Official Therapist Blog

Rehabilitation Hospital Stays: Brief but Highly Effective

Author Healthcare Jobs Blogger | 08.13.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, Career Tips, Occupational Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, Speech Language Pathologist, Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Tidbits, Travel Therapist, Traveling Therapist, physical therapy, rehabilitation therapy

Expecting to make a complete recovery means patients and caregivers give 100% to rehab team

The purpose of inpatient rehab is, of course, to help the patient regain functions lost because of injury and illness, stemming from stroke, brain, various neurological conditions, recovery from orthopedic surgery, or spinal cord dysfunction.

Patient participation in the healing process is as critical as physical therapy is—yet perhaps the biggest challenge in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital stay is its brevity, averaging just 38 days for serious conditions.

Physical and occupational therapists are on task immediately, interviewing patients about their lifestyle and home environment, so they can customize a rehab treatment plan. Before the patient lands in the care of a PT, OT, or other specialist, chances are they were in a community hospital—an environment quite different from a rehab facility.

Rehab Professionals set the pace in patient’s recovery

Once a patient is matched with the right level of rehabilitative care, doctors, nurses and others in rehab jobs must help patients adjust to a radically changed pace in treatment and expectations. While hospitals manage nearly every aspect of a patient’s care, the rehab facility places most of patient recovery squarely in the hands of the patient. The patient must be committed to working hard with therapists, even if they find physical therapy grueling—a tall order considering that rehabilitation hospitals ensure patients receive and benefit from several hours of occupational and physical therapy daily, usually five days a week.

Insurers, like Medicare and Medicaid mandate patient participation, and may cut benefits if they fail to make enough progress. Since this is the last thing physical therapists and other specialists want to see happen, they help things along much as possible, providing the following in patient care:

• A smooth transition from community hospital to rehab hospital
• Pain management
• Physical therapy that helps patient regain independent function on all daily activities of life
• Motivation and emotional support
• Feedback to patient’s loved ones

A Positive Attitude + Increased Patient Involvement = Positive Rehab Experience

A good attitude is essential if the patient is to progress in daily physical therapy sessions and, depending on his or her condition or illness, expanded treatment that may include gait training and speech therapy.

What changes in the move from acute hospital care to Inpatient Rehab Facility:

• visiting hours
• meals
• learning names and roles of a new health care team
• noise level
• amount of privacy

Case Managers and patient’s family a critical part of recovery

Case Managers will also coordinate care at the inpatient rehab hospital, assisting in the design of specific programs that help patients regain their independence; also involved are the patient’s family and caregivers who may be expected to:

• Fetch comfortable clothing
• Attend team meetings to assess progress
• Participate in meeting set deadline for rehab goal
• Serve as a link to the community and outside world

Excellent Teamwork follows the patient home

Caregivers and family will continue to play an active role in the patient’s life after discharge from the Rehab hospital; they provide transportation to medical and therapy appointments, pick up and administer medications, help the patient in the bathroom, fix meals, adhere to an exercise schedule, as well as deal with financial issues incurred during the rehab process.

Without good nurses and excellent home health, creating a safe environment in the patient’s home would be next to impossible, but thanks to a talented rehab team, coupled with the patient’s strong will to get back to normal, anything and everything that’s good lies in wait.

Travel Force offers over 20 years of hospital and rehab staffing; placing physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists in permanent and temporary positions in top-rated rehab hospitals and healthcare facilities across the U.S. Joint Commission certified, Travel Force provides staffing services to Outpatient Rehab Centers, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Sub Acute Settings, and university teaching facilities. Make a positive change in someone’s life today. Apply online for physical therapy jobs!

Therapy Career Resources for Foreign PTs—your Go-To Guide

Author Therapy Career Blogger | 07.23.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, Career Tips, How To's, How to Tips, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapist Jobs, Respiratory Therapy, Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Travel Therapist, physical therapist licensing, physical therapy, physical therapy job questions

Foreign PT License Requirements and FAQ’s you should bookmark!

