The Essentials of Being a Physical Therapist: Requirements, Licensing, and Traits for Success

The Stern At Home Therapy Blog

The Essentials of Being a Physical Therapist: Requirements, Licensing, and Traits for Success

The Essentials of Being a Physical Therapist: Requirements, Licensing, and Traits for Success

The Essentials of Being a Physical Therapist

If you thought about an occupation where you could roll up your sleeves, help people daily, improve lives, and work in an invigorating environment? Look no further, becoming a physical therapist might just be the career arc you’ve always dreamt of.

Requirements to Become a Physical Therapist

Being a physical therapist doesn’t just happen overnight, but the journey is as fulfilling as the destination. The first requirement is completing a Bachelor’s Degree. It can be in any field, but having a major involving health science often provides a robust foundation. Once complete, brace yourself for a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. It’s a three-year program that blends theory and hands-on learning to prepare you in subjects like biomechanics, anatomy, medical screening, and therapeutic procedures.

Licensing and Certifications

You’ve made it past the extensive academic work, but there’s one more ceremonial hurdle to overcome. You will typically need to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination to be fully licensed as a physical therapist. Additionally, some states may have further requirements and might even require periodic recertification. Remember, this isn’t a step you want to skip. Not unless you fancy explaining to your patients that you’re a “sort of” physical therapist.

Traits of a Successful Physical Therapist

The white lab coat and the paperwork are exciting, but successful physical therapy goes beyond just qualifications. It also requires dexterity, patience, compassion, and a whole lot of fortitude. Patients visiting physical therapists are often in discomfort or recovering, making a positive, energetic outlook a key trait.

The Art of Empathy

Being empathetic entails more than just repeating “I understand how you feel”. It means truly stepping into the patient’s shoes. Their pain, their fears, their hopes. Being able to connect on such a level, makes the recovery process more successful and showcases the real value of physical therapy.

Physical Therapy at Stern

Why Stern Therapy?

Stern Therapy is not just another physical therapy center; it’s a lifestyle choice. Career satisfaction, patient well-being, and clinical excellence are just some of our daily mantras. The company culture prioritizes building genuine relationships that lead to improved treatment results, and we make sure the work environment is on par with our high standards.

Join the Stern Family

We take pride in our caring and supportive team, because at Stern, we’re more than just colleagues; we’re a family. With us, you have the chance to make a real difference while developing professionally.

Physical Therapy Takeaway

Choosing a career in physical therapy is a bold choice; it’s choosing to make a difference, to guide people during their most vulnerable time, and to be a part of something larger than oneself. As a physical therapist, you have the power to restore not just mobility but hope, dignity, and autonomy.

At Stern Therapy, you’ll get the opportunity to be a part of one of the leading teams in the country, where your skills are valued, your dedication is appreciated, and your career growth is a part of the agenda. So if you’re a physical therapist, come work for Stern Therapy. We’re more than just a place to work, we’re a home for your career and a launchpad for your ambition. Don’t just dream of making a change. Get up, start today, and witness the difference you can make at Stern Therapy.