From interviews to the end of my education in a Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program, professors will notice and watch our professionalism develop throughout. In the context of being a student in this program, professionalism entails the attributes employers look for in new hires and who patients seek to find the best care. Although there are many characteristics that highlight professionalism, I will focus on the qualities I embody, how they apply in a Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program, and how my experiences in a Physical Therapy clinic have shaped my perspective of professionalism. In a physical therapy program, altruism is the most basic, yet the most important trait to every professional. Putting the benefits of others before your …show more content…
I am always driven to complete every task to the best of my ability, and in the most efficient way. When taking an exam or presenting research, I have great competence in my abilities and knowledge due to my dedication to study the material. This trait would allow me to excel in a physical therapy program since I have the skills to efficiently study and be successful when I put my mind to anything. Competence is the ability to adapt to find the most efficient method to study, in turn giving us the knowledge needed to perform successfully. From my experiences in outpatient and inpatient rehab I had the opportunity to see the differences in effectiveness and efficiency between therapists. I noticed the most competent therapists are detailed and precise during evaluations and treatment to stay on time. This comes from experience while also having the knowledge to readily apply it in the clinic. Although professionalism entails many characteristics I find altruism, accountability, integrity, and competence to be the traits I best represent in my life. After years of diligent work in the classroom and numerous hours of work in a therapy clinic alongside professionals and students from other physical therapy programs I have developed the professional skills to be successful in a Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program. Then finally fulfill my dream of becoming a Physical
"The Physical Therapist: A Professional Profile." American Physical Therapy Association. Online. Internet. 8 April 1997. Available: http://www.apta.org/pt_prof/professionalprofile.html.
As the need for therapists surges, professionalism becomes increasingly important. Physical therapists follow professional values, outlined in the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice. The Guide outlines behaviors accepted for physical therapists critical in all settings of practice. These “core values” outlined include: “accountability, altruism, compassion/caring, excellence, professional duty, and social responsibility”. 3 In order to follow the core values of professionalism, physical therapists and physical therapy students must take responsibility for their actions in both clinical and classroom settings. Learning and understanding these core values throughout our time in physical therapy school are important for continuing on a professional
During the interview, the Physical Therapist I conferred with was very thorough and straightforward in his responses to the questions that were given. I decided to interview another one of my mother’s fellow co-workers, Mr. Stephen Chan, considering his new experiences in the Physical Therapy field. I met with Mr. Stephen Chan at the Kaiser Permanente Outpatient Orthopedic Clinic that is located in Union City. The essential subject matters that we discussed consisted of his Major and Minor in college, the Residency Program that he takes part in, variations of attitudes, and advantages in the workforce.
Professionalism can be defined as the competence of skills and principles of an individual in a profession. A professional must be knowledgeable in their profession, committed to improvement of one’s knowledge and skills, service oriented, covenantal relationships to patients/patrons, creative, innovative, ethical, accountable and a leader. These competencies are essential for a professional to perform and excel in their profession.
I have dreamed of becoming a physical therapist since I was a child. A few of my family friends are physical therapists and it was just something that really interested me. Although some would think that a Physical Therapists career is smooth sailing, healthcare professionals challenge a series of regulatory and ethical issues in the modern varying practice settings. I grew up wanting to help people in some type of way, but after researching more about physical therapy I found out that doing what’s best for someone such as a patient is often manipulated and, at times, compromised. Clients are manipulated by other factors, including rules or guidelines linked
During workdays, physical therapists meet with their patients and discuss their goals. To achieve them, the physical therapists work with the patients and create plans that map out routines of exercise and stretches. Every time a patient returns to the office, the physical therapists examine and observe how they are progressing and determine how to help them even more (O*NET Online). They then begin to modify the old plans and find better ways for the patient to make a full recovery (O*NET Online). They also converse with the patient and their families to inform them of how to make the recovery go smoothly and quickly. The outcome of this treatment is that people who were injured or ill would recuperate and uphold a healthy life. Physical therapists use their knowledge of human biology to know how to challenge the patients with precaution and achieve a successful recovery (America’s Top 300 Jobs: A Complete Career Handbook). The physical therapists have to work with the patient to understand each other and their ideas. Also, physical therapists tend to talk with other physicians, occupational therapists, nurses, social workers, and physical therapists to find the best path to being healthy (Ameri...
It takes a unique individual to want to become a Physical Therapist. These professionals have a lot of personal traits that are a must need to excel in the Physical Therapy field. A Physical therapist could be faced with a patient/client that might be angry, sad, or confused, so being able to relate to these individuals is a great quality all therapist must have. These personal traits are skills like being relaxed and determined, supportive, and of course knowledgeable.
