1. Why did you choose to become a physical therapist?

I was looking at careers in the medical profession during high school. I had a leg injury in football which required physical therapy. I job shadowed at the time and geared my college towards physical therapy.

2. What is your typical work day like?

I see people with multiple types of injuries, disorders and ailments. Patients are seen about every half hour to one hour. Patients come into the hospital as outpatients and some are seen in the hospital rooms (inpatients). Computer documentation is required on all patients. I also see home health patients in their home.

3. What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most challenging?

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing people recover from an ailment or injury. Knowing you have the skills to help someone rehabilitate from an injury gives you confidence. The most challenging part of my job is deciding what tests may need to be done with patients who have complex diagnoses.

4. What is the biggest myth or misconception about your career or field?

That it is massage therapy.

5. What steps did you take in high school and college to help prepare you for your career?

I job shadowed and volunteered in hospitals, the Special Olympics and other organizations. I kept my college education focused toward the medical field.

6. What did you find difficult during your career preparation? How did you overcome these obstacles?

Graduate school requires day and night dedication all year. Staying focused was the only way to overcome this.

7. What do you see as the strengths and skills needed to succeed in your career?

Confidence, compassion, ingenuity. Skills required include computer skills for new documentation programs. A good science background is a must to prepare for college and graduate school.

8. What advice would you offer to students interested in pursuing a career as a physical therapist?

Job shadow a physical therapist to see if you are interested in the career before you take your first steps for college education.