You should give some thought to working in the field of sports physical therapy if you have a passion for athletics but are looking for a job that is not directly related to competing in sports. As qualified medical professionals who work alongside athletes to diagnose and treat physical ailments, experienced sports physios have a high earning potential. They examine and treat players who have sustained physical injuries. To pursue this line of work, you will need to obtain a significant amount of education and training, in addition to gaining experience working at facilities that provide sports rehabilitation. This article will walk you through the steps you need to follow in order to be a sports physiotherapist.
- Complete an undergraduate degree
You will need to get a bachelor’s in a topic that is relevant to the area of physical therapy, like biology, exercise science, or athletic training, before you can start a career as a sports physio in Canberra. Investigate the possibility of enhancing your academic experience by completing internships at sports medical centers. Think about helping out collegiate sporting programs or working in physical rehabilitation centers by offering your time.
- Earn a degree in physical therapy
In order to work as a physiotherapist, you are going to need to get a degree known as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, or DPT. You are eligible to enroll in a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program immediately upon the completion of your bachelor’s degree; however, certain programs may call for specific undergraduate prerequisites. Your Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program ought to be recognized by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. These programs typically continue for around three years and include an emphasis on both classroom learning and clinical experience in physical therapy.
- Obtain a license
After graduating from a program leading to a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, you are eligible to sit for the licensure examination in the state in which you intend to work as a physio Canberra. You are able to work as a licensed physical therapist as soon as you have passed the National Physical Therapy Exam. This will allow you to get the expertise that is required to begin training in a specific field such as sports.
- Gain experience as a physio
Working in a setting that is related to sports therapy is the activity that comes next on the list of things to do in order to launch a job as a sports physiotherapist. You will need to have at least 2,000 hours of work experience providing patient care in a sports therapy facility or finish a recognized residency program in a medical center that is in a similar field. Investigate the resources and job placement services offered by the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree you are enrolled in.
- Take the certification exam
You will be able to take the sports specialization exam provided by the Board of Physical Therapy Specialties if you have completed all of the required courses and have sufficient experience in the field. Joining the Physical Therapy Association might be useful before you take the exam, so consider doing so now. You are eligible for a fee reduction to take the exam since you are a part of the Physical Therapy Association. The Board of Preventive Medicine and Therapeutics Society gives guidelines on test prep and registration, in addition to providing tips on how to prepare for examination.