Were you trained for a physical therapy career outside of the United States, and looking for a therapy job here? If yes, welcome to our Go-To guide, featuring information on the Top 10 states for physical therapy careers, as well as direct links to state licensure applications.

Top 10 States for PTs
You’ll note some states’ pages for foreign PTs answer frequently asked questions, while others route the foreign trained physical therapist directly to an online application, instructions for obtaining licensure or all of the above. Every state is slightly different in its approach, but the bottom line is the same: qualified applicants who meet state licensing authority criteria enjoy rewarding and high paying physical therapy careers!

California: The Physical Therapy Board of California assists foreign educated Physical Therapist graduates from accredited and non-accredited programs. You’ll note that this state’s page gives a shortlist of what you’ll need to get in order before you apply, plus a direct link to an online application.

Colorado: The Colorado Division of Registrations provides an online application and instructions on how to take the NPTE exam; it also lists basic requirements for foreign trained Physical Therapist licensure.

Florida: The Florida Department of Health answers FAQs for Foreign Trained Applicants and an “Apply for a license” link that helps you get started.

Iowa: The Iowa Department of Public Health’s Physical Therapist licensure information is the same for foreign and domestic applicants on the online application.

Illinois: The Division for Professional Registration handles licensure for all applicants, both domestic and foreign trained in physical therapy careers; this site does not provide a specific page intended for foreign trained PTs; however, they do provide contact information for sources who can answer your questions.

Massachusetts: The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation states that graduates of foreign physical therapy programs may be eligible for licensure in MA, but that the Board accepts only the evaluations prepared by the FCCPT

Maryland: The Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners provides detailed instructions for foreign trained Physical Therapist applicants; you’ll notice two different licensure links for foreign PTs; one for “Licensure by Examination” and one for “Licensure by Endorsement”. You will also note this state accepts evaluation credentials sent by the FCCPT.

Ohio: The Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Athletic Trainers Board provides an online application for licensure as a PT or PTA, with instructions for foreign applicants on the PT applicant page.

Texas:  The Executive Council of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Examiners provides instructions for foreign trained physical therapist applicants; they provide, on this page, an “Apply for a License Now” link.

Washington:  The Washington State Department of Health reviews all applications for Physical Therapist licensure, domestic and foreign trained, and provides a “packet” of all the materials you will need to work in Washington physical therapy jobs.

Working in Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs
For foreign students of physical therapy, the process of obtaining licensure is more difficult for PTAs (physical therapy assistants) than it is PTs—we covered the reason in a related press release, but you’ll want to read on for direct links to therapy career resources that exist to help you transcend this minor obstacle. Just do the following, in the following order, and you’ll soon be working in physical therapy assistant jobs:

Complete all educational requirements to become a Physical Therapist Assistant

• Apply for the National Physical Therapy Assistant Examination (NPTAE), pass it, then successfully take the National Physical Therapy Examination

And

• Apply for a student visa (F1 Visa) and then apply to accredited Physical Therapist Schools; Canadian physical therapists can work on a non-immigrant NAFTA Professional (TN) visa
• After you complete your education and prior to graduation, apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows you to work in the U.S. for up to one year.

Commonalities Shared by State Licensing Boards
Foreign trained applicants should have the following items in order before applying for state licensure:

• Social Security Numbers: you can apply for licensure and take the exam prior to getting a social security number; however, you will need the S-S-N prior to receiving your license.
• iBT TOEFL: a passing score on this test proves you are proficient in English. Minimum score required is 89, as well as accompanying minimum scores in the test’s four components: 24 in writing; 26 in speaking; 21 in reading comprehension; and 18 in listening comprehension
• A letter: from the applicant’s university stating that at the time the student received their first degree the language of instruction was English.
• Requirements for Credential Evaluations: Once you pass the NPTE exam, you must prove your education is on par with state standards.
• The Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT): This non-profit organization assists many foreign trained PTs in showing their educational credentials are equivalent to current standards in the United States. See if your state board of physical therapy will work with them.

