clinical practice so that you can stay on top of all the things you need to for each patient."
Collaboration With Other Staff
A key skill in acute care is the ability to collaborate with other hospital staff. "The role of acute care physical therapy mandates interdependent collaborative practice because you have to be in contact with the attending physician, consultants who are brought in, nursing and case management, social service, [as well as] the family and the patient," says Sinnott. "It mandates that you get all that information together as best you can and as fast as you can so that you can make the right decision for that person."
Corrigan Jobes agrees. She says that when working with health care professionals who may not have a good understanding of what physical therapy actually is, PTs may have to educate them-and explain that they are providing skilled services. Piech adds, "Unfortunately, sometimes the doctors think all we do is 'walk' patients in acute care. They are amazed to see us working with these [patients with] traumatic brain injuries and what we do."
Excellent communication skills are crucial to foster collaborative relationships. And these communication skills must work in both directions. As Bemis-Dougherty says, "You need to work very closely with physicians, nurses-the other members of the team. You can't be afraid to ask questions.
"You have to gather a patient's history; you have to ask about the precautions. Doctors may not put it down, and you may be the one who discovers something because you work more closely with the patient than the doctor does."
Corrigan Jobes says that, perhaps surprisingly, there can be autonomy of practice in an acute care setting. She explains that acute care PTs work collaboratively with physicians to develop evidence-based protocols. Because the physicians then recognize the PT's area of expertise, Corrigan Jobes says, "Physicians can rely on you to know what needs to be done for that total joint patient or that wound care patient. You have to prove it, but you can have autonomous practices in acute care settings without having to be an independent practitioner."
The role of the physical therapist assistant (PTA) also is important in acute care. "The PT may establish a plan of care, and the PTA works with the therapist to carry out the plan," says Corrigan Jobes. "They are very effective in this setting."
Educating the Patients And Family
Another facet of acute care involves PTs educating not only their collaborative partners, but also--and sometimes most important--their patients and the patients' families.
"Patient education is a big part of [acute care] physical therapy. You always are talking to the patients, telling them what you are doing, and why you are there. If family members are present, you are educating the family on what you are doing and what they can do to help the patient," says Corrigan Jobes.
"When patients move out of critical care into a med-surg or in a medical bed, the PT is working with the patient on what he or she should do for safety. Fall initiatives are very big in hospitals now and rehabilitation services are very much involved in working with patients and identifying those patients who need to be on 'falls risk.'
"You are educating the patient and the family about what that patient needs to do so they can be safe as well as what they need to do to continue their progress to become stronger or more functional," Corrigan Jobes says.
Patient Advocacy
In addition to collaborating with everyone from doctors and nurses to techs and nutritionists, acute care PTs often serve as advocates for their patients. One area where this is particularly important, Sinnott notes, is in the development of a discharge plan. For example, she says that often others may assume that because a patient has had a stroke or a fall-related compression fracture of the spine, that patient will need to be in a nursing home for the rest of his or her life. "Then the PT comes in and the patient is walking down the hall. The patient doesn't need that higher level of care. What they do need is rehabilitation. Or they need to be in an environment where they are safe while they are healing so they can return to their lives," says Sinnott.
"You also have to take into consideration a patient's financial resources. That often will dictate what type of discharge plan you can make. Sometimes that can be fortuitous, and sometimes it can be unfortunate. You have to work within the patient's means and the family's means," Sinnott adds.
Evidence-Based Practice
Because acute care PTs work with a variety of patients with a range of injuries or illnesses as well as collaborate with many health care professionals, it follows that evidence-based practice plays an important role.
Katherine Biggs-Harris, PT, MS, has worked at Yale New Haven Hospital for 24 years. Although now a full-time professor, she still works one day a week at the hospital. She says that a wealth of evidence exists to help PTs progress a patient from point A to point B, but not all of it will be found within physical therapy literature. In fact, answers may be found in physiology, nutrition, or even nursing literature.
For example, she explains, she may have patients in critical care on IV solutions or tube feedings. The PT must work with a nutritionist to determine if the patients are receiving the appropriate number of calories to meet the metabolic demand not only of their illnesses, but also for those activities that the PT wishes them to perform. "Plenty of literature supports that collaborative approach," says Biggs-Harris. "But it is not just PT literature. "We all have to be better about researching and publishing and doing case reports to enhance the literature so that we can continue to move forward."
Corrigan Jobes says that it's necessary for acute care PTs to regularly review evidence on the injuries or illnesses they are working on to determine, for example, the best practice or the most current information on a condition. She says, "We have to do our research."
Attracting New Grads to Acute Care
While all the PTs working in acute care interviewed for this article would like to see new graduates enter their chosen profession, they agree that it's not always easy. "It's hard to get new grads into acute care," says Corrigan Jobes. "You've got to get to them in their rotations, and not every school even requires an acute care rotation anymore. We need to take students because that is the future of the profession. They need to see what acute care is and that they can really learn and have an exciting and viable and challenging practice."
Biggs-Harris says that while, from an educational perspective, many academic institutions are addressing acute care issues in their curriculum, more mentorship programs are needed to help graduates apply what they've learned in school to the ICU or to treat acute care patients. "A number of large facilities do have mentorship programs in critical care," says Biggs-Harris. "They are making sure the therapist is prepared to go into a unit and treat patients."
She gives an example of how mentorship helps new graduates: "Remember when you were in school, [and] you used to get bits and pieces of information, and sometimes the light bulb would click and you would know exactly what you were supposed to do-how to integrate all the information? Often when you are working in critical care, you have so many things going on, the light bulb clicks with somebody there helping you."
But with all they would have to learn, why should new grads or other PTs entertain the thoughts of heading into acute care? Piech likes the challenge of the profession. "It forces you to be on your toes."
"It's an exciting environment, and you learn so much," says Bemis-Dougherty. "It doesn't matter whether you are here a year or 15 years. There is always something new to learn...You don't see the typical patients, and you are critically thinking all the time. It is always a challenge. There is communication with physicians and nursing. That piece is stimulating for me."
Physical therapists in acute care settings must possess an extensive skill set. The rapidly evolving health care environment is adding new challenges, while offering new rewards, to those PTs.
By Michele Wojciechowski
When you think of "acute care" in physical therapy, what do you envision? Physical therapists (PTs) simply following directions of the physician in the intensive care unit (ICU)? If so, Mary Sinnott, PT, DPT, MEd, suggests that you think again.
Sinnott, a clinical associate professor at Temple University's Department of Physical Therapy in Philadelphia, as well as the president of APTA's Section on Health Policy & Administration, has spent her career working in acute care. (In fact, APTA even presents the "Mary Sinnott Award for Clinical Excellence in Acute Care.")
And if there's one thing she knows, it's that acute care physical therapists are challenged constantly-they must be smart, flexible, innovative, and have great communication skills. In the course of a single day, a PT working in acute care may act not only as a care provider, but also as a consultant, a researcher, an educator, and an advocate.
Acute, Critical, and Urgent Care
The term "acute care" doesn't always refer to patients in a hospital's intensive care unit (ICU). In fact, it's quite the contrary. "In acute care, typically you're dealing with people who are not in ICUs. They are at a sufficient level of medical stability that they don't need intensive monitoring," explains Sinnott.
