Beginning the Job Search
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Since I am an exercise science major at USM, I am striving to further my education pursuing a PhD in physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, and athletic training. Physical therapists are physician that treat and detect injuries that occur amongst people of all ages. Most of them deal with the elderly, simply because their bodies become more fragile with age and they are more susceptible to injury. They arrange a plan for each patient in order to heal them back to health. They specialize in promoting the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. The American Physical Therapy Association’s accrediting body, called the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education accredits entry-level academic programs in physical therapy. It takes a about 2 to 2.5 years of graduate education in order to obtain your master’s and 3 years in order to obtain your doctorate. Only graduate degree programs are accredited by this accrediting body. Eligibility requirements are different from state to state. Typical requirements for physical therapists include graduation from an accredited physical therapy education program; passing the National Physical Therapy Examination; and fulfilling State requirements such as jurisprudence exams. A number of States require continuing education as a condition of maintaining licensure. Most hospitals and practices are looking for physical therapists that are able to practice in different settings. The most prominent setting for practice are in hospitals, skilled nursing, and orthopedic settings, where the elderly are most often treated. Job prospects should be especially favorable in rural areas as many physical therapists tend to cluster in highly populated urban and suburban areas. ![]()
However, if physical therapy does not work out as planned, then I will pursue becoming a chiropractor. Chiropractors are similar to physical therapists because they both deal with treating and diagnosing patients with injuries. Yet, chiropractors specialize in treating the musculoskeletal system and treating the effects of those problems of the nervous system. Most chiropractors solely deal with maneuvering the spine. Chiropractors must be licensed, which requires 2 to 4 years of undergraduate education, the completion of a 4-year chiropractic college course, and passing scores on national and State examinations. The Council on Chiropractic Education is the accrediting body for chiropractors. Applicants must have at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate study leading toward a bachelor's degree, including courses in English, the social sciences, organic and inorganic chemistry, biology, physics, and psychology. Many applicants have a bachelor's degree. Chiropractors can practice only in States where they are licensed. Chiropractic requires keen observation to detect physical abnormalities. It also takes considerable manual dexterity, but not unusual strength or endurance, to perform adjustments. Chiropractors should be able to work alone and handle their own responsibilities. The desire to help others and truly caring about the health of the patient are good qualities for dealing effectively with patients. The third occupation of choice that I would apply for would be occupational therapy. This job deals with treating patients with disabling conditions that may limit their normal lifestyle and basically show them how to relive their lives. Occupational therapists are regulated in all 50 States. Individuals pursuing a career as an occupational therapist usually need to earn a post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university or education classified as equivalent. A master's degree or higher in occupational therapy is the typical minimum requirement for entry into the field. In order to become a certified OTR, you must graduate from an accredited program and pass a national certification exam. This job would not be a walk in the park. It takes kind, caring, and patient individuals to perform the duties required everyday to assist patients with disabling conditions. Those OTR’s working in home healthcare should be able to adjust to a variety of work settings. ![]()
My fourth job of interest would be athletic training. I am an athlete at USM currently and I have had several injuries so I have been around athletic trainers. They are similar to physical therapists but them special in athletes. They treat athletes with injuries due to physical activity. They improve the balance and strength of athletes while educating them on how to prevent these injuries. A bachelor's degree is usually the minimum requirement, but many athletic trainers hold a master's or doctoral degree. Athletic trainers are similar to physical therapists but they may have to make a quick decision if an athlete gets severely hurt on the playing field. With that being said, I am close to finishing my degree in exercise science. I will then have the qualifications to pursue either of these careers. I am experience with rehabilitation and injuries so I feel like I am certified for the job. I also have great people skills and I am very patient with others; especially when it comes down to their health.
However, if physical therapy does not work out as planned, then I will pursue becoming a chiropractor. Chiropractors are similar to physical therapists because they both deal with treating and diagnosing patients with injuries. Yet, chiropractors specialize in treating the musculoskeletal system and treating the effects of those problems of the nervous system. Most chiropractors solely deal with maneuvering the spine. Chiropractors must be licensed, which requires 2 to 4 years of undergraduate education, the completion of a 4-year chiropractic college course, and passing scores on national and State examinations. The Council on Chiropractic Education is the accrediting body for chiropractors. Applicants must have at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate study leading toward a bachelor's degree, including courses in English, the social sciences, organic and inorganic chemistry, biology, physics, and psychology. Many applicants have a bachelor's degree. Chiropractors can practice only in States where they are licensed. Chiropractic requires keen observation to detect physical abnormalities. It also takes considerable manual dexterity, but not unusual strength or endurance, to perform adjustments. Chiropractors should be able to work alone and handle their own responsibilities. The desire to help others and truly caring about the health of the patient are good qualities for dealing effectively with patients. The third occupation of choice that I would apply for would be occupational therapy. This job deals with treating patients with disabling conditions that may limit their normal lifestyle and basically show them how to relive their lives. Occupational therapists are regulated in all 50 States. Individuals pursuing a career as an occupational therapist usually need to earn a post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university or education classified as equivalent. A master's degree or higher in occupational therapy is the typical minimum requirement for entry into the field. In order to become a certified OTR, you must graduate from an accredited program and pass a national certification exam. This job would not be a walk in the park. It takes kind, caring, and patient individuals to perform the duties required everyday to assist patients with disabling conditions. Those OTR’s working in home healthcare should be able to adjust to a variety of work settings. 
My fourth job of interest would be athletic training. I am an athlete at USM currently and I have had several injuries so I have been around athletic trainers. They are similar to physical therapists but them special in athletes. They treat athletes with injuries due to physical activity. They improve the balance and strength of athletes while educating them on how to prevent these injuries. A bachelor's degree is usually the minimum requirement, but many athletic trainers hold a master's or doctoral degree. Athletic trainers are similar to physical therapists but they may have to make a quick decision if an athlete gets severely hurt on the playing field. With that being said, I am close to finishing my degree in exercise science. I will then have the qualifications to pursue either of these careers. I am experience with rehabilitation and injuries so I feel like I am certified for the job. I also have great people skills and I am very patient with others; especially when it comes down to their health. 
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