Remember that using therapy career resources, like each relevant link in this blog, can help you get to work fast!  For the foreign trained, as well as every professional working in travel physical therapy jobs, we wish you great luck in your new home!

Footnote: Some online physical therapy career resources cited here were taken from The Rehab License Network, which was created with the goal of making allied healthcare licensing information easier to obtain and/or maintain for rehab professionals.

What do Physical Therapy Jobs, Sports-Related Injuries and the World Cup have in common?

Author Therapy Career Blogger | 06.30.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, Ellen Bloome-PT, Ongoing Education, Physical Therapist Jobs, Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Travel Therapist, Travel physical therapy jobs, Videos, physical therapy, rehabilitation therapy

For those of us who live for sports, it’s all about soccer this summer. Many of us are on the edge of our seats wondering who will capture the World Cup as the competition plays out in South Africa. So what does the World Cup have in common with physical therapy jobs and sports-related injuries?

Whether players are competing at the World Cup or playing on their high school soccer team, physical therapists treat plenty of patients with sports-related injuries who play the game. Here’s a fact to back up the claim: the US Consumer Product Safety Commission reported more than 186,000 soccer related injuries in 2006 alone; 80% of those were owned by players less than 24 years of age. Soccer is a fun game and even better exercise, but videos like the one we’ve included here show what a fierce sport it can be. Watch a physical therapist at the top of her game, administering a third therapy session with a patient who tore her ACL, meniscus and MLC in a challenging game of soccer.

This video helps us appreciate a new reality impacting physical therapy careers: more girls are participating in high school and college sports—and it’s not just them creating more work for physical therapists, in what has become for PTs, a seemingly recession proof industry—it’s the Baby Boomers, too.  Born in an era stretching from the 1940’s to early 60’s, the Boomers are reaching retirement age and with it, the aches, pains and haunts of old sporting related injuries that keep physical therapists in high demand.

As most of you reading this already know, sports related injuries drive a lot of patient traffic through ERs and into the eventual care of physical therapists. If you’ve ever wondered what a PT feels like on the other end of the therapy equation, you can read about one of our own receiving post op therapy after sustaining a sports related injury.

CDC stats on sports related injuries may be grim, but physical therapy careers are providing rehabilitative light at the end of that tunnel. PTs have a lot to feel good about; the press they receive is incredibly positive. In November of 2009, CNN ranked physical therapy jobs at # 7 on the list of America’s best occupations. Since then, physical therapy careers are a continuously rising star; however, experts advise that landing a successful PT career requires a lifelong commitment to continued education. The APTA encourages specialization in one of 8 areas of physical therapy with the long-term goal of (the majority of) PTs earning doctorates by 2020.

Keeping your eyes on the prize is well worth it, as evidenced by the turnout at this year’s American Physical Therapy Association’s Annual Conference & Expo in Boston. Whether it’s the influx of young female athletes matriculating into colleges or more Baby Boomers seeking physical therapy, business is booming for PTs. Observes remarked that the conference made them momentarily forget the country is in a recession; the event reported a surplus of physical therapy jobs in home health systems and large medical centers across the country.

When it comes to finding physical therapy jobs, seeking education at top physical therapy schools or playing the sports that challenge our bodies enough to one day seek physical therapy ourselves, the sporting motto from Nike said it best, “just do it!”

Side note: Until mid-July, we hope you enjoy FIFA. Feel free to post a comment about who you hope wins the World Cup!

Physical Therapy Career Choices Open up a World of Possibility

Author Therapy Career Blogger | 06.23.2010 | Category Career Tips, Ongoing Education, Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Travel Therapist, Travel physical therapy jobs, physical therapy

Different Ways to Take your Physical Therapist Career

When you’re a qualified physical therapist the whole world is your oyster—the interesting part of that old phrase being that there’s more than one pearl when it comes to the career choices inside your field. Whether it’s permanent staff hospital work, travel therapist careers or branching out to start a PT private practice, you and other professionals in this industry will be happy to uncover the benefits unique to your physical therapist career path.