If you're talking specifically about "critical care," though, patients typically are in the ICU, are medically unstable, may be on medications that can have cardiovascular, neurological, or pulmonary consequences, and usually are not mobile. "With critical care, some of your practice is prevention and some is intervention. The objective is to help get the person to the next level of care-ie, out of intensive care-as fast as possible," says Sinnott.
Urgent care refers to patients in the emergency department of a hospital. While PTs may be assigned specifically to the emergency department, many times a PT on the hospital staff or on call will address patient injuries on a case-by-case basis.
Anita Bemis-Dougherty, PT, DPT, MAS, is the manager of physical therapy at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, and has worked in acute care since she graduated in 1975. And at Hopkins, she's seen it all. "It's pediatrics through geriatrics and every service you can imagine," she says. "If you work in acute care, you see a multitude of diagnoses."
Because acute care PTs can encounter everything from severe fractures to traumatic brain injuries, from gastroenteritis to congestive heart failure, and from gall bladder problems to multiple trauma, they must be able to blend a number of skills in order to properly diagnose and treat their patients, Bemis-Dougherty notes.
As a result, they need to act both quickly and accurately to do their best for those they see.
Mary Pat Corrigan Jobes, PT, MA, president of APTA's Acute Care Section, has spent 26 years in acute care-first in pediatrics, and since 1994 in an adult acute care hospital (which also has outpatient pediatrics). She currently is the administrative director, rehabilitation services, at Methodist North Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
"The goal of acute care is to help the patient progress and gain the strength they need to move to the next level of care," says Corrigan Jobes. For that reason, she says, "The acute care therapist has to be a generalist. In any given day, in any acute-care hospital, someone has got to cover for somebody. So you have to be able to adapt to different types of diagnoses and different kinds of patients-even if you are a specialist in one area-because the patient comes first."
Meanwhile, Sinnott points out that today, with the average length of stay being anywhere from three days in a community hospital to five or six days in a university tertiary-care hospital, "The role of physical therapy very often is that of triage." PTs in acute care must evaluate the functional consequences of acute pathology and make recommendations for the next level of care that the person may need.
"This is a real challenge because you have to take into consideration the status of their pathology, the impairment, the functional limitations, and the consequences of those factors," says Sinnott. "as well as past medical histories and the psycho-social issues to make the best possible decision for the individual first, and to help the institution move patients through the system as safely and quickly as possible.
"You know that you're not making the final decision; you're making the next decision. So physical therapy often plays the role of consultant in acute care."
There's also another consequence to shortened hospital stays. Because patients today are discharged from the hospital much sooner than in the past, Bemis-Dougherty says, "Acute care really isn't a place. It's the acuity of the patient. So you may have patients who leave the hospital in three days and go to home care, but they really still are acute. Or they could go to outpatient, but they still are acute. They may have compromised cardiac status or compromised endurance; they, too, are acute care patients.
"Acute care is not just working in a hospital. Acute care is everywhere. So the skills you acquire by working in a hospital can be transferred to any practice setting."
The Necessary Skills
Because they face a vast array of injuries and patients on a daily basis, acute care PTs must possess an extensive skill set. Sinnott says that, in addition to their physical therapy knowledge, PTs must understand physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, the roles of other health care personnel, and much more.
"The patient's safety depends on the PT being aware of his or her role in an interdependent care model," Sinnott says.
"They need to know the different systems-like the pulmonary system-because that might affect what the PT is doing. [They must know] wound care. They need to know all about lines, tubes, drains, monitors, and precautions," says Bemis-Dougherty. "It is very fast-paced. PTs need to be flexible and multitask. They constantly are going from one thing to another. PTs in acute care have to be alert to infection control procedures...then [have] the ability to take and interpret vital signs continuously with each patient. That's just a smattering of what [acute care PTs] need."
She adds that while a PT may have orthopedic or wound care specialties, a patient may have cardiac or pulmonary problems, "So you have to assess all of those systems to develop a plan for that patient.
"What I tell people is that once you work in an acute-care setting, you probably can go to any other setting and know the medicine part of it. You will be so much more prepared for whatever you are going to see away from that acute care hospital."
Why Acute Care?
Dawn Piech, PT, MPT, CWS, has been a PT for eight years. She is the acute care physical therapy coordinator at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Illinois. She also is the vice president of APTA's Acute Care Section and certified as a wound care specialist by the American Academy of Wound Management.
Piech had thought that she would make orthopedics her career. But her first job after graduation changed all that. In it, she learned how much knowledge was necessary for acute care and how many different challenges there were on a daily basis. "I never looked back," she says today.
Corrigan Jobes suggests that all new grads seriously consider acute care. "From my perspective, acute care is the best place for a new [physical therapy] grad to start because they get exposed to all kinds of patients and all kinds of situations so that they can integrate information they have learned in school," she says.
Piech adds, "I think the great thing about acute care is that you need to have a wide wealth of knowledge to work with patients because you have a little bit of everything in each patient you work with. It forces you to continue to work on your clinical practice so that you can stay on top of all the things you need to for each patient."
Collaboration With Other Staff
A key skill in acute care is the ability to collaborate with other hospital staff. "The role of acute care physical therapy mandates interdependent collaborative practice because you have to be in contact with the attending physician, consultants who are brought in, nursing and case management, social service, [as well as] the family and the patient," says Sinnott. "It mandates that you get all that information together as best you can and as fast as you can so that you can make the right decision for that person."
Corrigan Jobes agrees. She says that when working with health care professionals who may not have a good understanding of what physical therapy actually is, PTs may have to educate them-and explain that they are providing skilled services. Piech adds, "Unfortunately, sometimes the doctors think all we do is 'walk' patients in acute care. They are amazed to see us working with these [patients with] traumatic brain injuries and what we do."
Excellent communication skills are crucial to foster collaborative relationships. And these communication skills must work in both directions. As Bemis-Dougherty says, "You need to work very closely with physicians, nurses-the other members of the team. You can't be afraid to ask questions.
"You have to gather a patient's history; you have to ask about the precautions. Doctors may not put it down, and you may be the one who discovers something because you work more closely with the patient than the doctor does."
Corrigan Jobes says that, perhaps surprisingly, there can be autonomy of practice in an acute care setting. She explains that acute care PTs work collaboratively with physicians to develop evidence-based protocols. Because the physicians then recognize the PT's area of expertise, Corrigan Jobes says, "Physicians can rely on you to know what needs to be done for that total joint patient or that wound care patient. You have to prove it, but you can have autonomous practices in acute care settings without having to be an independent practitioner."
The role of the physical therapist assistant (PTA) also is important in acute care. "The PT may establish a plan of care, and the PTA works with the therapist to carry out the plan," says Corrigan Jobes. "They are very effective in this setting."
Educating the Patients And Family
Another facet of acute care involves PTs educating not only their collaborative partners, but also--and sometimes most important--their patients and the patients' families.
"Patient education is a big part of [acute care] physical therapy. You always are talking to the patients, telling them what you are doing, and why you are there. If family members are present, you are educating the family on what you are doing and what they can do to help the patient," says Corrigan Jobes.
"When patients move out of critical care into a med-surg or in a medical bed, the PT is working with the patient on what he or she should do for safety. Fall initiatives are very big in hospitals now and rehabilitation services are very much involved in working with patients and identifying those patients who need to be on 'falls risk.'
"You are educating the patient and the family about what that patient needs to do so they can be safe as well as what they need to do to continue their progress to become stronger or more functional," Corrigan Jobes says.
