1. A Career in Physical Therapy
Natalie Kramer

2. History of Physical Therapy
 In Europe during the 1500s-1700s, the use of exercise to
treat muscle and bone disorders and disabilities started
to progress
 Over time, widespread events such as polio and WWI
occurred, increasing the demand for rehabilitation
 The use of Physical Therapy continued to gradually grow
larger through the years as the technology and science
grew
 Today, PTs play an important role in the healthcare
system

3. Physical Therapy
 Demand for physical therapy services will come from the
aging baby boomers
 Older people are more likely to experience heart attacks,
strokes, and mobility-related injuries that require physical
therapy for rehabilitation
 More PTs are needed to help people manage the effects of
rising chronic conditions
 Advances in medical technology increase surgery and
permit a greater percentage of newborns with birth
defects to survive, creating additional demand for
rehabilitative care.
 A doctorate is required to be licensed in this profession.

4. Georgia State University - DPT
 Top choice for doctorate
 In-state tuition: $5,348 per
semester
 Out of state tuition: $15,716
per semester
 Priority deadline: October 1st
 Hard application deadline:
November 2nd
 Volunteer hours: 80 required
hours
 Prerequisites:
 Human Anatomy and
Physiology
 Physics
 Chemistry
 Biology
 Psychology
 Statistics
 GRE: Minimum 150 Verbal;
140 Quantitative; 4.0
Analytical Writing

5. MUSC - DPT
 Application available: July 1
 Application deadlines: July 15
 In-state tuition per semester:
$8,061
 Volunteer experience:
Minimum of 40 hours
 GRE: 60th percentile
 3.6 GPA average
 1-2 page resume
 Prerequisites:
 Chemistry with labs
 Physics with labs
 Biology
 Human Anatomy with lab
 Human Physiology
 General Psychology
 Abnormal Psychology
 Statistics
 1 reference required

6. Emory University - DPT
 Application deadline:
November 2nd
 Interviews in January 2016
 Tuition: $62,565 (12
months)
 Volunteer hours: minimum
of 30 hours of experience
 Three essays
 Prerequisites:
 Anatomy and Physiology with
lab
 Statistics
 Physics with labs
 Biology
 GRE: Minimum of 297 points
 3.0 minimum on writing
 3 letters of recommendation

7. Statistics
 O*Net Profile states that:
 Median wages: $39.61 hourly, $82,390 annual
 Employment: 204,000 employees
 Projected growth: Much faster than average (22%
of higher)
 Total projected job openings: 123,700
 New job opportunities are very likely in the
future

8. Statistics
 Occupational Outlook Handbook:
 2012 Median Pay: $79,860 per year; $38.39 per hour
 The lowest 10 percent earned less than $55,620, and
the top 10 percent earned more than $112,020
 Entry-Level Education: Doctoral or professional degree
 Number of jobs in 2012: 204,200
 Job Outlook, 2012-22: 36% (Much faster than average)
 Employment Change, 2012-22: 73,500

9. Statistics
 Projected annual job openings due to growth and net
replacement
For South Carolina:

10. Statistics
 Projected annual job openings due to growth and net
replacement
For Georgia:

11. Personality Profile
 I am most interested in a career in Physical Therapy
 The O*Net interest profiler scored my personality as
“Social”
 I have completed two internships in neurological Pediatric
Physical Therapy and highly enjoy it
 These internships solidified my desire to become a physical
therapist
 I like communicating, working, helping, and taking care of
others
 I am a very hands on person and I want to help people
have the greatest quality of life possible

12. Relevant Academics
 Human Anatomy and Physiology:
 11 body systems; Understanding of processes of the body
 Lab dissections provide extensive knowledge of muscle and
bone
 Epidemiology:
 The origin, distribution, and control of disease
 Better understanding of the sick and diseased
 Human Health and Disease:
 Study of good health practices emphasizing lifestyles and
measures of health
 Can provide knowledge on healthy techniques

13. Skills
 During my time working for two separate PT firms, I
renewed my commitment to the profession.
 These internships gave me the opportunity to learn
techniques and master skills that will ultimately further
my career.
 I learned medical terminology, repositioning techniques,
physical training regimens, and effective engagement of
patients.
 I have both the determination and the commitment to
persevere and to earn a doctorate in physical Therapy.