Permanent Physical Therapy Jobs
If you’re a PT looking to build seniority in a hospital setting, rehabilitation center, physical therapy clinic and/or skilled nursing facility, permanent physical therapy jobs offer the perfect professional arena. Permanent PTs enjoy all the benefits, excitement and prestige of their traveling counterparts, with strong likelihood of making a recognized name for themselves locally. Start a physical therapy job—custom made for those who like to stay—or go—by applying at any of these top staffing agencies: Travel Force Staffing, American Traveler or 50 States Staffing

Travel Therapist Career
Oh, the places you’ll go! Let’s start by describing what you can expect from a Travel therapist career—our details are just a sampling of limitless possibilities; it is said of physical therapy jobs, after all, that it’s more than just a career—it’s a lifestyle! PTs on the road, traveling America as they heal and comfort their patients, experience plenty of advantages, like the excitement of a new location as often as every 8 weeks, or after 6 months. What happens if you like it too much to leave? At Travel Force, PTs often have the option of going permanent.

PT Private Practice
An independent physical therapist career is a testimony to the exceptional growth and evolution of physical therapy in the last 50 years. The APTA site offers a PT in motion page that advises on how to overcome the challenges of private practice start-up. Remember the title that 1970s book popularized, “What color is your parachute?” Well, the great thing about your physical therapy career is that you already know—you just have to pick the best career choice and apply it, so that you can touch a patient’s life today!

Physical Therapy Career Path
No matter where your physical therapy jobs take you—and diversity and potential abound as staffing agencies work with individuals in all stages of their physical therapy career—it’s a good idea to commit yourself to lifetime learning. With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 27% climb in the PT field through 2016, PTs are expected—now more than ever—to keep their competitive edge via continued competency and learning.

Career Resources a Terrible Thing to Waste
Travel Force offers a wealth of information on the DPT degree, as well as how to specialize in one of 8 physical therapy certifications that open up a world of possibility for your physical therapist salary, hiring potential, and, most importantly, the ability to provide your patients with the superior level of care they deserve. Don’t forget to look toward the APTA for career resources. Their Vision 2020 plan—one that would like to see the majority of PTs earn their DPT degrees by 2020 has been acknowledged as a leading reason some may look to opening a PT private practice.

Physical Therapy Career Advancement Tips

Author Therapy Career Blogger | 06.10.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, Career Tips, How to Tips, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapist Jobs, Respiratory Therapy, Speech Language Pathologist, Therapist Jobs, Therapist Jobs Postings, Therapy Jobs, Travel Therapist, Travel physical therapy jobs, physical therapist licensing, physical therapy, physical therapy job questions, rehabilitation therapy

How to activate your job search

Physical therapy careers come in all shapes and sizes; some PTs travel from one assignment to the next, while others hold permanent positions. There are seasoned therapists earning close to—or topping—six figure salaries, and others just beginning a physical therapy career with nowhere to go but up.

No matter where you are in your physical therapy career, the job search is everything—particularly if you’re looking to make a positive change. Travel Force offers therapy career resources that help you launch the ideal job search, matching your career skills and education to the very best physical therapy jobs.

Our physical therapy network can supply the perfect job match. Search from the best allied healthcare careers America has to offer by clicking on the Activate your Job Search Agent for the fastest results.

By activating a job search, you can choose from existing positions and get your first pick of well-paid, highly compensated physical therapy jobs, virtually anywhere and everywhere in North America. You specify the city, whether your interest is in a permanent and/or travel physical therapist job and take your pick among a wide variety of possibilities. If a job is not available in the exact location you wish, we will seek out a plum position on your behalf to meet your job requests in the next best location.