Patient Advocacy
In addition to collaborating with everyone from doctors and nurses to techs and nutritionists, acute care PTs often serve as advocates for their patients. One area where this is particularly important, Sinnott notes, is in the development of a discharge plan. For example, she says that often others may assume that because a patient has had a stroke or a fall-related compression fracture of the spine, that patient will need to be in a nursing home for the rest of his or her life. "Then the PT comes in and the patient is walking down the hall. The patient doesn't need that higher level of care. What they do need is rehabilitation. Or they need to be in an environment where they are safe while they are healing so they can return to their lives," says Sinnott.
"You also have to take into consideration a patient's financial resources. That often will dictate what type of discharge plan you can make. Sometimes that can be fortuitous, and sometimes it can be unfortunate. You have to work within the patient's means and the family's means," Sinnott adds.
Evidence-Based Practice
Because acute care PTs work with a variety of patients with a range of injuries or illnesses as well as collaborate with many health care professionals, it follows that evidence-based practice plays an important role.
Katherine Biggs-Harris, PT, MS, has worked at Yale New Haven Hospital for 24 years. Although now a full-time professor, she still works one day a week at the hospital. She says that a wealth of evidence exists to help PTs progress a patient from point A to point B, but not all of it will be found within physical therapy literature. In fact, answers may be found in physiology, nutrition, or even nursing literature.
For example, she explains, she may have patients in critical care on IV solutions or tube feedings. The PT must work with a nutritionist to determine if the patients are receiving the appropriate number of calories to meet the metabolic demand not only of their illnesses, but also for those activities that the PT wishes them to perform. "Plenty of literature supports that collaborative approach," says Biggs-Harris. "But it is not just PT literature. "We all have to be better about researching and publishing and doing case reports to enhance the literature so that we can continue to move forward."
Corrigan Jobes says that it's necessary for acute care PTs to regularly review evidence on the injuries or illnesses they are working on to determine, for example, the best practice or the most current information on a condition. She says, "We have to do our research."
Attracting New Grads to Acute Care
While all the PTs working in acute care interviewed for this article would like to see new graduates enter their chosen profession, they agree that it's not always easy. "It's hard to get new grads into acute care," says Corrigan Jobes. "You've got to get to them in their rotations, and not every school even requires an acute care rotation anymore. We need to take students because that is the future of the profession. They need to see what acute care is and that they can really learn and have an exciting and viable and challenging practice."
Biggs-Harris says that while, from an educational perspective, many academic institutions are addressing acute care issues in their curriculum, more mentorship programs are needed to help graduates apply what they've learned in school to the ICU or to treat acute care patients. "A number of large facilities do have mentorship programs in critical care," says Biggs-Harris. "They are making sure the therapist is prepared to go into a unit and treat patients."
She gives an example of how mentorship helps new graduates: "Remember when you were in school, [and] you used to get bits and pieces of information, and sometimes the light bulb would click and you would know exactly what you were supposed to do-how to integrate all the information? Often when you are working in critical care, you have so many things going on, the light bulb clicks with somebody there helping you."
But with all they would have to learn, why should new grads or other PTs entertain the thoughts of heading into acute care? Piech likes the challenge of the profession. "It forces you to be on your toes."
"It's an exciting environment, and you learn so much," says Bemis-Dougherty. "It doesn't matter whether you are here a year or 15 years. There is always something new to learn...You don't see the typical patients, and you are critically thinking all the time. It is always a challenge. There is communication with physicians and nursing. That piece is stimulating for me."
Aquatic PT
Aquatic Physical Therapy is used mainly on paraplegics, quadriplegics, and elders. It can, however, be used on any type of patient, for example the purpose is to give the patient full range of motion or more of a range of motion than they normally have on land, which is common in the water. So if you have a patient with a knee problem that doesn’t have full range of motion on land he/she may need aquatic therapy and have the session in the water. Most aquatic patients are combined patients; they have half land sessions and half water sessions. There are very few of these systems in Massachusetts. I have found this part out through research for places to shadow, however I got the above information in an email from an organization located in Pennsylvania. I had emailed the organization asking for more information and they got back to me by the time I got home from school.
Aquatic Physical Therapy: is physical therapy that involves performing exercises in the water. Aquatic therapy is especially beneficial for people who have difficulty with weight bearing activities. Exercising in the water provides several benefits that exercise on land can not. To learn more about aquatic therapy, take a look at this review.
Aquatic physical therapy is a unique service available at Delnor-Community’s Health & Wellness Center, and is one of the few facilities in the area offering a complete program of care. Aquatic physical therapy has proven to be a more successful form of rehabilitation for individuals suffering with arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, joint replacement and other conditions associated with aging, as well as the inability to tolerate other therapy.
Skilled therapists provide this service in specially-designed and equipped warm water therapy and lap pools. Here patients of all ages can be treated for musculoskeletal pain and neurological disorders.
Special aquatic therapy classes are available to manage arthritis, multiple sclerosis, pediatric neuromuscular conditions and fibromyalgia as well as problems related to the lower back, legs, neck and shoulders.
Ai chi (water ai chi) classes offer mild aquatic exercises and relaxation. Prenatal and postnatal classes also are offered for new mothers and mothers-to-be.
Aquatic physical therapy is defined as physical exercises in a swimming pool. Designed to help patients regain freedom of movement, it can dramatically reduce, and even eliminate pain. The combination of simple exercises and heated pool water has a safe, therapeutic effect on the body, in many ways unmatched by other means.
The natural buoyancy of water offers support for the body by diminishing the effects of gravity. As a result, it reduces stress on joints and muscles, while providing moderate compression for improved circulation to promote healing and improved muscle tone.
Patients with neck and back pain, including most sports-related injuries, often benefit from aquatic therapy as well as those experiencing severe weakness as a result of injury or surgery. Additionally, the pool’s heat helps soothe the pain associated with injuries or discomforts.
Patients recovering from muscular or skeletal injuries can control the intensity of their therapy by increasing or decreasing the amount of water resistance while performing their aquatic exercises. Often the physical therapist will recommend weights and flotation devices to help speed recuperation. Kick boards, tube floatations and “noodles” are frequently used. At each of Bethesda’s facilities, programs are tailored to the individual's needs by a licensed physical therapist trained in aquatic physical therapy. Gradually, the aquatic exercises move to a land-based program to assure complete recovery. Treatment Sessions Can Help the Following:
Improve circulation
Improve strength and endurance
Increase range of motion
Improve balance and coordination
Normalize muscle tone
Protect joints during exercise
Reduce stress
Decrease swelling
Problems that Can Be Treated with Aquatic Therapy:
Athletic injuries
Arthritis
Chronic Pain
Fibromyalgia
Joint replacements
Limited weight bearing
Neck and back pain
Neurological disorders
and more
Why Aquatic Therapy?
Aquatic therapy offers an alternative form of rehabilitation and can be used in conjunction with more traditional outpatient therapies.
The pool is an excellent medium in which to rehabilitate those with neurological and musculoskeletal problems. It provides an opportunity for people to exercise and gain strength while affording them a comfortable environment where they can re-initiate limb and body movement.
The buoyancy of the water facilitates mobility and assists with exercise. Its properties of decreasing impact while promoting movement allow a variety of individuals to benefit from this program. Coordination and aerobic activities can also be performed in the pool. And, water equipment can assist with resistance exercise for strengthening.
