Are Physical Therapists Doctors?

Physical therapy is a branch of medicine that deals with assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with physical disabilities. Physical therapists are health care professionals who provide services to patients to help them regain movement and function.

There is a lot of debate on whether physical therapists are doctors. The main argument is that physical therapists do not have medical degrees; therefore, they are not doctors. However, many arguments support the idea that physical therapists are indeed doctors.

Read on to know who is a physical therapist in Wichita and how can you become one.

Who Is a Physical Therapist and What Do They Do?

Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who help patients restore and maintain movement and function. They do this by helping to improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or manage illness or injury. PTs work with people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly.

Physical therapists may work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, sports facilities, and private practices. They may also be self-employed. Regardless of their setting, PTs use their expertise in anatomy and physiology to help their patients recover from injuries or illnesses.

What Are the Types of Physical Therapy?

1. Orthopedic – It is a type of physical therapy concerned with preventing, diagnosing, and treating disorders and injuries in the musculoskeletal system. It includes bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and nerves.
2. Sports Physical Therapy – It is a type of physical therapy concerned with preventing and treating injuries related to sports. The main aim of this therapy is to help the patients recover from their injuries and improve their overall performance.
3. Pediatric – Kids are still growing, and their bones, muscles, and joints are developing. A PT specializing in pediatrics has the knowledge and skills necessary to treat children of all ages, from newborns to adolescents.

How Do You Become a Physical Therapist?

1. Get a Degree in Physical Therapy from an Accredited University: First, you need to get a degree in physical therapy from an accredited university. A physical therapist must have a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Many schools offer this program, so finding one that fits your needs should not be too difficult.
2. Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination: It is the responsibility of every physical therapist to ensure that they are up-to-date on the latest information and techniques by continuing their education. PTs must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy to practice. *To sit for the exam, applicants must have completed a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program.
3. Complete a Physical Therapist Residency or Fellowship: Residencies and fellowships typically last one year and are completed after the physical therapist has earned their DPT degree. During these programs, physical therapists treat patients under the supervision of experienced PTs. These programs help new physical therapists learn how to work in several settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practices.
4. Obtain State License: It will help if you are a state-licensed physical therapist because this will give employers the impression that you have met all the requirements to practice physical therapy in that state.

If you wish to pursue a career in physical therapy, contact our physical therapy by Phoenix. We will help you get the education and training needed to reach your goals.