The Job Search Agent is for  physical therapy careers and allied healthcare jobs in all professions:

• Physical Therapy
• Physical Therapy Assistant
• Occupational Therapy
• COTA
• Pulmonary
• Respiratory Therapy
• Polysomnographer
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Medical Laboratory
• Radiation Oncology

Get started today and we will have you on the road to professional and financial success! The great thing about letting a #1 therapist staffing agency help you advance in your physical therapy career is that you’ll be working in an expert allied healthcare staffing organization. We comply with Joint Commission policies that ensure the education, licensing, training and work experience of our team has been verified inside and out.

Our expertise is  anticipating  every possible question regarding physical therapy careers; check out this link and physical therapy job questions about what to expect straight out of school with a DPT.

We cover these topics regarding successful physical therapy careers as well:

• Top Physical Therapy Certifications by Specialty
• Physical Therapy Job FAQs every working and/or aspiring PT should know
• Therapy career resources -get links to licensing boards, blogs, social media sites and more

As a physical therapist, you’ve worked hard to stay current on the latest technologies, marked your calendar with events that help you network (i.e. the APTA Conference), and absorbed Top 40 PT career tips that let you connect with your patients in ways that benefit them beyond recovering independence and mobility.

The great thing about a physical therapy career—deemed not just a job, but a lifestyle—is that career advancement doesn’t stop once you’re hired. Our therapy career resources place no limits on how high your star might rise professionally—look to Travel Force for all your physical therapy career advancement and career planning needs.

We’ve got you covered from the time you first sit down to interview, from the time you sit down to enjoy your retirement!

Annual APTA Conference & Expo coming to Boston this June!

Author Therapy Career Blogger | 06.01.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, Career Tips, Fun Events, Monthly Events, Physical Therapist Jobs, Travel Therapist, physical therapy

Get your registration information here!

Attention all allied health care workers looking for PT events close to your Massachusetts Physical Therapist Jobs: if you’re anywhere near Bean Town this June, you can look forward to the 2010 APTA Conference featuring the who’s who of physical therapy associations around the world!

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is holding its annual conference and exposition in Boston, June 16-19, 2010 at the Hynes Convention Center—a well-known venue in the Back Bay section of town, overlooking the Charles River. Besides an exciting program schedule of the most recognized names in American physical therapy, this event puts you close to premier Beacon Hill dining and shopping, amidst streets lined with Victorian brownstones.

When you register for the 2010 APTA Conference, it’s a way of signing on for so much more than a mini-vacation in one of the oldest, most charming destinations in the country—it’s also a great opportunity to enhance physical therapy jobs and Massachusetts physical therapist jobs with the following career highlights:

• Participation in hot topic debates
• Networking opportunities with APTA leadership
• Exposure to cutting edge products & services
• Seeing old and new colleagues and friends again

Being part of this year’s APTA Conference benefits patients, too. Ask them to save the date, June 19, for the ultimate consumer event, “Staying on Your Feet.” We’ve blogged before about helping patients fall-proof their homes, but this PT event brings those words to life, with free Balance Testing and Strength & Blood Pressure Evaluations. Registration is free and invaluable—as it addresses falls before they happen, and encourages public awareness about healthy and safe aging—critical in a world population averaging longer life spans. PTs are encouraged to take notes and pack their camera phones; there will be an exhibit hall showcasing mobility aids, assistive devices for home safety, exercise equipment and more.

Just to give you a visual: Starting Wednesday, June 16th and through Saturday of that week, more than 2,500 physical therapy professionals will congregate at the Hynes Convention Center to learn more about physical therapy jobs. Because the APTA Conference is opening the exhibition hall to the general public on its last day, PTs get the rare opportunity to access their target market, as well as better understand purchasing decisions at the medical facility where they hold travel nursing jobs.

Students of physical therapy may also want to participate in this PT event, as it will help them gain momentum in their physical therapy jobs healthcare career. The APTA Conference lets them see how physical therapy association decisions are made by giving stage to the APTA House of Delegates.