Who Can Participate?
Individuals with a variety of disabilities and orthopaedic conditions can participate in aquatic therapy. People with back problems, knee injuries, ankle injuries, strokes, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, and those who have had orthopaedic surgeries are just a few of the individuals who can benefit from aquatic therapy.
Careful screening and program development by a physical therapist will assure safe participation. Though aquatic therapy is not recommended for certain medical conditions, the vast majority of people can participate. Swimming experience is not necessary.
Aquatic Physical Therapy: is physical therapy that involves performing exercises in the water. Aquatic therapy is especially beneficial for people who have difficulty with weight bearing activities. Exercising in the water provides several benefits that exercise on land can not. To learn more about aquatic therapy, take a look at this review.
Aquatic physical therapy is a unique service available at Delnor-Community’s Health & Wellness Center, and is one of the few facilities in the area offering a complete program of care. Aquatic physical therapy has proven to be a more successful form of rehabilitation for individuals suffering with arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, joint replacement and other conditions associated with aging, as well as the inability to tolerate other therapy.
Skilled therapists provide this service in specially-designed and equipped warm water therapy and lap pools. Here patients of all ages can be treated for musculoskeletal pain and neurological disorders.
Special aquatic therapy classes are available to manage arthritis, multiple sclerosis, pediatric neuromuscular conditions and fibromyalgia as well as problems related to the lower back, legs, neck and shoulders.
Ai chi (water ai chi) classes offer mild aquatic exercises and relaxation. Prenatal and postnatal classes also are offered for new mothers and mothers-to-be.
Aquatic physical therapy is defined as physical exercises in a swimming pool. Designed to help patients regain freedom of movement, it can dramatically reduce, and even eliminate pain. The combination of simple exercises and heated pool water has a safe, therapeutic effect on the body, in many ways unmatched by other means.
The natural buoyancy of water offers support for the body by diminishing the effects of gravity. As a result, it reduces stress on joints and muscles, while providing moderate compression for improved circulation to promote healing and improved muscle tone.
Patients with neck and back pain, including most sports-related injuries, often benefit from aquatic therapy as well as those experiencing severe weakness as a result of injury or surgery. Additionally, the pool’s heat helps soothe the pain associated with injuries or discomforts.
Patients recovering from muscular or skeletal injuries can control the intensity of their therapy by increasing or decreasing the amount of water resistance while performing their aquatic exercises. Often the physical therapist will recommend weights and flotation devices to help speed recuperation. Kick boards, tube floatations and “noodles” are frequently used. At each of Bethesda’s facilities, programs are tailored to the individual's needs by a licensed physical therapist trained in aquatic physical therapy. Gradually, the aquatic exercises move to a land-based program to assure complete recovery. Treatment Sessions Can Help the Following:
Improve circulation
Improve strength and endurance
Increase range of motion
Improve balance and coordination
Normalize muscle tone
Protect joints during exercise
Reduce stress
Decrease swelling
Problems that Can Be Treated with Aquatic Therapy:
Athletic injuries
Arthritis
Chronic Pain
Fibromyalgia
Joint replacements
Limited weight bearing
Neck and back pain
Neurological disorders
and more
Why Aquatic Therapy?
Aquatic therapy offers an alternative form of rehabilitation and can be used in conjunction with more traditional outpatient therapies.
The pool is an excellent medium in which to rehabilitate those with neurological and musculoskeletal problems. It provides an opportunity for people to exercise and gain strength while affording them a comfortable environment where they can re-initiate limb and body movement.
The buoyancy of the water facilitates mobility and assists with exercise. Its properties of decreasing impact while promoting movement allow a variety of individuals to benefit from this program. Coordination and aerobic activities can also be performed in the pool. And, water equipment can assist with resistance exercise for strengthening.
Who Can Participate?
Individuals with a variety of disabilities and orthopaedic conditions can participate in aquatic therapy. People with back problems, knee injuries, ankle injuries, strokes, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, and those who have had orthopaedic surgeries are just a few of the individuals who can benefit from aquatic therapy.
Careful screening and program development by a physical therapist will assure safe participation. Though aquatic therapy is not recommended for certain medical conditions, the vast majority of people can participate. Swimming experience is not necessary.
Risk Management
Risk Management
Risk Management is the process of identifying, analyzing, and addressing areas of existing and potential risk. Webster's defines risk as "the possibility of loss or injury; a dangerous element or factor."
Risk Management is applicable to both your professional and personal life. It is important to manage the risks in your professional life in order to provide your patients/clients with the highest quality of care in an environment that poses the lowest level of risk. It is important that you manage the risks in your personal life in order to reduce worry for yourself and your loved ones, and also to protect your assets. Proactive risk management practices can help avoid or reduce liability, which, if left unmanaged, can have a severe impact on your life. APTA offers a number of excellent resources to assist you in your efforts to manage your professional and personal risks.
Risk Management is the process of identifying, analyzing, and addressing areas of existing and potential risk. Webster's defines risk as "the possibility of loss or injury; a dangerous element or factor."
Risk Management is applicable to both your professional and personal life. It is important to manage the risks in your professional life in order to provide your patients/clients with the highest quality of care in an environment that poses the lowest level of risk. It is important that you manage the risks in your personal life in order to reduce worry for yourself and your loved ones, and also to protect your assets. Proactive risk management practices can help avoid or reduce liability, which, if left unmanaged, can have a severe impact on your life. APTA offers a number of excellent resources to assist you in your efforts to manage your professional and personal risks.
Clarification between OT and PT
occupational therapy
–noun
a form of therapy in which patients are encouraged to engage in vocational tasks or expressive activities, as art or dance, usually in a social setting.
occupational therapy n. Abbr. OT The use of productive or creative activity in the treatment or rehabilitation of physically or emotionally disabled people. occupational therapist n.
occupational therapy
noun
therapy based on engagement in meaningful activities of daily life, especially to enable or encourage participation in such activities in spite of impairments or limitations in physical or mental functions
occupational therapyn. Abbr. OT
The use of productive or creative activity in the treatment or rehabilitation of physically or emotionally disabled people.
occupational therapist n.
physical therapy
–noun
1.
the treatment or management of physical disability, malfunction, or pain by exercise, massage, hydrotherapy, etc., without the use of medicines, surgery, or radiation.
2.
the health profession that provides such care.
[Origin: 1920–25 ]
—Related forms
physical therapist.
physical therapy n. Abbr. PT The treatment of physical dysfunction or injury by the use of therapeutic exercise and the application of modalities, intended to restore or facilitate normal function or development. Also called physiotherapy. physical therapist n.
physical therapyn. Abbr. PT
The treatment of physical dysfunction or injury by the use of therapeutic exercise and the application of modalities that are intended to restore or facilitate normal function or development. Also called physiatrics, physiotherapy.
physical therapist n.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical DictionaryCopyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
Main Entry: physical therapyFunction: noun: the treatment of disease by physical and mechanical means (as massage, regulated exercise, water, light, heat, and electricity) called also physiotherapy
–noun
a form of therapy in which patients are encouraged to engage in vocational tasks or expressive activities, as art or dance, usually in a social setting.
occupational therapy n. Abbr. OT The use of productive or creative activity in the treatment or rehabilitation of physically or emotionally disabled people. occupational therapist n.
occupational therapy
noun
therapy based on engagement in meaningful activities of daily life, especially to enable or encourage participation in such activities in spite of impairments or limitations in physical or mental functions
occupational therapyn. Abbr. OT
The use of productive or creative activity in the treatment or rehabilitation of physically or emotionally disabled people.
occupational therapist n.
physical therapy
–noun
1.
the treatment or management of physical disability, malfunction, or pain by exercise, massage, hydrotherapy, etc., without the use of medicines, surgery, or radiation.
