A physical therapist's duties may include the evaluation of clients, the implementation of treatment programs and delegation of patient care responsibilities to other health care practitioners. Physical Therapy attracts individuals who generally like anatomy and sciences and wish to have a role in health care. Interested students also appear to enjoy challenges and have desires to help regain or sustain independence for individuals with movement dysfunction. The patients may have acute medical conditions, neurological, orthopedic or cardiopulmonary disorders, athletic or work-related injuries, and may be any age. In addition to patient care, physical therapists serve as researchers, supervisors of clinical sites, faculty, and clinical instructors.
Some graduates pursue additional degrees in physical therapy or other fields.
All students learn information that allows them to consume research for the improvement of patient care and to participate in clinical research. Students will be assigned to various clinical facilities to observe and practice skills learned in the classroom. While in the clinic, students may wish to explore and develop interests in special areas of physical therapy, such as care of children with disabilities, prevention and care of athletic injuries and rehabilitation of patients with coronary disease. The degree of responsibility and complexity of involvement in patient care increases as students progress through the program. Finally, students are responsible, with guidance of the clinical instructor, to examine the patient evaluation and determine the treatment program.