Watch Senator Tom Daschle deliver the keynote address during opening ceremonies and enjoy a packed week of PT events that include parties, mingling, and star spangled affairs, ensuring that in the course of your physical therapy career and physical therapy jobs this summer, YOU are cookin’ with gas!

Travel Physical Therapist Jobs FAQs

Author Healthcare Jobs Blogger | 05.18.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, Career Tips, Occupational Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Top Rehab Careers, Travel Therapist, Travel physical therapy jobs, Traveling Therapist, physical therapist licensing, physical therapy, physical therapy job questions, rehabilitation therapy

Travel physical therapy jobs offer many advantages to physical therapist professionals. Some of the great benefits of travel physical therapy jobs are:

• Physical Therapists get to visit different exciting locations
• Career Advancement by gaining valuable experience in a variety of clinical settings
• Meet new and interesting people along the way and possibly make lasting friendships and career networking contacts

Travel Physical Therapy Job Career Fact: travel physical therapy jobs currently offer one of the fastest growing career opportunities for physical therapists. If you’re a PT who looks for adventure and professional challenges, a career as a traveling physical therapist might just be what you are looking for.

Q: Is there minimum experience required to start a career in travel physical therapy jobs?

Agencies like Travel Force cater to individuals in all stages of their physical therapy career from new grads to experienced working physical therapists alike. At Travel Force, we employ physical therapists including new grads, mid-career professionals, advanced professionals with DPT, to older PTs working through retirement.

Q: How long are travel physical therapist jobs?

Travel physical therapy jobs are typically 13-26 weeks in length. Physical therapists often renew their travel jobs to further explore favorite locations.

Q: Can I work full-time, year round as a travel physical therapist?

Yes, physical therapists can choose to be employed year round in travel physical therapist jobs or take time off between assignments if they wish. Travel Force presents you with PT jobs choices early in your assignment, so you have plenty of time to decide where you want to travel next. Many physical therapists have switched to a career in travel physical therapist jobs because it pays more, advances skills, and encourages travel to fabulous locations for free.

Q: What kind of work will I do in Physical Therapist Jobs with Travel Force?

Physical therapists working with Travel Force find PT jobs in facilities offering the latest technology and advancements as well as small to medium size outpatient clinics offering standard physical therapy services to patients. Travel Force is proud to have staffed therapists in several of America’s best hospitals ranked “Best Rehabilitation Hospitals” by the U.S. News & World Report.

Q: Does Travel Force offer Physical Therapy Jobs close to home?

Yes, Travel Force specializes in finding physical therapy jobs for physical therapists who wish to work close to home rather than relocate. In this case, your free private housing benefit would come in the form of a mortgage or rent subsidy added to your earnings.

Q: What is the pay range that I can expect to earn at Travel Force?

Physical therapist salary starts between $71,520 and $80,000 with a total compensation of $100,000 or more with benefits. Hourly wages for physical therapists average $35 per hour, and spike dramatically after five years on the job. The Travel Force tax advantage plan, coupled with the referral program and sign-on bonuses, plus reimbursement for meals and other travel incidentals means earning upwards of $100,000 a year or more in travel physical therapist jobs.

Q: Does travel physical therapist jobs include free healthcare insurance?

Travel Force is proud to offer a benefits package that includes free group health, dental and life insurance; our plan provides prescription drug benefits, along with a flexible health plan to healthcare needs, and is available to cover your dependents. For therapists who prefer to obtain their own insurance, Travel Force Staffing will assist in subsidizing the expense.

Q: Will  I get Professional Liability Insurance and Worker’s Compensation Insurance with a travel therapy job?

Yes. Travel Force Staffing provides professional liability malpractice insurance to all of our physical therapists, occupational therapists and other allied healthcare professionals on all travel therapy jobs.

Q: Are physical therapists provided a round trip travel allowance?

