1. The role of technical documents in the field of physical therapy Brittany Emerson ENGL 3053 12/8/09

2. What is physical therapy? Physical therapy is a dynamic healthcare profession that focuses on developing, maintaining and restoring maximal mobility and functional abilities throughout life.

4. Electrophysiology

5. Geriatrics

6. Neurology

7. Orthopedics

8. Pediatrics

9. Sports

10. Women’s Health

11. Wound care

13. The majority of current physical therapists practice with master’s degrees, however, it is now widely expected that a doctoral degree should be obtained. In 2007, there were 209 accredited physical therapy programs in the United States. 43 offered master’s programs and 143 offered doctoral degrees.

14. After receiving a master’s or doctoral degree, a licensure exam must be taken in the state that therapist plans to practice physical therapy.

16. These jobs can be physically demanding because therapists often have to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and stand for long periods. In addition, physical therapists move heavy equipment and lift patients or help them turn, stand, or walk.

18. Alleviate impairment and functional limitations by designing, implementing, and modifying therapeutic interventions.

19. Prevent injury, impairment, functional limitation, and disability. This is done by promoting the maintenance of fitness, health, and quality of life in people of all ages.

21. Job opportunities should be good, particularly in acute hospital, rehabilitation, and orthopedic settings.

23. Physical therapy assistant Amber Johnson recommends reading “Opportunities in Physical Therapy,” by Bernice Krumhansl.

28. “Continuing education materials have important for me. It really helps me brush up on things that I may be rusty on. It’s important to be familiar with those kinds of documents so you understand the language that they use.” (Amber Johnson, PTA)

32. Journal articles

33. Abstracts

34. Exercise plans

37. Writing PowerPoint projects. According to Walisi Bowen, presentations are often necessary and being familiar with writing styles appropriate for PowerPoint have been beneficial for her.

40. Resources American Physical Therapy Association. 2008. 1 December 2009 <www.apta.org>. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. 20 April 2009. 1 December 2009 <http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos080.htm>. Indiana University. 2007. 1 December 2009 <http://www.hpplc.indiana.edu/ohp/ohp-pt.shtml >. Section on Research. 2009. 1 December 2009 <www.ptresearch.com>.

41. References Bowen, Walisi. Physical Therapist Brittany Emerson. 30 November 2009. Johnson, Amber. Physical Therapy Assistant Brittany Emerson. 30 November 2009. Jordan, Rush. Physical Therapist Brittany Emerson. 30 November 2009. Bowen, Walisi. Physical Therapist Brittany Emerson. 30 November 2009. Johnson, Amber. Physical Therapy Assistant Brittany Emerson. 30 November 2009. Jordan, Rush. Physical Therapist Brittany Emerson. 30 November 2009. Bowen, Walisi. Physical Therapist Brittany Emerson. 30 November 2009. Johnson, Amber. Physical Therapy Assistant Brittany Emerson. 30 November 2009. Jordan, Rush. Physical Therapist Brittany Emerson. 30 November 2009.