Physical Therapist Interview and Job Introduction

In 5-10 years from now the career title I look forward to having is a Physical Therapist. Physical therapists help people improve their movement and manage their pain. PT’s also diagnose and treat patients who have health conditions that limit their ability to move and perform everyday activities. You not only help restore physical function and mobility, you also work to promote overall wellness and boost their quality of life. The person I chose to interviewed currently holds the title of a Physical Therapist and co-owner of a PT facility. His name is Kevin Dorf. I met Kevin not long ago while volunteering for the Special Olympics. I considered getting some advice from him prior to knowing I had an assignment so this just gave me even more of a reason to sit down and talk with him. I’ve been doing research for about two years regarding the Physical Therapist field so to get an inside discussion on top of the information I’ve already consumed was very enlightening.

What are the educational requirements for a Physical Therapist? All individuals must earn a doctoral degree in physical therapy classified as a DPT in order to practice as a physical therapist. Kevin has an MPT but schools no longer offer MPT. Before earning a DPT you must obtain a bachelor’s degree in a closely related healthcare field. Kinesiology is usually the best fit if the college you’re attending doesn’t have a PTA or PT entry level program. This process could total up to 7-8 years. Which for most people who don’t have the drive to stay in school for that many years is quite too long. Kevin stated “Although it can seem like a long journey it is definitely worth the wait. The position of a PT is very rewarding”.

What do you like the most about your job? I asked. He replied “Working as a Physical Therapist is very delightful. Getting to help someone reach the goals they never thought they could despite the odds and obstacles given gives you a really great feeling inside. Plus, it’s not as hectic as the business world, it allows you to focus and work without a lot of stress on your shoulders.” Hearing those words felt like he was reading my mind about my dream job. It was also very interesting to know that you could get in a field and enjoy the work without the stress of others. Though he continued and stated it could vary depending on what area or company you work for.

What might have you done differently to help you prepare for this position? I asked. “The only thing I believe I would change is getting more involved. I didn’t become active or engaged in the PT community until after receiving my MPT. There are plenty of society’s and groups that help you accomplish what you sometimes believe is impossible. My advice to you would be make sure you involved yourself in every aspect of the career. Volunteer wherever you get the opportunity to, sit down with your peers, have more conversations like we are having now to make sure you do not miss anything. This gives you the opportunity to see the ins and out of the field and to see where you actually fit” Kevin responded. I am very grateful for this piece of information. He made me realize that the more help I receive the more successful I have the chance to become.

Continuing the interview, I asked “What future changes do you see in this field?” “Future in the PT field could be very bright. Changes in this field will grow as technology, people, injuries and disorders continue to grow. I believe it would expand to help more complexed disorders, become virtually done and have a more efficient time frame of recovery for patients. With all the health tips, medical educational views, research and other components will be used to continue a happier and healthier life for patients” Kevin responded. While researching the outlook of physical therapists, they are projected to grow almost 30% in the next 10yrs. That’s about 2 times more than most medical professions.

Based on the information I received in the interview it makes me want to strive to become a Physical Therapist even more. My main reason for wanting to become a Physical Therapist is because I get enjoyment out of helping others. Plus, I enjoy anatomy and learning about the bodies different function and ways to help improve one’s movement or alleviate one’s pain. Physical Therapy is like a form of medicine without the medicine. Knowing that I helped someone regain the ability to walk or function as they once could or never have, would put more than a smile on my face but bring joy to my life. I know its not going to be a cake walk but I’m willing to go the extra mile. I also think my current position will contribute in helping me become the best PT I possibly can. I get a small perception of the duties of a PT everyday working alongside of the Physical Therapist Assistant’s and Exercise Physiologists. It will be amazing to contribute and watch this field grow. I think this interview process was a really good lesson. It gives insight on what to possibly expect although things may be different for each individual. It also allows you to start your networking process and get mentors along the way. I thanked Devin for his patience and generosity as well. We didn’t have a large amount of time but he extended to offer time and information whenever need. Very thankful and excited to meet new aspiring people on the road to becoming a PT.