Entering my first year of college I didn’t have any idea of what I wanted to do. I still didn’t choose a major let alone a career. I was stuck in between wanting to make enough money that my family would be taken care of financially and choosing a career that I wouldn’t mind going in to work every day. The one thing that I was certain of was that I wanted to be able to help people in whatever I chose to do. After careful consideration and exploring the options available to me, I have come to the conclusion that I want to have a career in physical therapy. Physical therapy is the treatment of disease, injury or deformity through physical methods rather than through drugs or surgery.
My interest in physical therapy was by a complete coincidence when researching numerous types of physical therapy facilities for my brother, who needed PT after an accident that involved his leg. Up to that moment, I had no direction in life and did not know what career to pursue. This was evident in my grades, but also in my occupations after I dropped out of school, resulting into one dead-end job after another. I was instilled early in life that no matter what type of work I was in, I need to be a professional and give it my best. “Never give anyone a reason to talk bad about you and your work, so you must be sure that your quality of work is impeccable,” was what my Father would tell as I entered the work force. In following my fathers’ advice, I would be hired and within
While there were many differences between each setting, there were also several commonalities. In all settings, the physical therapists provided care that was professional and skilled. They worked collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to provide the best care possible for each of their patients. They strived to establish rapport and trust with each patient. Each of the settings I observed provided me with insights to the field of physical therapy and convinced me that this career is the right choice for
Professionalism in the doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program is vital for developing a reputation and credibility for yourself and the profession. A student’s performance in the DPT program is often a strong indicator of how they will perform as a professional Physical Therapist. I am enthusiastic at the prospects of showcasing my professionalism through my work ethic, effective communication, integrity, and accountability in a DPT program.
While being able to financially support myself one day still motivated me, I began to appreciate the importance of physical independence as well. I never want to be physically limited and unable to do the things that make me happy, such as snowboarding or kayaking, and I also want to remain independent into old age. This reinforced my desire to pursue physical therapy because I want the opportunity to help others achieve this same kind of freedom that will improve their quality of life. A student and professional must be invested in the patients and be able to empathize with them. Having these abilities will contribute to creating more effective treatment plans and achieving better treatment
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is one of the largest professional organizations representing physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and physical therapy students. The APTA provides a wide variety of services for physical therapists such as job opportunities, the latest research articles and guidelines for professional conduct. A part of these guidelines include core values all physical therapists must embody and demonstrate. According to the APTA, the core values for professionalism in physical therapy are accountability, altruism, compassion/caring, excellence, integrity, professional duty and social responsibility (Professionalism in Physical Therapy: Core Values, 2012). Many of these core values appear naturally
Physical therapists play an integral role in health care. The vision statement for the physical therapy career is: “Transforming society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience”. 1 Through my prior volunteer and work experiences, I discovered that physical therapy was the perfect career choice and vision for my future. As a current student and future physical therapist, I will play an important role for society and within the health care profession. The vision statement will serve as my reminder to always strive for more knowledge and feedback as a student, uphold pertinent values that will improve the practice of physical therapy, and to always provide quality care to all patients.
Physical therapy plays a major role in the lives of many individuals every day. It is up to those in the Physical therapy profession to assist patients in rehabilitation, prevention, and care. Obtaining a Physical Therapy license requires relevant certifications and credentials. A Bachelor in Health Science is just the start of the educational requirements needed to succeed. As with any profession, there are some current issues in the field of Health Care that relate to Physical Therapy. This includes the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, and individuals with disabilities. It is vital to be a respectful and professional Physical therapist. Patient care is priority. Having the proper education and knowledge to assist clients is extremely important. People of all ages require physical therapy for various injuries, illnesses, and diseases. I feel that my connection with working with people of all ages will benefit me when it comes to the job. While I know what my strengths are, I do have goals set for my future in Physical Therapy. These goals include: graduating Kaplan University with a Bachelors of Science in Health Science, graduating University of Massachusetts with a Doctorates of Physical Therapy, receiving licensure from the State of Massachusetts, and gaining employment in a sports or rehabilitation setting. I know that Kaplan University Career Services can assist me in obtaining my goals as a Physical Therapist because of their in-depth assistive programs that can assist me with my employment desires. In 5 years, I see myself working with athletes or wounded Veterans in a local rehabilitative setting or hospital. There is no other profession I would want more than becoming a professional, licensed, Physical Therapist and gettin...