Physical Therapist

Exam

Third-party exam

Education

Specific course

Experience

Experience

Background check

Not reported

Physical therapists plan, implement, and evaluate physical therapy programs using the effective properties of physical agents including (but not limited to) mechanical devices, heat, cold, air, light, water, electricity, sound, therapeutic exercise and rehabilitative procedures. These devices are used to prevent, correct, minimize or alleviate a physical impairment. They review patients' medical records, evaluate patients, identify specific patient problem(s) and perform tests and evaluations which provide information about: joint motion, strength and endurance of muscles, functional ability, status of muscle tone and reflexes, appearance and stability of walking, need for and use of braces and artificial limbs, function of the heart and lungs, integrity of sensation and perception, and the performance of activities required in daily living. They consult and work closely with physicians, patients, families, support staff and other health practitioners in establishing treatment objectives that are realistic and consistent with patients' needs. Physical therapy evaluation and treatment may be rendered by a physical therapist with or without a referral from a physician; however, a hospital may require that the evaluation and treatment provided in the hospital will be done only upon prior review by an authorized member of the hospital's medical staff.