2.
the health profession that provides such care.
[Origin: 1920–25 ]
—Related forms
physical therapist.
physical therapy n. Abbr. PT The treatment of physical dysfunction or injury by the use of therapeutic exercise and the application of modalities, intended to restore or facilitate normal function or development. Also called physiotherapy. physical therapist n.
physical therapyn. Abbr. PT
The treatment of physical dysfunction or injury by the use of therapeutic exercise and the application of modalities that are intended to restore or facilitate normal function or development. Also called physiatrics, physiotherapy.
physical therapist n.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical DictionaryCopyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
Main Entry: physical therapyFunction: noun: the treatment of disease by physical and mechanical means (as massage, regulated exercise, water, light, heat, and electricity) called also physiotherapy
About the field
There is much concern about the changing job market in physical therapy. But as some doors are closing, many others are opening. In this article, PT Magazine profiles six APTA members who have branched out beyond the traditional role of physical therapist clinician. If you are considering a shift in career path, read on for advice from those who have made the transition with success
APTA offers this free resource to members only. A mentor can assist you in developing career goals, assessing skills, and suggesting options.
Developing Career Goals
A successful job search begins by developing clear career goals that reflect an understanding of what you are looking for in a position and what you have to offer employers. Your goals may change as you learn more about yourself, jobs, and employers, but developing an initial focus will help you narrow your options and target appropriate employers. Know Yourself Developing career goals requires two basic types of information: knowledge about yourself and information about career options that are compatible with your interests, values, and skills. Begin by creating a picture of your ideal position, one that will bring you real job satisfaction. Think about what you enjoy doing, what is important to you, and what you do well. Ask yourself questions such as:
· What do I want to spend my days doing?
· What do I like thinking, learning, and talking about?
· Would I rather create new ideas or work with established data?
· Would I rather use my analytical skills or work with people?
· What kind of work setting do I find most comfortable?
· What kind of people do I want to work with, for, or around?
· What kind of lifestyle would I like? What salary do I need?
· How much time do I want for myself, friends, family?
· What type of employer would I like to work for?
· Do I prefer to work independently, in a group, or with an individual?
· What do I want to be doing in a year?
· What motivates me to do my best?
Clarify InterestsFurther explore your work interests or preferences by remembering what courses you've enjoyed and careers you've considered. Also consider hobbies, volunteer activities, and other informal interests. Do you prefer working with people, data, things, or ideas, and how do you want to work with them?
· People: Instructing, healing, entertaining, representing, etc.
· Data and Information: Compiling, classifying, computing, analyzing, etc.
· Things: Designing, manufacturing, arranging, coordinating, etc.
· Ideas: Inventing, communicating, interpreting, synthesizing, etc.
Assess Values Determine which of your values are important to you in terms of job satisfaction. Review the following and rank those most significant to you.
· Helping others
· Contributing to society
· Interacting with the public
· Working as part of a team
· Working independently/autonomously
· Supervising or managing others
· Intellectual challenge
· Recognition
· Potential for advancement
· Financial rewards
· Professional status
· Job security
Determine Skills Evaluate what skills you currently possess or want to develop. Skills come from a variety of work, academic, and life experiences, and generally fall into three categories:
· Work-content skills demonstrate your ability to perform a specific type of job. These are skills you have gained from your academic courses or work experience, such as psychological research, accounting, engine design, human resource management, speaking a foreign language, or writing for newspapers.
· Functional skills cross careers and academic preparation, enabling you to relate to people, data, things, and/or ideas in many different settings. These include problem solving, analyzing, selling, team building, conceptualizing, and managing.
· Self-management skills are related to the style or manner in which you work. These include abilities such as coping with deadlines, working under pressure, paying attention to detail, as well as personal traits such as patience, reliability, risk taking, resourcefulness, and innovation.
Explore Career Options
· Familiarizing yourself with various career fields and what jobs actually entail is critical to developing career goals. As you read about careers, speak with professionals in the field, and gain work experience, several options that are most consistent with your interests, values, and skills will emerge and become the focus of your job search.
· Information Interviews: An excellent method of gathering information about work that interests you is to conduct information interviews with people who are working in the field. Develop Preliminary Career Goals Summarize the results of your self-assessment in a prioritized list to serve as a reference as you begin to identify and research employers. Include what skills and knowledge you would like to use in your work, and consider how your values may relate to other special needs. For example, you may prefer a job helping others, but have a greater need for a high salary to repay education loans. Think about work setting (nonprofit, corporate, government, etc) and size of the organization. Develop a geographic focus for your job search by specifying one or more cities or regions of interest to you. Also include other considerations which are particularly meaningful to you, such as lifestyle
Ten Steps
· Establish goals. Develop a list of objectives to achieve, and review it frequently, taking action at every opportunity. This could include reading trade journals and building customer relations.
· Get organized. Using project tracking software or a day-planning notebook helps with organizational skills.
· Seek new responsibilities. Offering to assume additional duties or oversee projects provides valuable experience and fosters professional growth.
· Learn new technologies. With new computer systems and software introduced daily, technical training is never complete. Developing greater expertise with new applications or becoming more Internet savvy will enhance career development.
· Network. You've heard it before, now act on it. Join a professional association or other group for interaction with others in your profession. Maintain contact with former business associates, college alumni and professors.
· Dress for success. Select business attire appropriate for the position you would like to have in your company.
· Become a mentor in your department. You will benefit by assisting coworkers and fostering staff camaraderie and you will strengthen your interpersonal and leadership skills.
· Be visible. Without boasting, take prudent steps to ensure your accomplishments are known to others. This can include speaking up during meetings, presenting suggestions for improving business practices, or even arriving early to the office.
· Remain flexible. Be open to new challenges and assignments. Don't dismiss a project if it falls outside your job description -it could serve as a springboard to gaining new responsibilities.
· Stay upbeat. Maintaining a positive attitude when work loads peak shows an ability to produce results under pressure, always a valuable trait.
25 Tips to Manage Your Career by William S. Frank
Since the late 1970s, I've spent more than 20,000 hours as a career consultant listening to people talk about their work. My clients have included CEOs, law firm partners, professional athletes, engineers, factory workers, you name it. They've shared their highs and lows, and their innermost secrets. They've taught me the do’s and don’t’s of corporate politics and given me the keys to success. My sixteen years of career counseling can be boiled down to a few short lessons:
· Achieving success usually involves sacrifice. If it were always easy, everyone would drive a Porsche.
· Even if you work for a big company, you're essentially on your own. Businesses offer career paths, training, and team building, and they want to be fair, but they're subject to impersonal market conditions like mergers, acquisitions, takeovers, and international competition; so anything can happen. That's why your employer can't be responsible for your career. You have to take charge of it yourself. Those who expect companies to take care of them, or to "do the right thing" are often disappointed. Chances are, no one will ever care more about your career than you do.
