A Career in Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy is a diverse and personally gratifying profession with tremendous opportunity. "Physical therapists provide services to patients/clients who have impairments, functional limitations, disabilities, or changes in physical function and health status resulting from injury, disease, or other causes." (From APTA's Guide to Physical Therapist Practice) Physical Therapists also engage in consultation, education, and research.

The Profession

Physical therapists play key roles in:

• Prevention of primary and secondary disability.
• Rehabilitating injured persons to return to their previous activity.
• Rehabilitating senior citizens after debilitating disease to enable them to remain independent.
• Helping handicapped children to live within the least restrictive environment.
• Preventing and treating sports related injuries.
• Conducting research in the basic and clinical sciences.
• Consultation and education.
• Promotion of wellness.

Diversification

Knowledge of the psychological and social ramifications of disability affecting the individual and his or her family is an integral part of physical therapy intervention. Legislation in Montana permits direct public access to physical therapists for evaluation and treatment without a physician referral. Even so, physical therapists remain committed to functioning as an integral member of the health care team.

Physical therapy is practiced in diversified settings, including:

• Outpatient clinics
• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Skilled nursing, extended care, or subacute facilities
• Homes
• Education or Research centers
• Schools (preschool, primary and secondary)
• Hospices
• Corporate or industrial health centers
• Workplace
• College, amateur, and professional athletic teams
• Fitness centers

Special Opportunities at UM

The Physical Therapy Program at The University of Montana is full of special opportunities.

• Study physical therapy with a faculty of diverse interests and backgrounds.
• Complete a faculty-advised research/special project.
• Study on a traditional campus in beautiful Western Montana.
• Participate in The University of Montana Physical Therapy Clinic.
• Study physical therapy in a new facility on a traditional university campus.
• Electives allow a focus on special interests.

Education/Mission

The primary mission of the Physical Therapy Educational Program at The University of Montana is to educate students to become proficient entry-level physical therapists. In order to meet the needs of primary and secondary care environments, students are prepared to become providers of patient care and to also fulfill the roles of administrator, supervisor, teacher, researcher, and consultant.

The program in physical therapy of The University of Montana is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association through 2008.

For More Information ...

To learn more about the profession and the opportunities that await you with a career in Physical Therapy, visit the Web site of the American Physical Therapy Association (www.apta.org)