Physical therapy is an important and rewarding profession. For those who want to specialize in neurological physical therapy, understanding the steps to take to become a neurological physical therapist can help you achieve your goals. In this article, we’ll discuss the educational and certification requirements, job roles, and salary expectations for this role. We’ll also provide answers to frequently asked questions about becoming a neurological physical therapist.
What is a Neurological Physical Therapist?
A neurological physical therapist is a physical therapist who specializes in treating patients with neurological disorders. This includes conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries. Neurological physical therapists are responsible for assessing patients’ physical abilities, developing treatment plans, and helping them perform exercises to improve their physical function.
Educational and Certification Requirements for a Neurological Physical Therapist
In order to become a neurological physical therapist, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from an accredited college or university. After graduating, you must complete an accredited physical therapy program and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam. This exam is offered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy and is required for state licensure. It covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, and clinical skills.
Once you’ve passed this exam, you must obtain a state license to practice physical therapy. You can then pursue a post-professional doctorate of physical therapy (DPT) degree with a specialization in neurological physical therapy. A DPT degree typically takes two to three years to complete and provides advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions.
Job Roles and Responsibilities of a Neurological Physical Therapist
Neurological physical therapists assess and treat patients with neurological disorders to improve their physical function. This includes assessing their physical abilities, developing treatment plans, and helping them perform exercises to improve their physical function. Neurological physical therapists also educate patients and their families about strategies to manage their neurological condition.
Salary Expectations for Neurological Physical Therapists
The median salary for a neurological physical therapist is $85,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary can vary depending on experience, location, and the type of facility.
Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a Neurological Physical Therapist
What degree do I need to become a neurological physical therapist?
You need a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from an accredited college or university, and you must complete an accredited physical therapy program and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam. You must also obtain a state license to practice physical therapy and pursue a post-professional doctorate of physical therapy (DPT) degree with a specialization in neurological physical therapy.
What is the job outlook for neurological physical therapists?
The job outlook for neurological physical therapists is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of physical therapists will grow by 22% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
What is the average salary of a neurological physical therapist?
The median salary for a neurological physical therapist is $85,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary can vary depending on experience, location, and the type of facility.
What are the duties of a neurological physical therapist?
Neurological physical therapists assess and treat patients with neurological disorders to improve their physical function. This includes assessing their physical abilities, developing treatment plans, and helping them perform exercises to improve their physical function. Neurological physical therapists also educate patients and their families about strategies to manage their neurological condition.
Conclusion
Becoming a neurological physical therapist requires a significant amount of education and training. It is a rewarding and challenging profession, and those who pursue it can expect a positive job outlook and competitive salary. Understanding the educational and certification requirements, job roles and responsibilities, and salary expectations can help you decide if this is the right career path for you.
