Doctor of Physical Therapy Program - Stratford
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy is a dynamic and ever changing
field. Physical therapists are health care professionals
who examine, diagnose, and provide interventions
for people with a variety of impairments, functional
limitations, and disabilities. Physical therapists
assess the musculoskeletal, neurological, integumentary,
cardiopulmonary, and other systems of the body.
In consultation with the patient or client,
therapists develop goals based on examination
findings and individual needs. Physical therapists
screen patients for medical conditions and may
refer patients to other health professionals.
Physical therapists also work in wellness, health
promotion, and disease prevention settings.
Physical therapy is a people-oriented profession.
Physical therapists have many opportunities
to improve the quality of their clients' lives.
Physical therapists must have excellent observational
skills, psychomotor skills, cultural awareness,
and clinical decision making abilities.
Physical therapists are involved with restoring
function and independence at all levels. Examples
include: helping someone to walk again following
a stroke, helping a child to develop head control,
or helping athletes return to their sport. Physical
therapists practice in a variety of settings,
including hospitals, nursing homes, community
health centers, private physical therapy offices,
community health centers, sports facilities,
rehabilitation centers, clients' homes, schools,
pediatric centers, and academic institutions.
Physical therapists conduct research, teach,
engage in scholarly work, and provide community
service.
Physical therapists are valuable members of
the interdisciplinary health care team, who
work with physicians, dentists, podiatrists,
occupational therapists, nurses, speech and
hearing professionals, psychologists, social
workers and other health professionals. Patients
come to physical therapists directly or by referral
from physicians, podiatrists, or dentists depending
upon the jurisdiction. New Jersey is
one of the many states that allows for direct
access to physical therapy services.
The
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
is the professional organization for physical
therapists. The APTA provides information about
the profession and accredited educational programs.
For further information, contact the APTA at
1-800-999-APTA. The APTA web site is a valuable
source of information on the profession of physical
therapy.
The Federation of State Boards of Physical
Therapy ( http://www.fsbpt.org/
) is the professional organization that
represents the individual jurisdictions who
license physical therapists. For further
information pertaining to physical therapy licensure,
please visit their web site.
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