Career Spotlight: How to Become a Physical Therapist

Welcome to our "Career Spotlight" series, where we explore exciting careers connected to baseball. While many dream of playing on the field, countless professionals work behind the scenes to keep athletes healthy and performing their best. Today, we shine the spotlight on physical therapists, who play a crucial role in helping players recover from injuries and stay in top condition.

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

Physical therapists, often called PTs, are healthcare professionals who help people recover from injuries, manage pain, and improve their movement. In baseball, physical therapists work with players who might have shoulder, elbow, or knee injuries. They create treatment plans that include special exercises, stretches, and other techniques to help players heal and return to the game stronger.

Physical therapists don't just treat injuries—they also help prevent them. They teach players how to move correctly and safely to avoid getting hurt in the first place. They might use special equipment like exercise bands, balance balls, or even underwater treadmills to help players build strength and flexibility.

Education and Training Required

High School Preparation

The path to becoming a physical therapist starts in high school. If you're interested in this career, focus on these subjects:

• Science classes like biology, chemistry, and physics
• Math classes
• Health and physical education
• Psychology

Reading is extremely important for success in these classes. The more you read, the better your vocabulary will be, which helps in understanding science terms. Reading also improves your critical thinking skills, something all physical therapists need.

College Education

After high school, you'll need to:

1. Get a bachelor's degree (4 years of college)
2. Complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program (about 3 more years)

During college, you'll take courses in anatomy (learning about body parts), physiology (how the body works), biology, and other sciences. Doing well in school is crucial because DPT programs are competitive—they only accept students with good grades.

Licensing and Specialization

After finishing your DPT program, you must pass a national exam to get your license to practice. Some physical therapists go on to specialize in sports medicine, which is perfect if you want to work with baseball players.

Building Your Career Path

While in school, look for opportunities to learn more about physical therapy:

• Volunteer or shadow at physical therapy clinics
• Join science and health clubs
• Attend career days or health profession events
• Read books and articles about physical therapy and sports medicine

Many professional baseball teams employ physical therapists who have special knowledge about the unique demands baseball places on players' bodies. Some PTs work directly for teams, while others work in clinics that specialize in treating athletes.

Why It's a Great Career

Becoming a physical therapist takes hard work and many years of education, but it's a rewarding career. You get to help people feel better and return to the activities they enjoy. Physical therapists are in high demand, and the job pays well. Plus, if you work in baseball, you get to be part of the excitement of the sport while making a real difference in players' lives and careers.

Remember, it all starts with doing well in school now and developing a habit of regular reading that will serve you throughout your education and career!