Physical therapy involves treating a specific injury or dysfunction through the use of exercises and other physical movements. Picture a guy using a dumbbell to strengthen his arm after surgery. Occupational therapy, on the other hand, uses a variety of treatment to help people with mental, physical or development disorders to maintain their daily living and work skills. Picture an old woman knitting in a hospital bed.
However, physical therapists and occupational therapists can often collaborate in order to provide the best possible treatment for their patients. This can become a mutually beneficial partnership that also allows the patients to reach their fullest level of wellness again. Physical therapy in particular can also prevent surgery in some patients by strategically improving their mobility.
As is the case with several medical or therapeutic professions, therapists are expected to enroll in a number of PT continuing education courses throughout their career. This helps them stay fresh and limber in their abilities as well as updating them on the most current information in their field. These forms of continuing education for physical therapy are in addition to the licensed required by every state, no matter where you practice.
Luckily, plenty of these PT continuing education courses are offered online. This option for online physical therapy continuing education offers a more cost-effective alternative to booking airfare and hotel accommodations, plus taking time off work to travel. Physical therapists tend to make upwards of $76,000 a year.
When the time rolls around for your next PT continuing education courses, make sure you choose the certified ones. The United States Department of Education only recognizes one accrediting agency for these PT continuing education courses. That would be the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, often shortened to CAPTE. Remember, re-upping on your training can only benefit your patients as well as your practice.