· The workplace can be fun and challenging. It can also be difficult. It rewards effort, planning, and training, but it punishes indifference and lack of preparation. Those who don't take charge of their own careers—who just let things happen—often end up in painful, dead-end jobs, feeling trapped in unhappy lifestyles.
· People are very different. Certain people belong in certain kinds of careers. You have special gifts that fit you for some jobs and disqualify you from others. If you're in the right place, you'll skyrocket. If not, you'll struggle. In order to learn where you'll be happiest, get to know yourself.
· Take time to assess your skills, temperament, aptitudes, likes, dislikes, and natural gifts. Design your ideal work life on paper, then risk to create your dream. There's no reason you can't enjoy your work. If you need help designing or implementing your plan, seek the advice of a professional career counselor. (But never pay large counseling fees in advance. Pay only by the hour.)
· Your career may be your biggest financial resource more valuable than any stock you could own. For example, let's assume you're earning $20,000 per year today. The average annual pay raise is about 5%. If you earn 8% instead, you'll earn an extra $264,000 in 20 years. You may be paid what you're worth right now, but investigate the market. Don't over- or under-price yourself.
· Jumping from job to job from salesman to customer service representative, then to teacher, staff accountant, and technical writer isn't a career. Beginning as an accounts payable clerk, then progressing to junior accountant, accountant, controller, chief financial officer, and vice president of finance is a career. A career builds on itself over time.
· In a growing and expanding industry like environmental science, job changing isn’t necessarily a problem, because there are always too few experienced workers. But in a declining industry like oil & gas, where established companies are systematically downsizing and keeping only their top performers, moving from employer to employer makes a candidate an unattractive hire. That's more true the older you get and the higher your pay.
· Changing fields, industries, or functional specialties is difficult, and the bigger the change, the more difficult it is. Hardwood manufacturers may not want you if you've been in softwood. And vice versa. Therefore, choose your direction carefully. Once you leave a career path to try something new, it may be difficult to re-enter. You'll look like a "traitor" to insiders, and you'll be competing with those who've stayed.
· Today's engineering graduate is obsolete in less than five years. You may be, too. If you aren't learning something new today, you may be out-of-date and unmarketable tomorrow. That's especially true for those over 40. (If you're over 40, do you know Microsoft Word? How about Excel?)
· Think of your career as a public relations campaign, much like running for political office. Your goal is to get as many people to like you as quickly as possible and keep liking you. Therefore, every person male, female, minority, old, young is important. Treat all others with kindness and respect. Make life a little easier for those around you, and your career will benefit.
· "People skills" are just as important as "technical skills," because even in highly technical jobs, you have to work with others. Many outplacement candidates are technical superstars who've been fired. They knew their jobs, but couldn't collaborate or get along with others. Average performers with strong people skills often last longer. It's better to be a "people person" with average skills than to be an abrasive expert who wins at the expense of others.
· Be careful expressing strong emotions in business, especially anger and disappointment. Communicate your feelings quietly and tactfully. Understate your case. Anger is powerful, even when expressed softly. Don't explode, threaten, or attack others publicly. Don't tell opponents off, even if it would feel great.
· Burning bridges damages your reputation not only with the person you dislike but with the business community at large. Remember, if you make an enemy today, it may take them ten years to "get you." But chances are, they will.
· Spend time with people you admire. Success really does rub off. There's no substitute for "knowing the right people," and for "being in the right place at the right time." Take a risk to contact someone you'd like to meet.
· Whether you are an entry-level shipping clerk or a CEO, a warm, enthusiastic, caring, and positive attitude outwardly expressed to others is your single biggest career asset.
· On any given day, your present job may end, even if you own the company. Therefore, think short-term. Don't take your present opportunity for granted. I define a consultant as "someone who wakes up every morning unemployed." You should feel the same way. Get up every morning feeling unemployed, and constantly fight to prove yourself. Appreciate your job, but figure out what you're going to do next. It's always nice to have a "Plan B."
· Except in rare cases, don't sue your former employer if you're fired or laid off. Take a good, hard look at yourself. Ask yourself what, if anything, you could have done differently. Did you stay on the leading edge of technology? Were you too political? Not political enough? Were you giving it 110%? Did you get complacent?
· Honestly determine your part in causing the problem. Then work to create a better life for yourself, even if you think it was the employer's fault. Don't dwell on the past. It's non-productive and it prolongs your unhappiness.
· If you lose your job, 80% of your marketing for a new position will already have been done. That's right. Your reputation, results, accomplishments, people skills, contributions, and friendships are all a matter of record. If you've been a contributor, if you've been kind to others and easy-to-work-with, you'll be in demand. If not, you won't. No career consultant in the world can create close friendships and a good reputation for you if you haven't laid the groundwork yourself.
· Your friends--even distant friends--are your best allies in your life and in your career, especially in job hunting. No one will help you more than those who already know you. So make an extensive list of your business and personal contacts (essentially, everyone you've met), and stay in touch with them, even after you've found a new job.
· Employers hire their friends first. Only when they run out of familiar faces do they consider hiring strangers. When companies recruit from a group of outsiders, they interview, test, and screen heavily. Your best career strategy--besides keeping your skills up-to-date and achieving a lot--is to cultivate deep, long-lasting friendships.
· Your accomplishments are your calling card for the future. They will help to determine your marketability. In selling yourself, it's results that count. A baseball player who gets a hit every time at bat is easier to market than one who doesn't. It's that simple. Try to contribute something substantial and measurable every single day. And make sure you keep a written record of your results.
· Don't let yourself be unemployed, even for a day. Volunteer a few hours, work part-time for a temporary agency, help a friend in his or her company. Do something to get yourself out of the house. We live in a fast-changing world. Look carefully. There are people all around you who need your help.
· Love, happiness, friendship, and time for oneself are just as important as making it big in the world. If your career is your whole life, you're vulnerable to disappointment and burnout; and burned out people are often less marketable.
· Too much success can kill you. Learn when enough is enough. If you think you're burning out, you may be right. Highly successful people are the most subject to burnout. They demand too much from themselves--and from everyone around them. Seek balance. Remember The Golden Mean: "All things in moderation."
· Don't stay in a job you hate. Hating your daily routine can ruin your health; and it can make everyone around you, including your spouse and family, miserable. Take a risk! Take action! Change things!
· Don't make excuses when things go wrong. I have collected a list of "66 Excuses," and few of them are valid. When facing challenges, tell yourself this: "I'm in control of my own future. No one can deny me a happy life if I decide to plan it and work for it. Ultimately, no one can stop me from becoming successful but myself."
· Whatever your expertise, give some of it away.
APTA Professional Ethics - Overview
Under the Bylaws of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), one of the Association's primary functions is to maintain and promote ethical principles and standards of conduct for its members. The House of Delegates, the Association's highest policy-making body, has authority to adopt ethical principles and standards to govern the conduct of members of the Association in their roles as physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. The House of Delegates has adopted the Code of Ethics (HOD 06-00-12-23), which contains principles for physical therapists, and the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant (HOD 06-00-13-24), which sets forth standards for physical therapist assistants.
The Guide for Professional Conduct (Guide) is intended to serve physical therapists in interpreting the Code of Ethics (Code) of the American Physical Therapy Association (Association), in matters of professional conduct. The Guide provides guidelines by which physical therapists may determine the propriety of their conduct. It is also intended to guide the professional development of physical therapist students. The Code and the Guide apply to all physical therapists. These guidelines are subject to change as the dynamics of the profession change and as new patterns of health care delivery are developed and accepted by the professional community and the public. This Guide is subject to monitoring and timely revision by the Ethics and Judicial Committee of the Association.
The Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant (Guide) is intended to serve physical therapist assistants in interpreting the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant (Standards) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The Guide provides guidelines by which physical therapist assistants may determine the propriety of their conduct. It is also intended to guide the development of physical therapist assistant students. The Standards and Guide apply to all physical therapist assistants. These guidelines are subject to change as the dynamics of the profession change and as new patterns of health care delivery are developed and accepted by the professional community and the public. This Guide is subject to monitoring and timely revision by the Ethics and Judicial Committee of the Association.
APTA offers this free resource to members only. A mentor can assist you in developing career goals, assessing skills, and suggesting options.
Developing Career Goals
A successful job search begins by developing clear career goals that reflect an understanding of what you are looking for in a position and what you have to offer employers. Your goals may change as you learn more about yourself, jobs, and employers, but developing an initial focus will help you narrow your options and target appropriate employers. Know Yourself Developing career goals requires two basic types of information: knowledge about yourself and information about career options that are compatible with your interests, values, and skills. Begin by creating a picture of your ideal position, one that will bring you real job satisfaction. Think about what you enjoy doing, what is important to you, and what you do well. Ask yourself questions such as:
· What do I want to spend my days doing?
· What do I like thinking, learning, and talking about?
· Would I rather create new ideas or work with established data?
· Would I rather use my analytical skills or work with people?
· What kind of work setting do I find most comfortable?
· What kind of people do I want to work with, for, or around?
· What kind of lifestyle would I like? What salary do I need?
· How much time do I want for myself, friends, family?
· What type of employer would I like to work for?
· Do I prefer to work independently, in a group, or with an individual?
· What do I want to be doing in a year?
· What motivates me to do my best?
Clarify InterestsFurther explore your work interests or preferences by remembering what courses you've enjoyed and careers you've considered. Also consider hobbies, volunteer activities, and other informal interests. Do you prefer working with people, data, things, or ideas, and how do you want to work with them?
· People: Instructing, healing, entertaining, representing, etc.
· Data and Information: Compiling, classifying, computing, analyzing, etc.
· Things: Designing, manufacturing, arranging, coordinating, etc.
· Ideas: Inventing, communicating, interpreting, synthesizing, etc.
Assess Values Determine which of your values are important to you in terms of job satisfaction. Review the following and rank those most significant to you.
· Helping others
· Contributing to society
· Interacting with the public
· Working as part of a team
· Working independently/autonomously
· Supervising or managing others
· Intellectual challenge
· Recognition
· Potential for advancement
· Financial rewards
· Professional status
· Job security
Determine Skills Evaluate what skills you currently possess or want to develop. Skills come from a variety of work, academic, and life experiences, and generally fall into three categories:
· Work-content skills demonstrate your ability to perform a specific type of job. These are skills you have gained from your academic courses or work experience, such as psychological research, accounting, engine design, human resource management, speaking a foreign language, or writing for newspapers.
· Functional skills cross careers and academic preparation, enabling you to relate to people, data, things, and/or ideas in many different settings. These include problem solving, analyzing, selling, team building, conceptualizing, and managing.
· Self-management skills are related to the style or manner in which you work. These include abilities such as coping with deadlines, working under pressure, paying attention to detail, as well as personal traits such as patience, reliability, risk taking, resourcefulness, and innovation.
Explore Career Options
· Familiarizing yourself with various career fields and what jobs actually entail is critical to developing career goals. As you read about careers, speak with professionals in the field, and gain work experience, several options that are most consistent with your interests, values, and skills will emerge and become the focus of your job search.
· Information Interviews: An excellent method of gathering information about work that interests you is to conduct information interviews with people who are working in the field. Develop Preliminary Career Goals Summarize the results of your self-assessment in a prioritized list to serve as a reference as you begin to identify and research employers. Include what skills and knowledge you would like to use in your work, and consider how your values may relate to other special needs. For example, you may prefer a job helping others, but have a greater need for a high salary to repay education loans. Think about work setting (nonprofit, corporate, government, etc) and size of the organization. Develop a geographic focus for your job search by specifying one or more cities or regions of interest to you. Also include other considerations which are particularly meaningful to you, such as lifestyle
Ten Steps
· Establish goals. Develop a list of objectives to achieve, and review it frequently, taking action at every opportunity. This could include reading trade journals and building customer relations.
· Get organized. Using project tracking software or a day-planning notebook helps with organizational skills.
· Seek new responsibilities. Offering to assume additional duties or oversee projects provides valuable experience and fosters professional growth.
· Learn new technologies. With new computer systems and software introduced daily, technical training is never complete. Developing greater expertise with new applications or becoming more Internet savvy will enhance career development.
· Network. You've heard it before, now act on it. Join a professional association or other group for interaction with others in your profession. Maintain contact with former business associates, college alumni and professors.
· Dress for success. Select business attire appropriate for the position you would like to have in your company.
· Become a mentor in your department. You will benefit by assisting coworkers and fostering staff camaraderie and you will strengthen your interpersonal and leadership skills.
· Be visible. Without boasting, take prudent steps to ensure your accomplishments are known to others. This can include speaking up during meetings, presenting suggestions for improving business practices, or even arriving early to the office.
· Remain flexible. Be open to new challenges and assignments. Don't dismiss a project if it falls outside your job description -it could serve as a springboard to gaining new responsibilities.
· Stay upbeat. Maintaining a positive attitude when work loads peak shows an ability to produce results under pressure, always a valuable trait.
25 Tips to Manage Your Career by William S. Frank
Since the late 1970s, I've spent more than 20,000 hours as a career consultant listening to people talk about their work. My clients have included CEOs, law firm partners, professional athletes, engineers, factory workers, you name it. They've shared their highs and lows, and their innermost secrets. They've taught me the do’s and don’t’s of corporate politics and given me the keys to success. My sixteen years of career counseling can be boiled down to a few short lessons:
· Achieving success usually involves sacrifice. If it were always easy, everyone would drive a Porsche.
· Even if you work for a big company, you're essentially on your own. Businesses offer career paths, training, and team building, and they want to be fair, but they're subject to impersonal market conditions like mergers, acquisitions, takeovers, and international competition; so anything can happen. That's why your employer can't be responsible for your career. You have to take charge of it yourself. Those who expect companies to take care of them, or to "do the right thing" are often disappointed. Chances are, no one will ever care more about your career than you do.
· The workplace can be fun and challenging. It can also be difficult. It rewards effort, planning, and training, but it punishes indifference and lack of preparation. Those who don't take charge of their own careers—who just let things happen—often end up in painful, dead-end jobs, feeling trapped in unhappy lifestyles.
· People are very different. Certain people belong in certain kinds of careers. You have special gifts that fit you for some jobs and disqualify you from others. If you're in the right place, you'll skyrocket. If not, you'll struggle. In order to learn where you'll be happiest, get to know yourself.
· Take time to assess your skills, temperament, aptitudes, likes, dislikes, and natural gifts. Design your ideal work life on paper, then risk to create your dream. There's no reason you can't enjoy your work. If you need help designing or implementing your plan, seek the advice of a professional career counselor. (But never pay large counseling fees in advance. Pay only by the hour.)