Yes, Travel Force provides a maximum round trip travel allowance on PT jobs – regardless of whether you travel by car, plane, train or bus.

Q: Do Travel Physical Therapist Jobs offer fully furnished housing?

Yes, physical therapists get fully-furnished free private housing; with upgrades such as fitness centers, pool and more at select properties.

Q: Do Travel Force jobs come with a 401(k) plan and retirement benefits?

Yes. The Travel Force’s company-matched 401(k) plan is generous. You can easily access your account online and individuals with vested retirement benefits may transfer them as they wish.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Now that you know more  about travel physical therapist jobs; it’s time contact Travel Force Staffing to get your traveling physical therapist started right now. Call us at 800-617-0608 or Apply Online

The Travel Force mission is to provide you with the best career growth opportunities in assignments at facilities with the highest standards of clinical and professional excellence, while offering the most comprehensive support and compensation programs.

2010 Physical Therapy Association Calendar Packed with PT Events

Author Therapy Career Blogger | 05.10.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, Career Tips, Certifications, Continuing Education Units (CEU), Fun Events, Monthly Events, Ongoing Education, Physical Therapist Jobs, Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Travel Therapist, Traveling Therapist, physical therapy, rehabilitation therapy

Continuing to grow and improve your skills as a PT takes time and dedication. Of course, you’ll learn a lot from your physical therapy jobs; but you’ll also want to attend as many physical therapy seminars as possible, to stay up on the latest trends in healthcare.

Luckily, The American Physical Therapy Association is a great resource for physical therapists. The association’s events calendar is jam-packed with interesting and informative activities, including the annual conference, as well as physical therapy seminars in everything from pediatrics, to geriatrics, to specific parts of the body (e.g., shoulders and feet).

Here’s a sampling of the physical therapy events on the 2010 events calendar, listed chronologically:

Pharmacology for Physical Therapists

• May 22-23
• Chapel Hill, NC
• Description: Study the effect of drug actions on the major body systems, problems of drug interaction, and variables that modify their effects.

Annual Conference

• June 16-19
• Boston, MA
• Description: This annual gathering for the Physical Therapy Association has everything the practicing physical therapist could wish: seminars, networking, discussions, and, of course, socializing with your fellow PTs.

Screening for Medical Referral: The Pediatric Client Birth to Six Years

• July 10-11
• Valhalla, NY
• Description: Course emphasizes taking a history for the pediatric patient and using evidence to screen and review the cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, urogenital, and integumentary systems for infants, toddlers through the use of case studies.

Biomechanics, Examination, and Selected Interventions for Foot Disorders

• July 17-18
• Portland, OR
• Description: The biomechanics of the foot and ankle with normal and abnormal motion during walking will be evaluated especially in relation to lower extremity dysfunction and the physical examination of the foot.

Women’s Health-Men’s Health: What All PTs Need to Know

• Sept. 11-12
• Burlington, NC
• Description: Gender and sex differences are presented using an evidence-based, body systems approach that illustrates how the unique characteristics associated with sex/gender matter across physical therapy practice settings.

Evidence-Based Assessment, Examination & Rehabilitation Interventions in the Medically Complex Older Adult

• Sept. 25-26
• Somerville, NJ

Examination and Selected Interventions: Lower Extremity: Hip, Knee, and Ankle

• Nov. 6-7
• Jacksonville, FL
• Description: Course is designed to integrate a comprehensive clinical examination with selected manual therapy interventions for the hip, knee, and ankle.

In addition, there are several physical therapy seminars and conferences for specific disciplines scheduled around the country, such as:

The American Society of Hand Therapists Annual Meeting

• June 23
• Orlando, Florida
• Description: Meeting theme “Best Practice in Hand Therapy.”

Aquatic Section Summit

• Oct. 6-8
• Colorado Springs, CO
• Description: Conference of the APTA’s Aquatic Physical Therapy Section will coincide with World Aquatic Health Conference. Note: e-seminars will be available at this event.

