Physical Therapist

PHYSICAL THERAPIST:  A physical therapist (PT) is an allied health professional who helps to rehabilitate a patient while recovering from surgery, or a patient who has been injured or incapacitated in some way by an accident, illness, or stroke.  A physical therapist may see patients in a medical office or hospital setting, depending on the career path chosen by the physical therapist.

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ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON:  Orthopedic surgery is the medical specialty that encompasses the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. Orthopedic surgeons treat a variety of problems in all ages of patients. Orthopedics is the study of the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic doctors help patients with the diagnosis of problems associated with the bone, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves of the body.  

ATHLETIC TRAINERS: Athletic trainers work with sports teams, students, workers, or any patients or clients who may need help recuperating from an injury or need physical rehabilitation. In addition to helping people recover from injuries, they also help athletes (or other groups) prevent injuries and optimize athletic or sports performance with strength training and conditioning.  

Today’s entrants to this profession need a post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited physical therapy program. All States regulate the practice of physical therapy, which usually requires passing scores on national and State examinations. Among the undergraduate courses that are useful when one applies to a physical therapist education program are anatomy, biology, chemistry, physics, social science, mathematics, and statistics.  

To become an orthopedic surgeon you must first get a bachelor’s degree.  You must then go to medical school for four years and graduate with your M.D. or your D.O. degree.  You must then do a 4-year residency and a one-year fellowship to focus on a specialty such as sports medicine. Becoming an orthopedic surgeon takes a little time, but orthopedic surgery is a terrific medical specialty, and the education and training is rewarding.  

Athletic trainers hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree, while many have master's degrees, with a major in athletic training. Athletic Trainers must pass a comprehensive exam that tests in six practice domains including injury prevention, clinical evaluation and diagnosis, immediate care, and professional development. Athletic Training is not a 9-5 job. Your hours are dependent upon co-workers (coaches) and administration and the athletes you are being paid to assist. 

Utah Earning Potential Averages For Physical Therapists: (Jobs.Utah.Gov)