· Your career may be your biggest financial resource more valuable than any stock you could own. For example, let's assume you're earning $20,000 per year today. The average annual pay raise is about 5%. If you earn 8% instead, you'll earn an extra $264,000 in 20 years. You may be paid what you're worth right now, but investigate the market. Don't over- or under-price yourself.
· Jumping from job to job from salesman to customer service representative, then to teacher, staff accountant, and technical writer isn't a career. Beginning as an accounts payable clerk, then progressing to junior accountant, accountant, controller, chief financial officer, and vice president of finance is a career. A career builds on itself over time.
· In a growing and expanding industry like environmental science, job changing isn’t necessarily a problem, because there are always too few experienced workers. But in a declining industry like oil & gas, where established companies are systematically downsizing and keeping only their top performers, moving from employer to employer makes a candidate an unattractive hire. That's more true the older you get and the higher your pay.
· Changing fields, industries, or functional specialties is difficult, and the bigger the change, the more difficult it is. Hardwood manufacturers may not want you if you've been in softwood. And vice versa. Therefore, choose your direction carefully. Once you leave a career path to try something new, it may be difficult to re-enter. You'll look like a "traitor" to insiders, and you'll be competing with those who've stayed.
· Today's engineering graduate is obsolete in less than five years. You may be, too. If you aren't learning something new today, you may be out-of-date and unmarketable tomorrow. That's especially true for those over 40. (If you're over 40, do you know Microsoft Word? How about Excel?)
· Think of your career as a public relations campaign, much like running for political office. Your goal is to get as many people to like you as quickly as possible and keep liking you. Therefore, every person male, female, minority, old, young is important. Treat all others with kindness and respect. Make life a little easier for those around you, and your career will benefit.
· "People skills" are just as important as "technical skills," because even in highly technical jobs, you have to work with others. Many outplacement candidates are technical superstars who've been fired. They knew their jobs, but couldn't collaborate or get along with others. Average performers with strong people skills often last longer. It's better to be a "people person" with average skills than to be an abrasive expert who wins at the expense of others.
· Be careful expressing strong emotions in business, especially anger and disappointment. Communicate your feelings quietly and tactfully. Understate your case. Anger is powerful, even when expressed softly. Don't explode, threaten, or attack others publicly. Don't tell opponents off, even if it would feel great.
· Burning bridges damages your reputation not only with the person you dislike but with the business community at large. Remember, if you make an enemy today, it may take them ten years to "get you." But chances are, they will.
· Spend time with people you admire. Success really does rub off. There's no substitute for "knowing the right people," and for "being in the right place at the right time." Take a risk to contact someone you'd like to meet.
· Whether you are an entry-level shipping clerk or a CEO, a warm, enthusiastic, caring, and positive attitude outwardly expressed to others is your single biggest career asset.
· On any given day, your present job may end, even if you own the company. Therefore, think short-term. Don't take your present opportunity for granted. I define a consultant as "someone who wakes up every morning unemployed." You should feel the same way. Get up every morning feeling unemployed, and constantly fight to prove yourself. Appreciate your job, but figure out what you're going to do next. It's always nice to have a "Plan B."
· Except in rare cases, don't sue your former employer if you're fired or laid off. Take a good, hard look at yourself. Ask yourself what, if anything, you could have done differently. Did you stay on the leading edge of technology? Were you too political? Not political enough? Were you giving it 110%? Did you get complacent?
· Honestly determine your part in causing the problem. Then work to create a better life for yourself, even if you think it was the employer's fault. Don't dwell on the past. It's non-productive and it prolongs your unhappiness.
· If you lose your job, 80% of your marketing for a new position will already have been done. That's right. Your reputation, results, accomplishments, people skills, contributions, and friendships are all a matter of record. If you've been a contributor, if you've been kind to others and easy-to-work-with, you'll be in demand. If not, you won't. No career consultant in the world can create close friendships and a good reputation for you if you haven't laid the groundwork yourself.
· Your friends--even distant friends--are your best allies in your life and in your career, especially in job hunting. No one will help you more than those who already know you. So make an extensive list of your business and personal contacts (essentially, everyone you've met), and stay in touch with them, even after you've found a new job.
· Employers hire their friends first. Only when they run out of familiar faces do they consider hiring strangers. When companies recruit from a group of outsiders, they interview, test, and screen heavily. Your best career strategy--besides keeping your skills up-to-date and achieving a lot--is to cultivate deep, long-lasting friendships.
· Your accomplishments are your calling card for the future. They will help to determine your marketability. In selling yourself, it's results that count. A baseball player who gets a hit every time at bat is easier to market than one who doesn't. It's that simple. Try to contribute something substantial and measurable every single day. And make sure you keep a written record of your results.
· Don't let yourself be unemployed, even for a day. Volunteer a few hours, work part-time for a temporary agency, help a friend in his or her company. Do something to get yourself out of the house. We live in a fast-changing world. Look carefully. There are people all around you who need your help.
· Love, happiness, friendship, and time for oneself are just as important as making it big in the world. If your career is your whole life, you're vulnerable to disappointment and burnout; and burned out people are often less marketable.
· Too much success can kill you. Learn when enough is enough. If you think you're burning out, you may be right. Highly successful people are the most subject to burnout. They demand too much from themselves--and from everyone around them. Seek balance. Remember The Golden Mean: "All things in moderation."
· Don't stay in a job you hate. Hating your daily routine can ruin your health; and it can make everyone around you, including your spouse and family, miserable. Take a risk! Take action! Change things!
· Don't make excuses when things go wrong. I have collected a list of "66 Excuses," and few of them are valid. When facing challenges, tell yourself this: "I'm in control of my own future. No one can deny me a happy life if I decide to plan it and work for it. Ultimately, no one can stop me from becoming successful but myself."
· Whatever your expertise, give some of it away.
APTA Professional Ethics - Overview
Under the Bylaws of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), one of the Association's primary functions is to maintain and promote ethical principles and standards of conduct for its members. The House of Delegates, the Association's highest policy-making body, has authority to adopt ethical principles and standards to govern the conduct of members of the Association in their roles as physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. The House of Delegates has adopted the Code of Ethics (HOD 06-00-12-23), which contains principles for physical therapists, and the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant (HOD 06-00-13-24), which sets forth standards for physical therapist assistants.
The Guide for Professional Conduct (Guide) is intended to serve physical therapists in interpreting the Code of Ethics (Code) of the American Physical Therapy Association (Association), in matters of professional conduct. The Guide provides guidelines by which physical therapists may determine the propriety of their conduct. It is also intended to guide the professional development of physical therapist students. The Code and the Guide apply to all physical therapists. These guidelines are subject to change as the dynamics of the profession change and as new patterns of health care delivery are developed and accepted by the professional community and the public. This Guide is subject to monitoring and timely revision by the Ethics and Judicial Committee of the Association.
The Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant (Guide) is intended to serve physical therapist assistants in interpreting the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant (Standards) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The Guide provides guidelines by which physical therapist assistants may determine the propriety of their conduct. It is also intended to guide the development of physical therapist assistant students. The Standards and Guide apply to all physical therapist assistants. These guidelines are subject to change as the dynamics of the profession change and as new patterns of health care delivery are developed and accepted by the professional community and the public. This Guide is subject to monitoring and timely revision by the Ethics and Judicial Committee of the Association.
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