Gait Analysis Seminars

• June 5-6, Tempe, AZ
• Nov. 6-7, New York, NY
• Description: For gait and foot-function specialists: Learn how in-shoe pressure mapping technology is used to analyze foot function and gait by revealing what the eye cannot see.

These are just a few of the numerous choices for physical therapy seminars and PT events around. With physical therapy jobs from Travel Force, you may very well find yourself on assignment in an area that is featuring one or more of these physical therapy seminars and conferences. In which case, you’ll certainly be in the right place at the right time!

Physical Therapist Jobs for PTs with DPT

Author Healthcare Jobs Blogger | 04.28.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, Career Tips, Physical Therapist Jobs, Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Travel Therapist, physical therapist licensing, physical therapy, rehabilitation therapy

Recently, we had a PT career question regarding a job after earning a Doctor of Physical  Therapy (DPT)  and I thought it would be good share with everyone.

Question:
I was wondering how many years of experience most of the travel PT jobs usually require? For example, would it be realistic that a student coming straight out of school with a DPT could land a travel PT job, or would at least a few years of experience be necessary to be hired?

Answer:
A physical therapist who has recently earned their Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) has received extensive training in their educational program. Rehab facilities that have experienced physical therapists on staff to mentor the new physical therapist will be the most comfortable working environments. These facilities are likely to offer physical therapy graduates a travel physical therapy position upon graduation from an accredited program. Other factors taken into consideration when hiring new graduates are past internships and specialty experience

National Occupational Therapy Month well under way this April

Author Therapy Career Blogger | 04.19.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, Career Tips, Monthly Events, Occupational Therapy, Occupational Therapy Month - April, Therapist Jobs, Travel Therapist, rehabilitation therapy

Just like everyone else, occupational therapists file their taxes in the spring, with the ultimate goal of satisfying the IRS before April 15th —whether or not your tax return gives you something to celebrate, April is and will continue to be, a busy and celebratory month for OTs across the nation.

Why? Because April showers bring reasons to showcase what high paying occupational therapy jobs do best: help patients live their lives to the fullest!

Yep, it’s National Occupational Therapy Month for a couple more weeks; those of you in travel occupational therapy jobs close to Florida are close to the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) annual conference in Orlando. If you registered by the extended deadline of April 11th, you’re good to go in a conference beginning on 4/29/10, lasting through the second of May. We’d love to read comments from occupational therapists in attendance, if you would be so kind as to post one after reading our article!

Nowhere near Orlando this month? No big deal. You don’t have to attend the AOTA conference to practice what it preaches. Here are just a few things you—and in this case “you” applies not just to OTs, but OTAs and students—can do to showcase the importance of an inspiring occupational therapist career.

Visit www.promoteot.com to see OT related gifts from AOTA’s new line of products; your purchase goes a long way in showing clients, referrers, and colleagues how much you care—the best part being that proceeds help the AOTA help you!

• Host a little Occupational Therapy Month party in the break room where you work; now that spring cleaning is through, those plates and utensils ought to be easy enough to find! Serve coffee and donuts while sharing stories about how occupational therapy careers greatly benefit the public—little events like these are great at getting the word out!
• Send out April greetings to clients or mentors, expressing the occupational therapy mission statement: to help patients “live their lives to the fullest”; this is AOTA’s platform—OTs  are encouraged, this month especially, to distribute consumer tips that help millions of patients (of all ages) through the hardships of their medical conditions.
• Finally, promote the unique role OTs can play by getting involved with Rebuilding Together (RT). AOTA and Rebuilding Together (RT) have collaborated on home modification projects for low-income homeowners for more than a decade. OTs play a crucial role in this outreach program as members in RT affiliate programs spanning the country.
• Remember that April, a month of painted eggs, tax advantages and sunshine is just a temporary bright spot in a whole year’s worth of showcasing the importance of Occupational Therapy.

We’re certainly going to tell the world what occupational therapy does 365 days a year.